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Why is Composite Decking Environmentally Friendly?

Composite decking boards are one of the best outdoor decking materials of choice. Homeowners concerned about the environment and the nature of the materials they use in their garden prefer to use composite decking, given its eco-friendly qualities.

Composite decking is now one of the most commonly used materials for deck building. But is it better for the environment? In this article, we will explore other decking options to discover if composite decking is a good choice for the environment.

Kind of  Decking Materials 

Homeowners who want the most environmentally friendly decking product need to consider various decking types. Things to consider are its production and ease of maintenance.

1 PVC Decking

Plastic decking is produced with synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a toxic polymer that is harmful to the environment. It is a pollutant, which can causes health hazards to humans, plants, animals and is not easily disposed off. It can pollute the air, land and water. PVC can be disposed of three ways recycling, incineration or landfill. A benefit of PVC is it is unlikely to fade, scratch and does not need painting or staining like wood decking.

2 Wood Decking

Wood decking is a natural decking material but not as environmentally friendly as you might think.

Production of wood decking encourages the felling of trees which is not good for the environment. In addition, the felling of trees destroys the natural habitat of some animals.

Furthermore, pressure-treated wood decking can contain toxic chemicals, especially CCA treated wood. These chemicals are usually infused into the wood to prolong its lifespan. The chemicals used to make wood decking resistant to rot or decay also keep insects from damaging wood decking. The CCA chemicals infused into wood decking are very harmful. If an individual or pet comes in contact with the chemicals, it can cause health issue. Toxic chemicals can also leach into the ground harming the environment. This is why CCA treated wood was banned in 2004. Must treated woods are now ACQ treated which is more eco friendly, but checking what type of treated wood you are purchasing is a good question to ask your provider or supplier, if eco friendly materials are key for your project.

One advantage of wood decking is that it can be reused for other purposes and if untreated is biodegradable.

3 Composite Decking

Composite decking differs from wood and plastic decks and can be produced with the same appearance as wooden decking. The raw materials used in the production of composite decking do come from recycled HDPE plastics, which would normally end up in landfills. In addition, composite decking does not contain any toxic chemicals and is therefore an environmentally friendly material.

Composite decking is durable, especially second generation composite boards, they doesn’t require the use of chemicals to maintain it. Compared to wood decking, it does not need regular sealants or stains to keep its appearance and make it last longer. Composite decking offers fade resistance performance, ensuring longer lasting colour. Composite boards are much easier to maintain with the use of simple hot soapy water and a soft-bristle brush to keep it clean.

What are Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC) Made Up Of?

Composites, or wood-plastic composites, are made from recycled plastic and wood fibres. Many manufacturers strive for more sustainability by using only recycled products.

Manufacturers use recycled shampoo and milk bottles and other sources that would normally end up in landfills. As for the wood fibres, many manufacturers use industrial sawdust from other wood-processing plants. For example, sawdust, wood barks and even wood chips are used in the production of composite decking. The recycled plastics and wood fibres are blended and injected through a mould or processed through an extrusion machine to produce composites.

Environmental Impact of Composites vs Soft and Hardwood

Trees are a renewable source. However, the larger the demand for wooden decking boards, the faster manufacturers cut down trees. While this may not be a problem at first, it can pose a problem if not enough time is provided for the trees to grow back. This is a problem, especially for hardwoods. Hardwood trees take longer to grow. Furthermore, wooden decks need sealing and staining which are damaging to the environment.

A benefit of wood is that it can be reused and recycled. It can also be used as firewood. You can even use them to make new composite boards. On the other hand, manufacturers who produce composite decking do not need to cut down trees. Instead, they use industrial waste to produce composites that do not need seals or staining, saving money and the environment.

Most composites end up in landfills at the end of their service life. However, many manufacturers striving for sustainability will recycle them into new WPC boards, recycling composite decking boards is possible and is gaining a lot of momentum in the sector currently, watch this space as within a few year we predict that sending your composite decking boards back to the manufacture will be possible to be full recycled and converted into new composite boards.

Environmental Impact of Composites vs Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is another category of materials. These are slightly different from regular softwoods and hardwoods. As they are coated with chemicals to prevent rotting and insect damage. While it may be a step up from regular wood for improved durability, it is less environmentally friendly.

The chemicals used in CCA treated woods are poisonous to humans and the environment. So if you have kids and pets, it is better to choose a different kind of decking material.

CCA treated woods are also hazardous when burned. A toxic chemical is released which is extremely dangerous if inhaled. After its lifespan, CCA treated woods are primarily disposed of in landfills. If cannot be safely reused or recycled.

ACQ treated wood, offered in the market primarily since 2004 is much safer and a lot more eco friendly, if you are purchasing treat wood as mentioned above please ask your provider or supplier for ACQ treated wood and not CCA treated wood.

Environmental Impact of Composites vs PVC 

PVC or Polyvinyl chloride is another type of material used for decking and made from 100% plastic. Is it environmentally friendly? The answer depends on how much of the material is made from renewable plastic. Some companies use 100% renewable sources, while others use human-made synthetic fibres.

Like composites, they do not need staining or sealing. They offer strong resistance to fade, scratches, moisture, rotting, weather and insect damage. The only difference is that PVC is less wood-like in appearance compared to composites, however recent development in PVC manufacturing is making PVC decking an aesthetically pleasing product, these new PVC decking boards are much more expensive than composites at present.

Most PVCs can be reused and recycled. However, disposing of the material through other means will release toxic chemicals. These toxic chemicals are damaging to humans, animals and the environment. Like CCA treated boards, it is best to choose another alternative if your focus is an eco friendly solution.

Is Composite Decking Biodegradable

What does biodegradable mean?

Biodegradable means the breakdown of material by living organisms like bacteria. The breakdown of materials in this manner prevents pollution. A biodegradable material is a type of material like untreated wood that can be broken down or decomposed. This material breaks down into natural elements, water vapour, carbon dioxide and organic material.

Composite decking is an exceptionally durable material that can last for several decades. It is so strong that it can stay permanent for as long as possible. It is not like wood that can decompose over time. Composite is a strong material that bacteria and fungi will take a very long time to break down. Therefore, composite decking is not a biodegradable building material.

Environmental Benefits of Composite Decking

Now that we know that composite decking is not biodegradable, a few benefits make it the best decking type.

Composite Decking is Eco-Friendly

Composite decking is eco-friendly and safe to use. It cannot cause harm to humans or the environment. Leftover composite can be used to build planters, benches or storage boxes.

Composite Decking is Free of Toxic Chemicals

Another benefit of composite decking is that it is free from toxic chemicals.

Why Composite Decking is Environmentally friendly

Discourages the felling of trees. It can last for a long time and is safe to use with no harm to humans or their surroundings. Composite decking comes out on top when compared to other materials in the market for an eco friendly decking solution, its most definitely one of the best decking types that does the least damage to the environment.

Conclusion

We now know that composite decking is eco-friendly. It’s free from toxic chemicals but not biodegradable. However, it is an exceptionally durable material that can last for a long time. Above all, it is the best decking material that does the least damage to the environment.

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