Decking profiles produced from wood plastic composites (WPC) are among the fastest growing sectors in the plastics industry, with annual production increases of up to 25%, according to profiles tooling producer Gruber Extrusion (Pettenbach / Austria; www.gruberextrusion.com).

Decking is the most common application for WPC profiles in Europe – which commonly uses hollow sections rather than full profiles in the US – and other established markets. The material is now additionally used in “sidings” (wall paneling) and for profiles included in furnishings and interior decoration, Gruber says. WPC profiles are also being used for terrace floors, pool surrounds and as fences and privacy systems. “In addition to North America and Japan, Europe is among the most important WPC markets. The European market is exceptionally dynamic with enormous growth rates”, said Gruber CEO Peter Gattinger.