The European market for Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) has enormous potential and is poised to take off. The Hackwell Group now announces this new report that will enable you to take advantage of these exciting opportunities.

The original (2003) Hackwell Group report on Wood Plastic Composites in Europe was acknowledged throughout the industry to be the most thorough and comprehensive available on the growing European market for WPC. You can still purchase a copy for the special price of £350, please contact publications@rapra.net for details.

A new report "Wood Plastics Composites in Europe (2006)" was published in April of 2006. It has been thoroughly updated and expanded based on many additional interviews.

Wood Plastics Composites in Europe (2006)" takes in a wider range of materials, including plant-based non-wood fillers, and tells you more about processing methods that complement extrusion.

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 Hackwell 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 processability 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 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

Also available in an "Executive Overview" version at a reduced rate. Please click here for details.

Executive Summary

The nature of WPCs. Review of available products based on both wood and plant-based fillers; virgin and recycled resin

Technical Performance of Wood Plastic Composites - Strengths and Weaknesses

Raw Materials: Wood - Properties & Sources

Raw Materials: Other Plant Based Materials - Properties & Sources

Raw Materials: Resins

Processing and Fabrication Methods

Additives and formulations: Lubricants, Colorants, Flame Retardants, Stabilizers etc

Production Economics

Legislation and Standards

Environmental Perspective

Current and Potential Markets - Advantages and Disadvantages against competing materials

Regional differences in Europe. Companies active in WPC. Typical products available

Conclusions and Strategies for the Future

Sources of expertise in universities and technical institutes worldwide