The impact that products have on the environment is more important than ever before. As climate change slowly becomes a reality, consumers are more concerned about reducing their waste and protecting the environment.
If you’re thinking about purchasing wood composite vs regular timber for a project, you probably have some questions about choosing the most eco-friendly option for the job.
In this article, we take a look at the eco-friendliness of wood composite vs regular timber and analyse the impact of each.
What is Wood Composite Made Of?
Wood composite is made of recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibres, making this mix eco-friendly, highly durable, long-lasting, and water-resistant. It also has less of an impact on the environment than other materials, such as timber.
But not all wood composites are made equally. Some only contain 50% recycled materials while others contain up to 95% recycled materials. So it’s important to know upfront what you’re getting. Companies should also be sourcing their wood from responsible and sustainable sources, as this contributes to the eco-friendliness of wood composites.
How Eco-friendly is Wood Composite Vs. Timber? Pros and Con
There are many reasons why wood composite is the most eco-friendly option, but as with any material, there are some downsides too. Below we weigh up the positives and negatives and look at how you can contribute to a more sustainable environment by purchasing the best option.
Pros of Wood Composite
Felled Trees
The wood used to make wood composite is recycled, which means that no trees were felled in the process of making the product. This contributes to the preservation of forests and helps to limit the impact on the environment.
Reduced Waste
Wood composite is made from reclaimed wood and recycled plastics that would have otherwise been difficult to recycle. This helps to limit the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
Longevity
Wood composite has a much longer lifespan when compared to timber because of the materials used to make it. As a result, it needs to be replaced less frequently, contributing to a reduction in energy and material consumption.
Fewer Chemicals
Wood composite is very low on maintenance because it doesn’t need to be sealed or stained like natural timber needs to be. In fact, the only maintenance that it does require is the occasional cleaning with soap and water. Thus reducing the amount of harmful chemicals that seep into the soil and groundwater.
Cons of Wood Composite
Difficult To Repurpose
As with timber, wood composite needs to be cut to size before it can be installed. This can sometimes lead to several pieces being too short for certain projects. Although these offcuts can be repurposed into birdhouses, coasters or even small planters, there will always be some short pieces that inevitably go to waste.
Pros of Timber
Easy disposal
Timber decomposes at a fast rate, which makes it easier to dispose of than wood composite. It also costs less to dispose of when compared to other materials.
Easily replenished
Although trees must be cut down to produce timber, they are not a finite resource, which means they can be replanted and sustainably harvested again and again.
Recycling
If there is any timber left over from a project, it can be recycled into things like garden fences, outdoor furniture, and more. It can even be used as fuel for fires and braais, as long as it is free from coatings and preservatives.
Cons of Timber
Deforestation
Although many forests are legally protected from being cut down to prevent deforestation there is still unsustainable harvesting of trees that takes place.
Harmful Chemicals
The vast majority of timber available for purchase is pressure treated and although fairly cheap, comes at a cost nonetheless. That cost is the insecticides and anti-rot chemicals that are applied to the wood. These chemicals are damaging to the environment and can be detrimental to your health.
Pro tip: Pressure-treated wood should never be burned.
Timber Maintenance
Unlike wood composite, timber requires regular maintenance to prevent it from rotting and getting mouldy. The chemicals in stainers and sealers used to do this are harmful to the environment and can easily find their way into the soil and groundwater.
Is Wood Composite Toxic To Humans?
Wood composite is made from wood fibres and plastic polymers that are non-toxic to humans, animals and the environment. It is also made using a co-extrusion process that doesn’t involve harmful chemicals, making it a much more safe and environmentally friendly option when compared to other materials.
With wood composite, there is no danger of toxic chemicals being released into the environment during the manufacturing process and once it’s installed, there is no risk or harm to yourself or others.
Final Thoughts
When compared to timber, it’s clear that wood composite is amongst the most eco-friendly materials out there. And while timber can exude a timeless charm and be budget-friendly upfront, its susceptibility to decay and constant maintenance make it a less practical and more harmful choice.
In contrast, wood composite offers superior durability, sustainability, and little to no maintenance, resulting in long-term cost savings and eco-friendliness.
While timber may appeal to some for its aesthetics, wood composite’s overall benefits of longevity, low maintenance, and little to no environmental impact consistently position it as the top choice for those seeking the ideal blend of beauty, practicality, and sustainability for their projects.
Ready to take the plunge? Check out our range of wood composites, including 4Everdeck Ultra Decking and 4Everdeck Ultra Wall Cladding for all your projects.
Please contact us if you have any questions and browse our other blogs for more information on wood composite products.
