Posted by Saima Bilal
on May 21, 2025
If you’re planning a new project at home, it might be helpful to take a look at how sustainable the materials you’re using are. Whenever it comes to constructing something, making it up from scratch, materials matters. The better the materials are, the better the outcome is. In construction, traditional qualities like longevity, maintenance, finish are all crucial but as people are growing more aware about these materials’ environmental impact, sustainability is also slowly becoming a topic brought up more often. People are growing more aware about the environmental impact of these materials and how they can accelerate climate change.
Traditional options like wood and stone can be problematic if we look at them from the sustainability lens. While they have their charm, they come with a laundry list of negatives like deforestation, resource depletion, high maintenance and that’s just the start. The industry is now moving towards formulating and supplying innovative, eco-friendly materials that look good visually, have better longevity and leave a smaller carbon footprint than other materials.
So what's the next chapter of outdoor composite decking and cladding? Let's dive into the world of sustainable materials and look at how they are gaining popularity amongst homeowners, architects, and builders.
The Importance of Sustainability in Construction
Sustainability is more than just a trend, for many it is a requirement now or has been for a few decades. The construction sector is a significant producer of carbon emissions, waste, and deforestation. Every decision made, from exterior decking to exterior cladding, either harms or protects the environment.
When choosing your next cladding and decking - sustainable materials can help. Why?
- Reduce deforestation through the use of recycled materials or responsibly sourced materials.
- Reduce carbon footprints through energy efficient production.
- Reduce waste from building materials through the use of traditional, durable products requiring less maintenance.
- Reduce energy consumption through insulation with your choice of materials.
Sustainable Alternatives to Conventional Wood & Stone
For centuries wood and stone have been the materials of choice for exterior decking and cladding. While how they look and feel are great, they do have some disadvantages; wood requires maintenance and cuts into the forests, while stone extraction causes damage to the immediate ecosystem. Luckily, there are better, greener materials that are available in today's market.
- Recycled Composite Wood
Recycled composite wood is a mixture of recycled wood fibres and plastic that are designed to look like wood, but don’t come with its drawbacks.
Benefits:
Does not need staining, sealing, or painting.
Resistant to rot, moisture, and pests.
Durable with a low maintenance protocol.
Since composite wood is created from recycled plastic and left over scraps of wood, it reduces overall waste generation.
- Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood gives a second life to old, ‘wasteful’ materials, eliminating the need to cut down even more trees. It’s not only good for the environment but also comes with a unique rustic charm that many people are on the lookout for today.
Benefits:
Reduces overall demand for virgin wood.
Adds an aesthetic quality with a unique worn texture.
Prevents old wood from reaching landfills.
Can be treated or sealed to last longer.
- Recycled Plastic & PVC
Recycled plastic materials are a growing option for outdoor uses. They divert a lot of wasteful plastic out of the landfill and provide an alternative to traditional deck boards and exterior cladding.
Benefits:
Will not splinter, crack, or rot.
Resists moisture, mold, and pests.
Keeps plastic out of oceans and landfills.
Local recycled plastic can be recycled at the end of life.
The planet has been demanding sustainable materials for centuries now, and finally, so are the people. With a growing demand for these building materials and innovative strategies, technology is influencing the way we produce and use these materials.
Some notable technology advancements are -
- Carbon negative materials absorb more CO2 than they emit.
- 3D printing technology that helps repurpose plastics and other sorts of waste products.
- Better recycling tech that helps repurpose plastic and wood.
- Coatings that help increase the durability of sustainable materials.
These technologies not only just help the planet, but also make sustainability accessible and allows us to reap some of the benefits of the sustainable products
NEOWALL vs The Rest : Why should you consider NEOWALL?
When considering an eco-friendly option without taking a hit on the performance, NEOWALL composite cladding and decking is certainly worth your time. Derived from a combination of sustainable materials, NEOWALL provides durability similar to composite cladding, while leaving a smaller environmental carbon footprint. On top of that, NEOWALL offers a 25 year warranty so you can stay worry free for decades to come.
Sustainable Content
It is made from responsibly sourced selections to minimise environmental impact.
High-Quality Performance
It is resistant to moisture, sun, and everyday wear and tear. .
Low-Maintenance
There's no need for ongoing sealing, staining or painting; simply put it in place and enjoy.
Energy Efficient
It also regulates indoor temperatures which saves costs for heating and cooling.
Attractive & Flexible
We have a range of colours available to accommodate a variety of aesthetics.
When you choose NEOWALL you are not only making a design decision; you are thoughtfully choosing to invest in sustainable materials without compromising on looks or quality.
The Future of Decking and Cladding is Green!
The transition to sustainable materials has grown beyond just being a trend, and is only gaining momentum now. As the sentiments and investments of the consumers align, more technologies and alternatives emerge. We’ll not only do ourselves some good, but our planet and communities as well.
This is a big step in the right direction, and it's already underway. The future of exterior building materials requires a little extra from you - extra effort, extra investment and some extra time, but anything that is worth doing has never come easy. The future of decking and cladding is sustainable.
