Performance Characteristics Assessment of Sustainable Materials Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

While wood is often regarded as a more environmentally friendly alternative to oil-based products, this assumption becomes invalid if the wood source is unsustainable. Growing awareness among consumers and manufacturers regarding environmental compliance has increased the demand for products that support sustainable consumption and production. Consequently, environmental certifications and eco-labelling initiatives have gained prominence as key strategies in promoting sustainable development. This study examines decking materials, specifically wood, plastic, and composite boards, as representative examples of potentially sustainable materials. Samples were sourced from major industrial suppliers, reflecting the rapid market growth of these products. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts associated with each material type. The functional unit for comparison was defined as one square meter of decking per year of use. The primary objective was to enhance understanding of the energy and environmental performance of these materials and to assess the environmental competitiveness of composite decking within the market. Findings indicate that informed material selection can significantly reduce environmental impacts. Composite decking demonstrated a longer lifespan and greater recyclability compared to conventional wood and plastic alternatives, resulting in improved overall environmental performance. These results underscore the potential benefits of adopting Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for decking materials, thereby fostering greater transparency and stimulating competition among manufacturers to develop more sustainable and eco-efficient products in the future.