As conscientious consumers, we want to feel good about the purchases we make. When we make a positive impact through buying things we want, it’s a win-win. Larger purchases, like with home remodeling rarely impact anyone outside of the home owners. Well, that’s not the case with recycled composite decking. Manufacturers produced composite decking to provide home owner with solutions for the high maintenance requirements of wood. Composite decking offer an environmentally-friendly option for deck building.
Recycle & Reuse
What exactly is composite made out of? We know that recycle composite is a combination of plastics and wood particles. But, where do they come from? Some companies claim their composite decking uses 95% recycled material to make its products. The wood “particles” can be anything from sawdust to wood chips. And as for the recycled plastic, companies use many household items such as plastic bags, plastic wrapping from paper products, and plastic milk jugs. Composite manufactures make good use of items that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Recycling Programs
Pioneers in the composite industry such as Trex identified the advantages of their earth friendly production. Trex promotes a recycling program encouraging home owners to donate unwanted plastic materials. By donating simple items like newspaper sleeves, plastic grocery bags, and bubble wrap, people reduce the amount of “trash” going in to landfills. They also provide Trex with usable materials that make their recycled composite decking.
Green Manufacturing
Ok, so we know that composite decking helps the environment through recycling. Some companies take the eco-friendly approach a step further by focusing on green manufacturing practices. Fiberon makes a continuous commitment to earth friendly production. They don’t use any harmful chemicals during the manufacturing process. They also have a closed loop water cooling system that prevents wasting water. Additionally, they reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by relying on railroad transportation between bi-coastal plants.
