Market
Scenario in Europe and Japan
In Europe, decks are not common
and the WPC decking market is non-existent.
Anti PVC sentiments & fears over possible
legislation concerning PVC windows are
creating market possibilities for WPCs
for replacing PVC.The European market
for wood profiles, particularly doorframes
& furniture is being actively pursued.
In Japan, promising uses such as decking,
walls, flooring, louvers & indoor
furniture have been reported. At least
one Japanese company is licensing technology
in the United States.
Outlook For The Future
Wood & natural fibers are
one of the fastest growing fillers- reinforcements
in the United States. For the next five
years, a 50% growth rate has been projected
for WPCs in the building products sector.
In the automotive sector, growth for WPCs
is estimated at around 15 % over the next
five years.
WPCs are being investigated for more demanding
applications with concurrent developments
in processing & product design.
Additives are being developed to enhance
bonding & therefore performance properties
of WPCs.
Standards such as ASTM are being modified
to accommodate these new materials in
building products & other applications.
The future of WPCs will ultimately depend
on many factors; including new product
identification, product quality, consumer
perception & performance of these
materials
(Authors: Dr. R.Rangaprasad & Dr.Y.B.Vasudeo,
Product Application & Research Center,
Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai) |