Last edited 07 Feb 2018

Wood plastic composites market for construction

Wood plastic composites (WPC) are the hybrid compound of wood fibers and thermoplastic resin. The most common method of production is to extrude the material into the desired shape. Wood plastic composites have advantages over traditional furniture-making materials like wood. They are resistant to rot, moisture and infestation and can be molded into various shapes according to need

Superior mechanical strength, low maintenance and weight reduction are expected to drive demand from the construction and automotive industries. The global wood plastic composites market was valued at USD 4.37 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 8.76 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 12.3%. In terms of volume, global wood plastic composites stood at approximately 4,262.3 kilotons in 2016.

Growing demand for construction and automotive applications is expected to be a major driving force for the market, as well as growing demand for recyclable materials. The high cost of raw materials is a major restraint that may hamper market growth, but untapped markets in emerging countries are likely to open new opportunities.

The polyethylene segment accounted for the largest market share in 2016, followed by polypropylene. Polyethylene accounted for more than 60% of total consumption in 2016 and is likely to grow at a strongly between 2017 and 2022. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is expected to be the most attractive segment over the forecast period, extensively used in construction as a low-maintenance material.

Based on applications, building and construction accounted for more than 50% of the total market and this trend is likely to continue within the forecast period. Automotive was the second largest application in 2016 and is predicted to be the fastest growing segment during the years to come. Increasing demand for lightweight automobiles is likely to drive the demand for wood plastic composites. The electrical segment is expected to grow at moderate pace in the coming years.

North America dominated the wood plastic composites market in 2016 and this is expected to continue during the next five years owing to rapidly growing demand for flooring and decking and demand from the automotive, construction, electronics, and other sectors.

The Asia Pacific was the second largest market for wood plastic composites in 2016, and is projected to be one of the fastest growing markets in the near future. The Asia Pacific was followed by Europe and Latin America. The Middle East and Africa are expected to witness moderate growth.

The key vendors in the global wood-plastic composites market include; Trex Company Inc., TimberTech Limited, WPC-Wood Plastic A.S., Fiberon LLC., Perth Wood Plastic Composite Co, Ltd., Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT), Solvay S.A., Beologic N.V., CertaiTeed Corporation, Louisiana Pacific Corporation, Strandex Corporation and JELU-WERK J. Ehrler GmbH & Co. KG among others.