METSTRADE: Flexiteek’s new, recyclable synthetic teak decking is ‘an industry first’
High-performance synthetic decking manufacturer Flexiteek International has launched its latest synthetic teak decking, Flexiteek 3, at METSTRADE 2024.
The new product was also shortlisted for the DAME Design Awards, the winners of which were announced on the opening day of the trade show.
Since its founding in 2000, Flexiteek says it has aimed to redefine marine decking. The firm introduced its Flexiteek 2G decking in 2014, with a significant improvement in performance and design.
Flexiteek 3 builds on this legacy by further improving sustainability, aesthetics and performance. The firm says it replicates the appearance of real teak with detailed graining and offers a range of colours that mirror the natural ageing process of teak.
“We’ve created something new but have got to be very careful that we’re not over-egging it,” Steve Moore, marketing and media manager, told MIN at METSTRADE. “It goes a tiny way to doing something that’s a little bit better. If it’s successful, we have opportunities to reshape the synthetic decking market.
The new decking uses bio-attributed PVC, a renewable material that is said to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to traditional fossil-based PVC. It is made with Reach-compliant phthalate-free plasticisers, providing low migratory performance and is fully recyclable after use.
“It’s a first for outdoor flooring – and it’s easy to clean,” says Moore. He adds that he’s proud the company is continuing to move “in a sustainable direction with third-generation decking”. He notes that there’s a growing burden on the industry to recycle, but there are challenges. “Our current opportunity is that we’re 12 months ahead of everyone else. And at the moment, the raw material is scarce,” he says.
Flexiteek recently moved to a new state-of-the-art facility in Fagersta, Sweden.
Flexiteek 3 is available in five main colours: Teak, Scrubbed, Bleached, Weathered and the newly introduced Ash. Additional options include six dark wood tones – Walnut, Vintage and Charcoal – and three monochrome shades: Grey, Carbon and Off-White.
“We are excited to release Flexiteek 3, especially at a show as central to the marine industry as METSTRADE,” says Tomas Gustafsson, CEO of Flexiteek International. “Our new third generation offers enhanced durability, improved aesthetics, and greater sustainability, meeting the evolving needs of our customers and we were delighted to be shortlisted for the Dame Design Awards this year.”
In addition to benefits like lower emissions during manufacturing, the use of synthetic teak also helps reduce reliance on natural teak, which is often harvested from endangered forests, contributing to deforestation and habitat loss.
In June, Flexiteek moved to a new state-of-the-art facility in Fagersta, Sweden, after more than 23 years in its original production facility. The new location represents a ‘significant investment’ by Flexiteek and owner Watrium and supports a growing global production capacity to support the group’s other manufacturing hubs in the UK and Poland.
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