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.