Trex modifies film recycling program

Aug 29, 2023

Winchester, Virginia-based Trex Co. says it potentially has expanded its NexTrex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge with a more streamlined structure that simplifies the process and makes the program accessible to a broader range of participants.

The maker of composite decking and railing products made with recycled-content plastic describes the revamped challenge as a combination of its community and school recycling programs that is moving from a competition-driven model to a self-initiated challenge.

Trex says it also has made the process easier and more equitable so more participants have the opportunity to earn recognition and rewards for their recycling efforts.

Under the new structure, any participating organization that collects at least 1,000 pounds of recycled plastic film during a 12-month period qualifies to receive a composite bench from the Trex Outdoor Furniture Collection.

“As a company founded on eco-friendly values, Trex is committed to educating and engaging the public in the responsible recycling of plastic film,” says Emily Whitacre, recycling programs coordinator at Trex. “Over the past 16 years, our partnerships with schools and community groups have become a primary channel for sourcing this key ingredient for our products, and we want to make it as easy as possible for these like-minded organizations to be part of our upcycling process.”

Trex’s decking is made from 95 percent recycled materials, including a mix of industrial wood scrap and polyethylene (PE) plastic film found in discarded items such as grocery and shopping bags, sandwich bags, pallet wrap and newspaper sleeves.

Each year, Trex estimates it recycles some 500,000 tons of discarded materials in the making of its outdoor living products, including approximately 200,000 tons of plastic film, making it one of the largest recyclers of PE in North America.

“With the NexTrex program, you not only know where your recycled plastic film is going but also how it will be used,” Whitacre says. “With the help of thousands of community partners across the country, we are able to divert millions of pounds of plastic [scrap] each year from ending up in landfills and give it new life as beautiful and sustainable Trex decking.”

“We are eager to welcome returning and new participants into the NexTrex program under this streamlined structure. It’s always inspiring to see the creativity, enthusiasm and dedication these grassroots sustainability heroes bring to their recycling efforts.”

More information on the NexTrex challenge can be found here.