WPC

Origin and character of the material

WPC (Wood-Plastic-Composite) is a technically developed composite material that combines wood fibers or wood flour with plastics. Depending on the manufacturer, the material consists of 60-70% wood fibers mixed with PE, PP or PVC. The idea behind it is to make sensible use of waste materials from the wood and plastics industry and to create a weather-resistant, low-maintenance product.

WPC between innovation and criticism

Although WPC is considered a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods, the material has critical ecological aspects. Wood and plastic are difficult to separate from each other at the end of their service life, which makes recycling difficult. In addition, experts report that microplastic particles can be washed out by rainwater and enter the garden via patio drains – especially with inferior products. High-quality WPC reduces this risk, but does not eliminate it completely.

Operational behavior and practical experience

WPC is moisture-resistant and extremely easy to maintain, but has clear practical limitations. In direct sunlight, WPC planks heat up more than comparable wooden planks. wooden plankswhich can impair their walkability. In addition, users occasionally report a slight plastic odor, which can occur particularly in the first few months. Repairs such as sanding or reworking are hardly possible – unlike with solid wood.

Sources: Hundshammer Holztechnik, Ökologisch Bauen, Deceuninck Deutschland, Immonovia