Environmental Impact of Wood Mouldings and Panelling vs Plastic or Vinyl

As environmental changes continue to threaten more and more of our infrastructure and ourselves, it’s important to learn about how our choices matter, on both a large scale–i.e. how they affect the environment en masse–and small scale–the impact on the environment in our own homes.

Panelling and mouldings come with choices: natural wood, or plastic (PVC/vinyl). Both can be used to finish rooms in your home, but there are environmental differences to be aware of so you can make an informed choice.

Wood mouldings & wood panelling

• Natural materials
• Renewable resource
• Completely recyclable
• Non-harmful

Plastic mouldings

• Synthetic material/Chemical composition
• Harmful to the environment
• Harmful to human health through off-gassing
• Non-renewable
• Not recyclable

Wood

Wood is a natural material, a renewable resource, and is completely recyclable. On a large scale, trees can continue to be grown forever. They also act as a carbon sink while they grow. Wood panelling and wood mouldings require minimal resources to process compared to other materials. When they reach end-of-life, they are 100% recyclable. On a small scale, natural wood has zero negative effects on your home environment. In fact, most people prefer wood because of its wonderful aesthetic–the look, feel and the smell.

Plastic

Another choice on the market for panelling and mouldings is plastic, a.k.a PVC or vinyl. These synthetics materials are created from intensive chemical processes. On a large scale they contribute to climate change and are neither renewable nor recyclable. On a small scale they off-gas chemicals into your home environment that are harmful to the health of the people living there.

It’s clear that natural wood mouldings and wood panelling are a better choice when it comes to environmental impact, on a global and a personal scale.

Alpine Mouldings crafts high-quality, beautiful natural wood products for your home. Contact us today for a free estimate or to schedule a visit to see our finished products and workshop in person. 403-627-8873