The maker of composite decking and other architectural elements used less recycled material but expanded its recycled PVC collection program. | Courtesy of Azek
Chicago-based composite decking company Azek used about 16% less recycled material in fiscal 2023 than in the previous year, according to its latest sustainability report.
Azek products are made of up to 85% recycled materials, including PE and PVC as well as recycled wood. From Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023, Azek used 420 million pounds of landfill-bound materials and production scrap in its manufacturing, the report said. In fiscal 2022 and 2021, the company reported about 500 million pounds in each of the two years and about 400 million pounds in fiscal 2020.
However, the company reduced total carbon intensity by 44% between fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2023, which Azek attributed to the increased use of material diverted from landfill and production scrap material, and zero-emission energy during that time.
Since fiscal 2019, Azek has used a total of 2.1 billion pounds of recycled and diverted material, it said in the report.
Also during the year, Azek expanded its PVC recycling program to more than 1,200 bins and totes at job sites and OEM manufacturers across the U.S. to collect scrap as well as post-construction materials, such as end-of-life vinyl siding. Azek processes the scrap PVC for use in decking, siding, cladding and trim.
“Across our manufacturing and recycle footprint, we continue to make investments in each of our facilities that allow us to accommodate new products on our roadmap that will support future growth and expand the use of recycled materials,” said Eric Robinson, manager of investor relations, during the company’s fiscal Q3 2024 earnings call in August. “Our recycle introduction rates are getting closer to the 40% level for our Azek exteriors brand and in the low- to mid-60s range for our TimberTech advanced PVC decking products.”