Smart extruders for composite materials

Bausano’s technology for Wood Plastic Composite extrusion

WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), composed of a mixture of polymers (PVC, PE, PLA or PP) and wood dust or fibres of vegetable origin, opens up a new frontier, especially in the construction and street furniture sectors, thanks to its better versatility, reliability and lower production costs compared to wood. In this sense, it is estimated that the global WPC market will reach 5.84 billion dollars by the end of 2021, with a CAGR of 12.4% in the five-year period from 2016–2021*. One of the main factors driving growth is the considerable demand in the residential sector: WPC is, in fact, an elegant solution for coatings, furniture and flooring and especially decking, thanks to its high resistance and impermeability, combined with an aesthetic appeal equivalent to natural wood. Additionally, wood plastic composite materials are increasingly used in the production of particularly light automotive components, which help to reduce the weight of vehicles. WPC is 100% recyclable and it also helps to limit deforestation, since the wood used in the extrusion processes for its production is usually derived from waste from the furniture industry. With expertise gained in over 70 years of activity, Bausano offers wood plastic composite extrusion lines for profiles and granules that can incorporate up to 100phr of wood or natural fibre.