HBN Rates Plastic Lumber

The nonprofit Healthy Building Network (HBN) has released a Guide to Plastic Lumber, rating the environmental and health performance of 38 types of plastic and composite lumber from 30 companies. Fourteen products were considered “most environmentally preferable” for containing only high-density or low-density polyethylene and 50% or more post-consumer recycled content. Four products—made of 70% or more virgin PVC or virgin polystyrene—earned the lowest rating, “not environmentally preferable.” The remaining products were categorized as “environmentally preferable,” “less environmentally preferable,” or “not environmentally preferable except for structural applications.” More information, including the rankings of individual products, is online at www.healthybuilding.net.