History of wood polymer composite commercialization

A commercialization history of veneer-based (Impreg and Compreg) wood polymer composites (WPC) and lumber-based radiation-cured and heat-catalyst-cured WPCs is given. The case-study approach used focuses on companies with which the authors have personal knowledge: PermaGrain, Gammapar, and Wood Polymer Technologies. Impreg, Compreg, and radiation-cured WPCs have been in commercial production for many years, mostly on a fairly small scale. Larger-scale production of heat-catalyst WPCs seems imminent, largely fueled by concerns about toxic preservatives and the ability of these WPCs to prolong wood's life without toxins. Factors common to the commercialization of these technologies are the personal involvement of their inventor(s) throughout the commercialization process (including part ownership of production companies), government aid in the early stages, investors willing and able to supply funds for the commercial development stages, and ongoing alliances between the technically oriented inventors and business people.