Green Architecture & Building Products

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Material or Product

Trex Decking

Source

Trex composite products are made of a unique combination of wood and plastic fibers that are formed into decking, railing and fencing products. Trex gets its plastic and wood fibers from closely screened reclaimed or recycled resources, and recycled plastic grocery bags from all over the country. The Trex manufacturing process keeps thousands of tons of wood and plastic scrap out of landfills every year.

All the ingredients used in Trex decking are being reused and the process to make them is also environmentally responsible. The company estimates that over 720,000 pounds of bags from US, Canada and Spain are recycled in its Winchester plant each week - close to 48 million bags a week! The reclaimed wood is from wood working operations, sawdust (300 million lbs. per year) and used pallets.

Trex keeps some 300,000 tons of plastic and wood scrap out of landfills every year. That comes to about 600,000,000 pounds saved annually. The Trex trailers that are used to transport wood dust utilize vegetable-based oil hydraulics. The company’s proprietary processing method eliminates smokestacks, and the factory run-off/refuse is recycled back into the manufacturing line. Trex is one of the largest plastic bag recyclers in the U.S., recycling more than 1.5 billion bags per year.

The exclusive Trex composite formula brings together the best qualities of wood and plastic to create a superior alternative to wood:

• Plastic shields the wood from moisture and insect damage,

preventing rotting and splintering

• Wood protects the plastic from UV damage while providing a

natural look and feel.

The result is decking, railing and fencing products that require only periodic cleaning to stay beautiful for years to come - no need for sanding, staining or painting, ever. Trex will not rot or deteriorate due to harsh weather or insects. Trex is splinter-free and has excellent traction, even when wet. It contains no toxic chemicals or perservatives. Trex resists damage from moisture and sunlight, making it the natural choice for pools, hot tubs and spas. Trex is available in a wide range of colors and finishes to suit any style.