Fiberon’s reversible Horizon decking is a capped composite covered by 25-year warranties against damage, rot, staining and fading. It comes in several naturalistic wood tones, including ipe (shown here).

FIBERON, MANUFACTURER OF composite decking, railing and fencing products, was founded in 1997 in New London, North Carolina, one of the early players in the composite decking industry. Ten years later, the company opened a second manufacturing facility across the country in Meridian, Idaho. Today, the company employs 350 people and produces decking, railing and fencing, including capped composites, in which a protective layer is co-extruded over the base material.

Most composites contain at least some recycled and/or reclaimed material. The two primary ingredients in Fiberon’s products are wood fibers and recycled plastic, which are bound together with resins and capped with a proprietary material. Both the plastic and wood are sourced from within 500 miles of the company’s two manufacturing facilities. The polyethylene comes primarily from used plastic jugs and bottles, while the wood is sourced from nearby cabinet and door factories. By using recycled materials, Fiberon diverts 50,000 pounds from landfills and incinerators each year. Close to 99 percent of the waste from the manufacturing process is also reclaimed and returned to make new product, and closed-loop water-cooling systems allow for zero water discharge.

“We emphasize efficiency,” says Edie Kello, director of marketing and communications for Fiberon. “It’s good for us economically and environmentally.”

Bi-coastal manufacturing within the United States cuts the transportation fuel needed to reach markets. Fiberon also uses rail for transporting goods, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions when compared to truck transportation.

But Kello says one of the company’s biggest sustainability claims is its durability. Low-maintenance Fiberon decking comes with a 25-year limited warranty; its capped composite products come with an additional stain and fade performance warranty. They are ultimately recyclable as well.

“The longevity of products is the biggest part of the composite story,” says Kello.