Wood-Plastic Composites in Building Products 2007
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Study Background
The game has changed. Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) found their "killer app" in decking in the late 90's, and the industry enjoyed 30% year-over-year growth for several years running. But composite decking has not grown more than 10% per year on a unit basis over the past three years, and the top five players hold about 70% of the composite decking market. Game over? Hardly.
Composite railing is a natural second act, as engineered systems help this category grow. Together, composite decking and railing are a market of just over $1 billion. But opportunities for plastic building products measure over $60 billion. Can WPCs grow just as dramatically in other building product categories as they once did in decking? Consider...
- Core WPC technologies are proven, and advances already in the pipeline will easily expand WPC applications into more building product categories.
- WPCs are now a huge dot on the radar screen of all building product manufacturers, even those not currently involved with these materials. Manufacturers are watching carefully for the right opportunities to expand their product portfolio with WPCs.
- Distributors are hungry for value-added products with growth potential, and they are more open to seriously looking at new WPC-based products.
- Where WPCs were once defined primarily as PE and wood flour for composite decking, polymers such as PVC and PP, and natural fibers are increasingly used. This wider range of materials makes it easier to engineer composites for specific building product applications.
- Emerging technologies will help speed product development and further reduce time-to-market cycles, as distributor and consumer acceptance of WPC-based materials passes the tipping point.
An Unprecedented Look Beyond Decking and Railing
Principia announces a new study on Wood-Plastic Composites in Building Product, 2007. The study is a timely update on the core composite decking and railing market, and will examine in detail the "next generation" applications for WPC materials and technologies across a range of building product categories.
Principia's insightful analysis and business assessment of composite decking and railing, as well as the future of WPCs in building products will help point the way forward for key industry participants. The study will be essential to those seeking an entry point into the dynamic market for WPCs in building materials.
This comprehensive study will contain year-over-year (YOY) performance data for WPC decking and railing products from 2004 through 2009, and for WPCs in all other building product categories from 2004 through 2011.
Expanding Opportunities
The stage is set for a return to dynamic growth over the next several years for WPCs, with a focus on building products. The scale of these opportunities is significant, and the range of applications is rapidly growing.
Large building product companies are actively seeking a wider range of products made from synthetic materials. Many of these are likely to be wood-plastic composites. There are many open questions. Who will lead the way for WPC applications in fencing, roofing, siding and trim? Are existing players already successful in established markets able to extend their reach? Which entrepreneurs will find traction with break-out concepts? This study will help provide the answers.
Two-Phase Publication Schedule
The Decking and Railing portion of the study will be published by June 2007 The entire study will be published in September, 2007.
Building Product Categories in Focus - Decking and railing
- Doors
- Exterior trim
- Fence
- Landscaping
- Roofing
- Siding
- Windows
Materials in Focus
FIBERS - Flax
- Hemp
- Kenaf
- Nut shells
- Rice hulls
- Sisal
- Wheat fiber
- Wood
RESINS Who Should Subscribe?
The study will serve as an essential reference for executives at all companies currently involved in or seeking to participate in the wood-plastic composites and building products industries in North America. These include: - Manufacturers of WPC products and building products who serve:
- Building contractors, remodeling contractors, decking contractors
- Homebuilders and building designers
- Architectural, engineering, and general contracting firms
- End users including homeowners, DIY and BIY
- National and regional 2-step distributors
- National and regional 1-step distributors
- Pro dealer chains
- Big box retailers
- Private equity firms
Scope
The study focus is on wood-plastic composite materials and products used in residential new construction and repair and remodeling applications. Geographical scope is limited to North America (US, Canada).
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