From Litter to Lumber: How Trex® Outdoor Furniture™ Turns Plastic Into All-Weather Furniture
![Showcases Trex Furniture on a boardwalk on the beach.](/media/oi2k3d4k/trexoutdoorfurniturerp1.jpg?width=550&height=440&mode=max&format=webp)
Trex Outdoor Furniture is incredibly durable and low-maintenance, two qualities we should all look for when outfitting our outdoor spaces. But did you know that it's also one of the most eco-friendly options on the market?
Learn how Trex Outdoor Furniture transforms millions of pounds of discarded plastic into weatherproof lumber every year below.
A Bit of History
Since the 1950s, the mass production of disposable plastic has steadily increased. Its low cost and practicality made it a popular choice for manufacturing and consumers alike, but once plastic outlived its usefulness, it went out with the rest of the garbage.
![A storage tub with a Recycle sticker full of plastic bottles](/media/0rgdzi1z/trexoutdoorfurniturerp2.jpg?width=401&height=248&mode=max&format=webp)
Since plastic can take hundreds of years to break down, it quickly piled up in landfills and clogged waterways. Forward-thinking companies such as POLYWOOD® began to find innovative ways to turn this trash into a long-lasting treasure to mitigate the compounding issue of plastic pollution. Today, you can find household items, activewear, rugs, and other goods made from recycled plastics—including Trex Outdoor Furniture.
Which Plastic is Preferred?
All Trex Outdoor Furniture is built using genuine POLYWOOD® lumber. This durable, American-made product is created from sustainable materials, including landfill- and ocean-bound high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics.
![Black Trex Outdoor Rocking Chair on a porch](/media/4mfhb3bh/trexoutdoorfurniturerp3.jpg?width=400&height=500&mode=max&format=webp)
HDPE is known for its strength, rigidity, and impact and abrasion resistance. It's more durable than other plastics and even certain woods and metals. For these reasons, HDPE is used to make a variety of indoor and outdoor items, including:
- Patio furniture
- Shampoo bottles
- Detergent containers
- Buckets
- Fencing
- Outdoor playsets
- Gardening planters
The Recycling Process Revealed
![Bundles of flattened plastic products stacked on one another ready to be processed in a recycling center in India](/media/4qqp1p2m/trexoutdoorfurniturerp4.jpg?width=401&height=267&mode=max&format=webp)
First, discarded plastics arrive at the Trex Outdoor Furniture recycling facility in Syracuse, Indiana.
![Flattened plastic products traveling on a conveyor belt](/media/wlpjjp0w/trexoutdoorfurniturerp5.jpg?width=401&height=267&mode=max&format=webp)
Then, the flattened plastics are dropped into a massive shredding machine. These flakes are washed, and non-plastic materials (glass, rocks, etc.) are removed.
![Shredded plastic material falling out of the shredding machine into a box.](/media/ixvlfjc2/trexoutdoorfurniturerp7.jpg?width=400&height=266&mode=max&format=webp)
After this, the flakes run through a color sorter that removes unwanted colored plastic.
![Shredded plastic flakes traveling on a conveyor belt on it's way to be pelletized](/media/vqzga4fw/trexoutdoorfurniturerp8.jpg?width=400&height=267&mode=max&format=webp)
Once sorted, the plastic flakes are pelletized and sent to extrusion to be formed into HDPE lumber.
The recycled pellets are melted down and blended with colorants and just a few additives that ensure a weather- and fade-proof final product. The material is pushed through the extrusion machines, which create the shape and size of long lumber planks.
![A machinest prepping a machine to produce beautiful outdoor furniture](/media/w00osovs/trexoutdoorfurniturerp11.jpg?width=401&height=267&mode=max&format=webp)
After the planks cool, they're moved to production. Here, the team constructs beautiful outdoor furniture using state-of-the-art technology, before being carefully packaged and shipped to homes across the country.
A Zero-Waste Mindset in Motion
Trex Outdoor Furniture's eco-conscious mission doesn't stop when the furniture is finished. Here are some of the other sustainable practices that help maintain a zero-waste mindset.
![Multi colored plastic scraps from the manufacturing process are stored in a container](/media/0k4gqh1e/trexoutdoorfurniturerp13.jpg?width=399&height=266&mode=max&format=webp)
- 99% of all plastic scrap from manufacturing are sent back to the recycling facility where it is reground, pelletized, and once again turned into lumber.
