Content about Recyclable materials

U.S. containerized exports rose 9.6% in February in year-over-year figures, with the total February volume estimated at 1,014,176 TEUs Strong gains in building materials, paper and paperboard, and refrigerated foods were helped by the depreciation of the U.S. dollar, according to an analysis by The Journal of Commerce/PIERS.

In terms of TEUs, paper and paperboard showed the greatest gains, but building materials grew by 280%  over January 2012.  

Ron Jarvis, VP environmental innovation for The Home Depot, said he is “extremely impressed” with how consumers are not just asking for, but demanding, energy-efficient products for their homes — this despite an unsteady economy. 

But thanks to strong marketing programs and ongoing education about the long-term cost-effectiveness of energy-efficient products — and 20 years of Energy Star promotions — customers are opting for products that will save them energy and money.

An initial public offering is in the works for Shanghai, China-based TCP International Holdings, maker of energy-efficient light bulbs.

The supplier to Home Depot and Wal-Mart Stores (among many others) makes about 3,500 kinds of compact fluorescent light bulbs, about 275 varieties of even more efficient LEDs and 12 kinds of halogen bulbs.

Like anyone in business, builders are looking for an edge, looking for efficiencies and looking for ways to keep customers happy. The 2012 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla., set the stage on all three counts. Here is a sampling of some of the ideas displayed.

Demand for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber, used in decking, railing, trim and other building materials, is projected to rise 13% per year until 2015, according to a report from The Freedonia Group.

A triumph for the “light bulb freedom” movement, which opposed the phaseout of traditional incandescent bulbs starting Jan. 1, 2012, may turn out to be a hollow victory. Supporters had hoped to delay the implementation of the new energy-efficient light bulb standards with a rider on the 2012 Omnibus funding bill. Congress passed the bill right before Christmas, along with the light bulb rider, which bars the Department of Energy (DOE) from enforcing the planned phaseout of 100-watt energy-inefficient incandescent bulbs.

The budget bill drawn up to avert a federal shutdown includes a provision that will delay enforcement of the new energy-efficiency standards for light bulbs. The rider related to the FY 2012 Omnibus funding bill does not repeal or change the standards, however. Instead, it imposes funding limitations on the Department of Energy (DOE) to enforce the light bulb standards for FY 2012.

After a failed attempt at a merger, Martin Marietta Materials has launched a hostile $4.8 billion offer for its rival Vulcan Materials Co., according to the Wall Street Journal. The deal combines the two largest suppliers of construction aggregates -- one of the chief ingredients of concrete -- in the nation.

Archbold, Ohio-based WoodTrac Ceiling System by Sauder is promoting environmental standards, including recent energy conservation measures, mandating material recycling and air quality preservation. In addition to product production guidelines, the WoodTrac product features a unique “green” design that saves raw materials. 

According to Sauder Woodworking, more than 90% of the WoodTrac Ceiling product and packaging is made from recycled material.

Temple-Inland is planning a new display and graphics facility, scheduled to open January 2012 in Chicagoland. Temple-Inland Display and Packaging Chicago will offer the services and expertise of the Elgin Corrugated Box and Mack Packaging brands from a single, newly renovated plant in Carol Stream, Ill.

Temple-Inland will provide corrugated packaging, displays and fulfillment to current Mack, Elgin and Temple-Inland customers, plus new customers throughout the country.

AZEK Building Products, a manufacturer of PVC-based molding, trim and decking, has entered into a strategic alliance with VAST Enterprises, a maker of composite masonry products. Under the agreement, AZEK Building Products has purchased an interest in VAST and will make the VAST brand available to AZEK's distribution network. AZEK and VAST will collaborate on sales and marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness among architects and contractors, according to the announcement.