42 | Sector Focus: Wood Plastic Composites
Arbor said the unprecedented demand had led to an increase in lead times. “But we anticipate that with frequent shipments from the US, and ongoing regular customer communication and dialogue we will be able to work through this unprecedented demand,” said Mr Cooper.
He said container restrictions and the huge freight cost increases would put many of the small start-up low-cost importers supplying direct to installers and end-users under pressure.
BSW said uncertainty over product availability from some foreign countries due to Covid-19 delays and Brexit complexity, meant its UK manufactured and stocked Alchemy decking was an attractive option for merchants.
Above left: Megawood DELTA board Above right: Trex Enhance composite decking board
◄ NOVO-TECH also has an updated VARIO FIX installation system, while Mr Stubbs said he was working on expanding the focus to cladding and fencing solutions with the company’s UK distributors. NOVO-TECH also recently achieved Cradle to Cradle Gold Certification for its German Compact Composite material used in deck boards in the category’s recyclability, renewable energies, CO2
management, water
management and social fairness. Arbor says new products, colours and finishes along with new competitors are increasing each month.
It says consumers and decking contractors were becoming more aware of warranty- backed reputable products (Trex offers a 25-year warranty). “As a result, we have seen the number of installers applying to our TrexPRO Approved Contractor Scheme dramatically increase in recent months,” said Mr Cooper. Contractors are increasingly offering full packages to homeowners – Arbordeck has launched its ArborJoist Plastic Sub-frame systems, ArborPad Pedestals, ArborRail Glass and Aluminium Railing Systems, with more products already planned for 2022. MBM has recruited a new dedicated person to head up its composites business (starting in April), with an aim to have a big push on the product line in 2021 to its merchant customer base. “We believe we have a very good product – it’s Germany’s number one selling composite decking product,” said Mr Caldwell. “We have committed to a significant stock holding to back this initiative. We have also invested in our Tilbury operation so we have our own operations team at the port.”
MBM’s TruDeck range currently consists of two colours (Silver Ash and Woodland Brown) in 16mm x 193mm solid profile boards in 3m and 4m lengths.
TTJ | March/April 2021 |
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MBM will promote the ‘made in Germany’ credentials of TruDeck – the manufacturer NOVO-TECH is known for its popular Megawood brand.
MBM is looking at providing deck frame packages to supplement its WPC decking sales to help aid correct specification of decking and the correct treatment for end use.
LOGISTICS AND THE FUTURE Composite Prime’s Charles Taylor said shipping and container costs had proved a challenge in 2020, quoting a six-fold increases in container costs. “Luckily, because of the volumes we do we’ve been able to get the space,” he said, adding that significant stocks were on the ground in the UK.
He believes softwood timber joists shortages may be an issue for the market this year.
In terms of the future, a greater focus on WPC’s environmental credentials (using recycled plastic and wood by-product) is expected in line with the general higher awareness on sustainability. To that end, NOVO-TECH is embarking on a product leasing programme in Germany, where consumers can lease decking and then in the future have it recycled by the factory via collection points when they want a new product option. “Things like this are coming down the track big time. It’s faster in other parts of Europe than the UK but it is coming,” said Mr Stubbs. “Consumers are becoming far more aware now of products and their sustainability.” Overall, 2021 looks set to be another buoyant year for composites, with people continuing to invest in their garden spaces and a greater focus on WPC for fencing and cladding applications.
The end of the government’s furlough scheme in September is probably the big unknown on the horizon with the potential to reduce household spending. ■
Above: HD Clad Pro at Wexham Park Golfi ng Centre golf driving range
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