Industry Newsletter Sees Bright Spots for Wood-Plastic Composites
EXTON, PA, January 22, 2007 - The growth in overall demand for natural and wood fiber composites has slowed to 5% to 10% per year. The industry that routinely posted annual growth rates of 15% or more enters 2007 with growth prospects in the single digits.
According to the Principia Partners' industry publication, Natural and Wood Fiber Composites Newsletter, now entering its sixth year of monthly reporting on developments in the industry, 2007 will likely be the third year in a row that the industry grows less than 10%.
Higher product prices, lower wood prices, and a slowdown in housing construction have contributed to the slower growth. The industry, however, remains optimistic about growth prospects based partly on the development of new lower priced-point composite products to compete with pressure-treated lumber.
In addition, manufacturers including Trex, AERT, TimberTech, and Fiber Composites have either introduced new composite fencing products in 2006 or will in 2007. The fence industry is a relatively untapped new market for composites, and represents considerable potential for industry growth. The newsletter will report on these and other industry developments in 2007.
According to Steve Van Kouteren, Editor-in-Chief, "The newsletter is a concise source for timely industry information. Busy executives can stay up-to-date on supply, demand, new products, industry financial performance, raw material pricing and supply trends, technology advances, competitive materials, distribution trends, R&D initiative, and events. The newsletter reflects the pulse of the entire natural and wood fiber composite industry."
The newsletter, published monthly and is available in electronic format, is prepared by consultants from Principia's professional staff who have closely monitored the industry for over ten years.
A sample newsletter is available at the Publishing section of the company's web site at www.PrincipiaConsulting.com. For subscription or editorial inquiries, please send an e-mail to SteveVK@PrincipiaConsulting.com.
Principia Partners is an international business consulting firm serving the building products, plastics, packaging, minerals and metals, and specialty chemicals industries.
SOURCE: Principia Partners
Media contact:
Principia Partners
Steve Van Kouteren
800-378-8330 x242
Direct 505-466-3749
SteveVK@PrincipiaConsulting.com
