The top construction companies are always on the lookout for the best decking and dock material they could find. They are hoping to save expenses and they are looking to find which materials are the most environmentally friendly and are sustainably sourced. For the longest time, the material of choice has always been about choosing between synthetic and natural materials.
Natural VS Synthetic
There is a big difference between synthetic and natural materials. Those of the natural kind are easily found and procured in natural environments. The list of natural materials is expansive and includes common items such as cotton, paper, wool, and timber. Since they are naturally made, these materials offer little to no harm to the environment but that is only if companies securing resources are replacing what they took.
On the other hand, synthetic materials are those that are chemically produced in a lab. Synthetic materials are made stronger and more durable than natural materials. In the past, advocates have called for the use of natural over synthetic but the common trend in the construction industry now is different. More brands are replacing their natural materials with lab-made synthetic materials. Here are a few reasons why the trend has changed.
Availability of Synthetic Is Far Larger Than Natural
Whether it be for the creation of decking or a dock material, companies will need to have a huge supply of materials to make a decent profit. The problem with natural materials is that their sources are fairly limited. For instance, a company can continue using wood as a base for their products. However, trees take years to grow. There will come a time when they’ll start to lose resources.
Synthetic materials, on the other hand, are near infinite. Since they are chemically made in labs, companies no longer need to rely on trees or plants that take decades to fully grow. Instead, they only need to buy the proper chemicals to make the items they need. With the right source of ingredients, they could have an endless supply of goods on their hands.
Synthetic Materials Are Changing the World
When people hear the terms “synthetic” and “chemically-made,” they will be quick to judge. They would comment on the product’s adverse effects on the environment and the world in general. However, what many seem to ignore is that synthetic materials are about to change the world – in a good way.
Let’s look at bioplastics for instance. Time and time again, we are reminded that plastics do not degrade and that they are very harmful to the environment. That is 100% true. However, the emergence of synthetic materials called bioplastics have opened the gates to a better future.
Companies can now make biodegradable materials out of enzymes and catalysts. These can then be used for an array of products including but not limited to containers, eating utensils and toys. It is not just bioplastics that are changing the world for the better as there are a whole host of synthetic materials being made with sustainability in mind.
Moreover, the ways synthetic materials are produced have greatly changed. A lot of producers have adopted safer and more eco-friendly methods. Some might even say that creating synthetic materials pose a lesser threat than having to chop off a hundred trees just to get some wood. When made the right way, synthetic materials are clearly bigger world changers than any other method.
Some Natural Materials Are Not Made for Durability
One of the reasons why synthetic materials were made is because certain natural materials cannot stand the test of time. If they are made as decking material, they might only last for a few years. Take, for instance, wood. While durable and easily sourced, wood can be damaged by various factors including fire and water.
If wood is exposed to these elements, then its quality will degrade significantly. On the other hand, synthetic materials offer more durability. Even if they get exposed to water and heat over and over again, their quality will remain the same. As such, synthetic materials are a more economical choice for companies in various industries.
The question of synthetic vs. natural has long been debated but a clear choice is rising behind the dust. While it has had a bad reputation for decades, synthetic materials have changed drastically. Not only are they more durable, they are now safer for the environment. They have found a better place in the hearts of various industries and in time, they might completely replace natural materials.
