Topic: This is Us

Combining recycled plastic and timber residue to create bio composite decking

Timberlink, Tasmania’s largest structural pine manufacturer is to build the state’s first Bio Composite plant.  

The Bio Composite plant will produce Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) products that will upcycle plastic waste and plantation timber mill residues, producing decking and screening for commercial and residential applications. 

The Wood Plastic Composite Plant intends to source the recycled HDPE (a type of Plastic) for the core of the product from Tasmania; utilising existing industry capability and ensuring that the feedstock for this plant where possible is a Tasmanian on-island solution. 

This will significantly enhance the circular economy in Tasmania and generate economic value to Tasmania as these products will be sold in Tasmania and the mainland. 

At full production, the project will divert HDPE plastic from landfill at an equivalent to an approximate 83% increase over current HDPE recycled in Tasmania based on FY19 levels. 

Timberlink intends to have the project completed and in production by December 2022. The project significantly enhances Australia’s Sovereign Capability to manufacture this type of product in the most environmentally friendly way as the project will help to protect the environment, boost the economy and create jobs.