Nonmetallics

A study of thermoplastic polymer demand in Western Europe shows a slightly improving picture, with an especially intriguing forecast for plastic recyclers.

The study, conducted by Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI), Bristol, U.K., shows polymer demand in Western Europe grew 3 percent in 2002 after slumping in 2001.

Concerning the near future, the study’s authors note that the European Union (EU) mandates concerning end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) could change the types of polymers used in the auto components market.

The automotive market is a large one for polymers makers and tends "to hold up better" in cyclical markets, the report notes.

Less predictable, the report’s authors conclude, are exactly which polymers might be in demand if recycling mandates figure into the equation. "Concerns regarding the implementation of EU legislation concerning the recycling of cars may lead to a change in the materials specified," a press release summarizing the report states.

Following ELV mandates, "may lead to a trend towards polypropylene and other polyolefin-based materials that are perceived to be easier and cheaper to recycle than styrenic-based materials," the release reads.

Commodity resins most commonly used in packaging will continue to remain in demand, the report forecasts. This is "mainly because of the strength of packaging markets, particularly for injection-molded and extruded polypropylene and ongoing growth in the PET bottle and sheet sector," AMI writes in the release.

According to AMI, current growth is largely driven by packaging applications.

Trex Co. Inc., Winchester, Va., has won first place in the Virginia Governor’s 2003 Environmental Excellence Awards for Outstanding Environmental Project in the Smaller Manufacturer’s category. Trex manufacturers Trex decking and railing, which is made primarily with recycled plastic grocery bags, reclaimed pallet wrap and waste wood.

Trex’s Mike Vatuna, director of materials, and Dean Craft, director of logistics and consumer relations, accepted the award certificate and flag at the Virginia Manufacturer’s Association (VMA) Annual Meeting in Richmond, Va., in September. Trex also won the award in 2001 for a nature trail on Teddy Roosevelt Island in Arlington, Va.

"It is very gratifying to receive this recognition from the Governor’s office and the Virginia Manufacturer’s Association for the second time," Vatuna says. "It demonstrates Trex Co.’s leadership in the building product industry and its commitment to recycling."

Last year, Trex used nearly 250 million pounds of recycled and reclaimed plastic and an equal amount of scrap wood in its manufacturing process. Trex also demonstrated its initiative to broaden the types of plastic used in its manufacturing process by investing $11 million in a new plastics recycling production line.

The winning project was the "Old Torpedo Factory" in Alexandria, Va., which was decked with 55,000 square feet of Trex 2 by 8. Trex decking was used for a boardwalk and for more than 30 boat slips.

Trex Co. says it is the nation’s largest manufacturer of alternative residential and commercial decking, which is marketed under the brand name Trex.

Additional information on Trex decking is available by calling 800-BUY-TREX (289-8739) or visiting the company’s Web site at www.trex.com.