Hürth - The demand for wood plastic composites (WPC) is increasing despite the present economic crisis. The Third German WPC Congress in Cologne took place on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2009. With 300 participants from 26 countries and 30 exhibitors, it continues to establish itself as the leading European congress for the WPC industry.

Producers, mechanical engineers and additive producers came together in Cologne to exchange information and discuss the latest market developments and technical trends. Besides developments in the German-speaking areas, the focus of the congress this year was on China. A Chinese delegation introduced the Chinese WPC industry in its own individual session.

Today more than 1.5 million tons of WPC are produced worldwide, especially in North-America (about 1 million tons), China (200,000 tons) and Japan (100,000 tons). Germany is the European leader with more than 70,000 tons and is, in addition, the leader in machine engineering. In Germany the main areas for the application of WPC are in the automotive industry for car interiors and also in deckings. Deckings are floor coverings, used mainly in outdoor areas, such as terraces and public places. These deckings are increasingly becoming an alternative to tropical timber, and sales volume shows a yearly double digit growth.

Representatives from industry and research presented many new applications. These innovations, for example concrete formwork boards, container floors and facing panels, will achieve substantial growth in the next few years.

The application of WPC in China is even more extensive. The Chinese production includes products such as windows, doors, thermal insulating systems, park benches, garden sheds and sun screens for tower buildings, all made from WPC. Raw materials are wood flour as well as other cellulosic agricultural byproducts. The growth in China is at a level of 30 percent per year. Chinese WPC production is predicted to increase by up to 5 million tons per year between now and 2015.

A special highlight of the congress was the WPC Innovation Award for new developments within the WPC sector. 15 companies, which had introduced new WPC products in 2009, applied for the WPC Innovation Award 2009 which was sponsored by Reifenhäuser GmbH & Co. KG, Troisdorf, Germany. A jury of sponsors, congress partners and Nova-Institut staff nominated three companies. These companies introduced their products in short presentations. Afterwards the winner - Staedtler, Hiendl and Quingdao HuaSheng - were elected by the conference audience.

Author: Michael Carus

Quelle: nova-Institut für Ökologie und Innovation GmbH

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