Assessment of plastic lumber production in Brazil as a substitute for natural wood

This review aimed to analyze plastic lumber manufacturing in Brazil, a country with a large amount of natural wood, and devise strategies to boost production. No studies were found on the development and application of plastic wood in a natural wood producing country that has been significantly affected by deforestation. Wood-plastic composite lumber was used in the present study. The methodology consisted of a bibliographic review, questionnaire, SWOT and TOWS analyses. The questionnaire was completed by plastic lumber manufacturers in order to better understand the positive and negative points of the plastic wood market and production. Information on environmental, economic and technical aspects was collected to support analyses. Brazil has 11 plastic lumber producers with a production capacity of 11 × 103 metric tons, a very small amount when compared to the natural wood market. Established companies are seeking to expand domestic and foreign markets for plastic lumber, which is largely composed of polyethylene with several lignocellulosic fibers, especially wood residue for civil construction applications. According to SWOT analysis, Brazil is developing plastic lumber with several strengths (opportunities). TOWS analysis showed that in order to boost plastic lumber production, make it more competitive and reach international markets, wood and plastic residue should be aimed at manufacturing WPC. Brazil produced around 37 × 106 metric tons of wood residue and discarded approximately 16 × 106 metric tons of plastic waste in landfills, materials that could potentially be used to produce plastic lumber. There are other raw material alternatives for plastic lumber production in the agricultural sector, such as straws and grain husks. However, the country urgently needs to develop a reverse a logistics network and residue collection, as well as conduct research to channel residues to plastic lumber production. Thus, there is a greater likelihood of continued development and, consequently, attracting new markets. There is an attempt to overcome weaknesses (plastic lumber is not used for structural applications), demonstrating the need for strategies that foster technical development for structural applications. Threats (high prices and lack of fiscal incentives) require coping strategies to increase production, thereby reducing its cost. These measures could increase plastic lumber production, making it competitive enough to replace natural wood, and lead to a decline in deforestation.