Trex Highlights 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance Report
The company upcycled more than 900 million lbs of plastic film and reclaimed wood.
Composite decking manufacturer Trex published its 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. The company says it continued to reinforce Trex’s commitment to environmental sustainability at the core of its products and operations.
The company upcycled more than 900 million lbs of plastic film and reclaimed wood — much of which would otherwise have ended up in landfills — to create eco-friendly Trex composite decking and railing products. The company’s entire portfolio of high-performance, low-maintenance decking is manufactured from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials, including reclaimed wood and polyethylene plastic waste from industrial and consumer packaging along with household items such as grocery bags, newspaper sleeves and shrink wrap.
Other highlights include:
- Prioritizing employees’ health and well-being throughout the pandemic. The company’s Crisis Management Team deployed a COVID-19 response plan that helped ensure essential manufacturing operations continued operating under safe conditions. In addition, Trex supported alternative working arrangements and provided flexible time for all employees.
- Fostering a culture that upholds the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2020, Trex focused on identifying any unconscious bias in its hiring practices and on reimagining the company’s recruitment advertising to reflect broader ethnic and gender diversity. Trex again reviewed its compensation practices and was pleased to find no gender pay gap. The company will continue to conduct additional pay equity studies across all protected categories.
- Growing production capacity sustainably. Trex completed a multi-year, $200 million capital expansion program that will enable the company to keep pace with projected future growth. Along with creating approximately 350 new jobs, the expansion increased production capacity for Trex Residential Products by approximately 70% compared to 2019 levels — enabling the company to divert even higher volumes of recycled plastic and reclaimed wood for use in its products.
- Giving back to local communities. In 2020, Trex and its employees collectively invested over $500,000 to support nonprofit organizations and causes including United Way and Feeding America.
The company’s entire portfolio of high-performance, low-maintenance decking is manufactured from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials.
Related Content
-
Optical Sorting for Color Flexibility in Recycled Plastics
Aaron Industries added optical sorting to its operation, expanding capabilities to meet the color needs of customers.
-
Evolving Opportunities for Ambitious Plastics Recycler
St. Joseph Plastics grew from a simple grinding operation and now pursues growing markets in recycled PP, food-grade recycled materials, and customized post-industrial and post-consumer compounds.
-
Recycling Terminology Can Be a Minefield, So We Should Tread Lightly
Loose propagation of terms like “recyclable” and “compostable” has already brought down government regulations on labeling. The plastics and packaging industries should take that to heart with other recycle-related language. Like “monomaterial” for example.