Abstract
Wood Plastics Composites in Europe 2006: Analysis - Technology - Market Opportunities
There have been considerable technical and commercial developments in Europe
in the wood plastics composites business since the 2003 edition of the
Hackwell Report. Therefore an updated and expanded edition (285 pages) has now
been published (April 2006). There is also a shorter 'Executive Overview'
version, at a much reduced price, which contains key chapters from the 2006
Report and a separate introduction.
The New Hackwell Report addresses such questions as:
♦ What are WPCs? ♦ What are their properties? ♦ What
materials will they replace? ♦ What standards and specifications apply?
♦ What raw materials go into WPC formulations? ♦ How easy is WPC
to extrude and injection mould? ♦ How can WPCs combine the best features
of wood and plastics? ♦ Where are the major market opportunities in
Europe? ♦ What will be the successful routes to market? ♦ Who are
the major WPC players in Europe and what do they do?
Where are the greatest opportunities for these New Materials? And how can Europe imitate North American success?
WPCs offer many of the advantages of wood combined with the processability of
plastic materials. However, WPCs are not merely wood substitutes. They can be
sawn, nailed, screwed and worked like wood, yet also extruded and moulded like
plastics; they offer greater durability and moisture resistance than softwood.
Who Should Read this Report?
This report (available in two versions) will be of enormous value to anyone
with a stake in the future of Wood Plastics Composites or considering entry
into the market:
• Profile Extrusion Companies • Injection Moulders • Machinery
Suppliers • Manufacturers of Windows, Door Frames, Skirting Boards and
other Building Components • Resin Suppliers • Additive Suppliers
• Recycling Organisations • Architects and Designers •
Construction Companies • Wood Suppliers • Producers of Wood-based
Furniture • DIY Chains, Garden Centres and other Major Retail Groups
• Technical Research Institutes • Environmental Groups • Local
Government Authorities and other Major Institutional Purchasers •
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