The Trex Lifecycle

Lifecycle Analysis

Trex completed a benchmark lifecycle analysis (LCA) of its 2019 operations as part of its ongoing commitment to continuous environmental monitoring and impact reduction. The results show that environmental impacts assessed by the current LCA are lower for Trex decking in 2019 than in 2016, which in turn continues to show the environmental impacts for Trex decking are lower than those associated with Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) pressure-treated lumber used in wood decking, over the 25-year warranted period of a Trex deck. The LCA focused on our 1” X 6” decking, our largest product by volume.

Given the challenges in producing a new product design, sourcing more materials, and in upgrading manufacturing operations that Trex experienced over the last 2 years, the weighted product averages indicate that the environmental footprint for Trex decking has actually improved (reduced impacts) in all impact categories. Water conservation efforts created a reduction in use of water from public supplies and there were reductions in most other impact categories.

All of this indicates that Trex has maintained or improved the environmental footprint of its decking products on average. Given that Trex will be updating manufacturing operations in Nevada in the coming months and years, it is likely that the weighted average environmental footprint of Trex decking will see further environmental impact reductions.

Compared to wood decking (redwood, pressure-treated lumber and cedar), Trex composite decking is more durable, longer-lasting and easier to maintain. Trex composite decking avoids many of the resource-intensive production and maintenance aspects associated with wood decking.

SUMMARY OF LCA ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT RESULTS FOR TREX DECKING AND ACQ TREATED LUMBER OVER A 25 YEAR PERIOD

Per 1 million board feet (Mbf) of Trex Decking vs. 2.5 Mbf of ACQ-Treated Wood*

IN CONTRAST TO ACQ-TREATED LUMBER DECKING* OVER A 25 YEAR PERIOD, TREX DECKING LIFECYCLE IMPACTS FOR 2019 ARE:


42% FEWER
GHG EMISSIONS

48% FEWER
CRITERIA AIR POLLUTANTS

43% MORE
ENERGY USE AND FEEDSTOCKS

86% LESS
ACIDIFICATION


90% LESS
EUTROPHICATION

54% LESS
SMOG

27% MORE
PUBLIC SUPPLY PROCESS WATER USE

 

(figures rounded to the nearest %) *This comparison equates 25 wood decks to 10 Trex decks; Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ)- treated wood decking typically has a 10 year lifespan, while Trex decking has an assumed 25 year lifespan.

COMPARING TREX® COMPOSITE DECKING & PRESSURE-TREATED LUMBER DECKING


MORE DURABLE LONGER-LASTING EASIER TO MAINTAIN

Wood decking needs seasonal painting, staining or sealing, and it can fade and stain easily.

Trex composite decking will look and feel great for decades, with only a little soap and water or a quick power washing needed for maintenance.

Wood decking becomes a safety hazard when it rots, splits and splinters, or when insects cause extensive structural damage.

Trex composite decking resists rotting, splitting and insect infestations.

Wood decking contributes to deforestation.

Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled materials and repurposes sawdust as a wood source to avoid cutting down trees.

UNLIKE WOOD, TREX COMPOSITE DECKING WON’T:

COMPLETE 2019 Trex ESG REPORT

Our 2019 ESG Report is available in dynamic PDF format, enhanced with quick links throughout the report for easy navigation and access to supporting materials.

Download Here