Toronto-based distributor Geolam Inc. is expanding its distribution area into the U.S., adding yet-another competitor to the already-crowded alternate decking, siding and trim market.
Geolam's product, also called Geolam, was developed in Japan and has been sold globally for more than 20 years. It is made from recycled polypropylene and wood fibers. The majority of alternative decking sold in the U.S. is made of one of three materials: a composite combining polyethylene and wood fibers, cellular PVC or high density polyethylene milk jugs.
“We want to bring a whole new level of sophistication to ... the American marketplace,” said Ron Factor, co-founder of the Canadian distributor, in a Jan. 3 statement.
Factor said Geolam offers “greater compression strength and tensile strength” than other leading composite decking boards, is lighter, less slippery and has low water absorption because of a patented manufacturing process called Einwood that removes 100 percent of the moisture from the wood fibers. Once the wood contains no moisture, injected plastic can be fully embedded in the wood.
Geolam Inc. eventually plans to bring the manufacturing process to the U.S., according to the company's website.
Factor said Geolam is used in commercial buildings around the world in diverse climates, including conditions where exposure to extreme heat and sunshine, high humidity and tropical rain are typical.
Geolam Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Geolam products in North America.
