The management of Nova Plastic Products Inc. is excited about the future of their product with the development of a unique brand of plastic lumber expected to dominate the marketplace.

After testing more than a dozen formulas, the company has developed a successful formula for structural plastic lumber made from 100 per cent recycled material. According to testing conducted by Eastern Technical Services of St. John's, the lumber is as strong as the top quality B.C. fir with a working load in compression of 1,300 to 1,400 P.S.I.

"This news confirms what we've expected all along, and will now allow us access to niche international markets," said Colleen Lewis, Nova's marketing manager.

Though plastic lumber has been in the marketplace as decking for nearly two decades, Nova's lumber is being produced in large sizes suitable for commercial use. All the lumber is produced in 16-foot lengths in sizes including 3"x9", 6"x6", 4"x8", 4"x12", 5"x7", 7x9", 7"x11", 8"x8", 10-inch round, and 12"x12".

As many companies using large amounts of timber begin looking for alternatives to pressure treated wood, Lewis said Nova's product is the logical choice.

"It can be used in many of the same applications as traditional wood, but the advantage is that companies save money in maintenance and replacement costs," said Lewis. "There are also many environmental benefits where chemically treated timbers are being used in ecologically sensitive areas."

Plastic can also help residents do their part in preserving the province's limited supply of natural timber.

Though Nova is looking at export markets, Lewis said there's also a great deal of interest locally. This is especially true in marine applications, since plastic is resistant to salt and marine borers. Local farmers have also been expressing a great deal of interest in the product.

On an international level, foot and mouth disease is playing a large role in the future of plastic timbers, since natural wood is no longer being shipped to Europe.

"We are amazed that after only a few months, our product is being talked about across the continent and people are actually calling us from the United States and across Canada," said Lewis.

Nova has quickly become a major employer in Corner Brook with nearly 30 employees who work round the clock at the manufacturing facility. All staff has been cross-trained in using manufacturing equipment so the company is prepared for rapid expansion. Nova's plant team is headed up by Don Deming who has nearly 20 years experience working in the plastic extrusion industry.

"We have an unbelievably talented and versatile staff, who we know will help us meet the growing demand for timber and keep up with the constantly evolving technologies involved in the extrusion process," she said.

Nova Plastic came about as a result of the vision of Charles Flight, the owner of Nova's parent company, Nova Recycling. The almost 100 employees of Nova Recycling collect the plastic which is shipped to a pelletizing plant in Stephenville for processing into feedstock for the lumber. Nearly all types of plastic are recycled for the manufacturing process, and efforts are underway for increased plastic recycling in the province.

"This is not only good for Nova, but recycling more types of plastic means reduced waste management costs for municipalities who are trying to find alternatives to teepee incinerators and traditional landfills," said Lewis.

"We certainly recognize the global economy is changing to include a growing number of green companies, and we are proud to be among the first in the province on the beautiful west coast."

• For more information contact:
  Colleen Lewis, marketing manager at (709)634-5055
  colewis@nfld.net