- They use industrial cardboard box machines that make custom-size shipping boxes, only creating the exact size and amount needed to reduce waste.
- Multiple recycling bins are placed throughout the campus so employees can recycle their used glass, paper, aluminum cans, and plastic.
- Wooden pallets are always reused or recycled.
![Trees For the Future](/media/4grhhhm3/trees-tanzania-farmer-mariam-in-fg.jpg?width=401&height=267&mode=max&format=webp)
- Through a partnership with Trees for the Future, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching communities about sustainable land use, Trex Outdoor Furniture plants one tree for every piece of furniture sold. These trees help build forests where crops can be grown to help rural communities begin their journey out of poverty. Thanks to this partnership, tens of thousands of trees have been planted.
Want to learn more about how Trex recycles? Check out https://nextrex.com/ or
Shop Trex Outdoor Furniture for an eco-friendly choice for your outdoor space.
Deck Skirting and Fascia
Skirting can be an attractive feature that can be added to any low-level deck.
The 8 Best Deck Paints for 2024
Painting your deck is a great way to refresh your outdoor space. Get our recommendations for how to choose the best deck paint today.
Underrated + Overlooked Features to Consider Adding to Your Deck
Want to give your deck or patio a unique look? These creative deck ideas will upgrade your deck in no time.
10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck
This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.
Grey Composite Decking
Get inspired by our collection of grey composite decking ideas and images. Find the best grey deck designs to fit your home and personal style with Decks.com.
5 Ways to Use Your Deck In The Winter
Hoping to get use out of your deck all year long? Discover these helpful deck ideas to keep your deck warm and cozy in cold winter weather at Decks.com.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
![Footings](/media/3vsas025/all-articles_footings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
![Framing](/media/5wrarsgy/all-articles_framing-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
![Decking](/media/meljt4np/all-articles_decking-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
![Stairs](/media/2sopl0br/all-articles_stairs-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
![Railings](/media/hpwbuyzr/all-articles_railings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
![Features](/media/tvcahlmk/all-articles_features-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
![Design](/media/3bvpzvtz/all-articles_design-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Design
The basics of deck design
![Planning](/media/qdenqrqv/all-articles_planning-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
![Porches and Patios](/media/sg5bst1z/all-articles_porches-and-patios-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
![Ledger](/media/0htjl4uu/all-articles_ledger-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
![Care](/media/qdpnwkry/all-articles_care-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
![Materials](/media/zqfflkeo/all-articles_materials-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
5 Best Ways on How to Hide Trash Cans Outside
Outdoor trash cans can be an unwanted eyesore. Discover how you can easily cover them up and add an extra touch of beauty to your yard.
Our Favorite Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas
Illuminate the night with our deck lighting ideas for your outdoor space, from string and solar lights to pool lighting. Find inspiration at Decks.com.
Deck Skirting Ideas
Deck skirting offers more than aesthetics. From added storage to critter deterrence and concealing structures, explore our top ideas for your backyard's transformation.
6 Ground Level Deck Ideas to Transform Your Space
Ground level decks are a more budget- and time-friendly way to take your backyard to the next level. From a private backyard getaway to a minimalist zen design concept, check out these ground level deck ideas to inspire your upcoming project.
Deck & Patio Landscaping Ideas
Looking for landscaping inspiration and ideas? Check out our ideas for turning your patio or deck into a beautiful oasis for entertaining and relaxing.
From Swim to Sun: 5 Tips for Building a Deck Around Your In-Ground Pool
The pool-deck combo is the perfect outdoor layout for a relaxing, warm-weather hang. Check out these tips on how to design your space.
Explore Articles by Topic
![Footings](/media/3vsas025/all-articles_footings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
![Framing](/media/5wrarsgy/all-articles_framing-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
![Decking](/media/meljt4np/all-articles_decking-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
![Stairs](/media/2sopl0br/all-articles_stairs-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
![Railings](/media/hpwbuyzr/all-articles_railings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
![Features](/media/tvcahlmk/all-articles_features-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
![Design](/media/3bvpzvtz/all-articles_design-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Design
The basics of deck design
![Planning](/media/qdenqrqv/all-articles_planning-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
![Porches and Patios](/media/sg5bst1z/all-articles_porches-and-patios-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
![Ledger](/media/0htjl4uu/all-articles_ledger-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
![Care](/media/qdpnwkry/all-articles_care-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
![Materials](/media/zqfflkeo/all-articles_materials-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights