MADISON, WI, May 19, 2003 - James Morton, Senior Partner of Principia Partners, spoke at the 7th International Conference on Woodfiber-Plastic Composites (and other natural fibers), held on May 19-20, 2003 in Madison, WI. Natural and woodfiber-plastic composites (WPC) have become the most dynamic growth materials of this decade. The products compete with a broad array of traditional and performance materials including lumber, plastics, concrete, and metal. Driven by their distinct competitive advantages, demand for WPCs are projected to reach over $1.4 billion worldwide by 2007 with continued strong growth through 2010. The growth of WPCs continues in both Europe and North America as demand for established automotive and building products increases and new applications are commercialized. Myriad new building product, infrastructure, industrial, and consumer applications are emerging as significant outlets for WPCs, and offer major opportunities for suppliers of wood/forest products, plastics, and processors.

Principia Partners has conducted extensive research on the world market for this exciting and rapidly changing industry. This paper presents the results of a detailed study of applications for wood and natural fiber composites, the market opportunities, and takes the first detailed look at the European WPC industry, which is poised for dramatic growth.