Wood Plastic Composites in Construction: Recycling and Reuse

Over 20 years of theoretical studies and practical applications have enabled some Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) to achieve outstanding durability, stability, and performance. Originated from secondary raw materials, such as selected wood and plastic scraps, WPCs save raw materials and recover plastic and wood waste, offering significant environmental benefits. Environmental data of WPC components are taken from product EPDs and from a case study in Italy. This article aims to suggest new strategies for the optimization of the use of WPCs in the building sector, with the purpose of enhancing environmental qualities and reducing costs during the life cycle of the products. At the end of their lifecycle, WPCs can be milled and extruded multiple times to form new profiles with the same character-istics as the originals. This complete recyclability and renewability make WPCs an exemplary model of circularity. In particular, a specific case involves replacing WPC façade claddings with new components, recycling the materials of the existing ones. The elements are dismantled and sent to the factory for shredding and re-extrusion into new profiles. A system for collecting production and building site waste is also introduced, promoting a closed cycle of materials.