Send this page / Print this page Home / Composites News / Report

28 Dec 2005  -  Ireland {Republic}

Wood Plastics Composites (WPCs) in Europe 2005

Research and Markets has announced the addition of Wood Plastics Composites in Europe 2005 to their offering. "Wood Plastics Composites in Europe 2005" takes in a wider range of materials than the 2003 edition, including plant-based non-wood fillers, and tells you more about processing methods that complement extrusion.

A concise "Executive Overview" on "Wood Plastics Composites in Europe" will also be published in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Wood plastics composites (WPCs) are mixtures of wood fibre and synthetic resin, virgin or recycled. They have been hugely successful in North America in construction, decking and other applications. In 10 years, the market has grown to over 700,000 tonnes annually, with sales growth continuing at double-digit rates year on year. WPCs have excellent environmental status and there is enormous scope for further growth. The European market also has great potential, but is developing differently from that in North America.

The New Report addresses such questions as:
- What are WPCs? - What are their properties? - What materials will they replace? - What standards and specifications apply? - What raw materials go into WPC formulations? - How easy is WPC to extrude and injection mould? - How can WPCs combine the best features of wood and plastics? - Where are the major market opportunities in Europe? - What will be the successful routes to market? - Who are the major WPC players in Europe and what do they do?
Where are the greatest opportunities for these New Materials?

And how can Europe imitate North American success?

WPCs offer many of the advantages of wood combined with the process ability of plastic materials. However, WPCs are not merely wood substitutes. They can be sawn, nailed, screwed and worked like wood, yet also extruded and moulded like plastics; they offer greater durability and moisture resistance than softwood.

Who Should Read this Report?

This report (available in two versions) will be of enormous value to anyone with a stake in the future of Wood Plastics Composites or considering entry into the market:
- Profile Extrusion Companies
- Injection Moulders
- Machinery Suppliers
- Manufacturers of Windows, Door Frames, Skirting Boards and other Building
- Components
- Resin Suppliers
- Additive Suppliers
- Recycling
- Organisations
- Architects and Designers
- Construction Companies
- Wood Suppliers
- Producers of Wood-based Furniture
- DIY Chains, Garden Centres and other Major Retail Groups
- Technical Research
- Institutes
- Environmental Groups
- Local Government Authorities and other Major Institutional Purchasers 

Contents are as follows:-
1 Executive Summary
2 What is WPC?
3 Technical Performance of Wood-Plastics Composites
4 Environmental Profile
5 Raw Materials: Wood
6 Raw materials: Resins
7 Processing and fabrication
8 Additives
9 Standards & Legislation
10 Experience of Wood Plastics Composites outside Europe
11 Current and Potential Markets in Europe
12 Production Economics
13 Barriers to Entry
14 Conclusions and Strategies for the Future
15 Company Profiles

Source : Research and Markets / Business Wire