WPC stands for "Wood Plastic Composite". WPC is a composite material consisting of a mixture of natural fibres (e.g., rice husks or wood fibres), a polymer (plastic), and various additives.

Composition of WPC

Manufacturers of WPC in Europe primarily use PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) as a polymer base for the manufacturing of various products.

The natural fibre-plastic mixture ratio of the products made of WPC is usually about 60% natural fibre and about 40% polymer content including additives. This ratio can slightly vary depending on product and application. Through admixture of additives one can improve and optimize the material properties such as the bonding between wood and plastic, non-flammability, colour and its consistency, fungal and pest resistance, as well as resistance against weather conditions, ultraviolet radiation, moisture and aging.

The majority of European manufacturers currently use PP as plastic matrix.

Mixtures with other plastics and bio-plastics are technically possible but not very common.

A new development in this sector is a WPC composed of wood fibre and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in a ration of approximately 50% respectively.

WPC manufacturing procedure:

Extrusion, injection or rotational casting