Chinese Product Review: Environmental Impact of Manufacturing the OrientDeck

If you're in the market for a stylish, durable outdoor deck, chances are you've come across the OrientDeck—a popular composite decking brand manufactured in China. But beyond its sleek look and low maintenance, have you ever wondered what goes into making it? More importantly, what’s the environmental cost behind those weather-resistant planks?

We dug deep into the manufacturing footprint of the OrientDeck to give you an honest, data-backed review that balances performance with planet impact.

Why Composite Decking?

Composite decking like OrientDeck blends wood fibers and recycled plastics (usually HDPE) to create a long-lasting alternative to traditional timber. On paper, this sounds eco-friendly—but the devil’s in the details, especially when production happens overseas.

The Environmental Reality of Chinese Manufacturing

China produces over 60% of the world’s composite decking, thanks to lower labor costs and established supply chains. However, its heavy reliance on coal-powered energy raises concerns. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China’s industrial sector emits about 4.5 billion tons of CO₂ annually, with construction materials contributing significantly.

For OrientDeck specifically, manufacturing involves:

• Transporting raw materials (recycled plastic & wood waste) from regional collection centers
• High-heat extrusion processes powered largely by non-renewable energy
• Long-haul shipping from factories in Zhejiang Province to North America and Europe

Carbon Footprint Breakdown

Based on lifecycle assessments of similar products, here's an estimated carbon footprint per 100 sq. ft. of OrientDeck installed:

Compare that to locally made composites using renewable energy, which average around 350 kg CO₂ for the same area—a notable difference.

Recycled Content & Certifications

The good news? OrientDeck uses up to 90% recycled materials—mostly post-consumer HDPE and wood scraps. That means fewer plastics in landfills and less virgin timber harvested. Plus, their packaging is minimal and mostly recyclable.

However, they currently lack third-party environmental certifications like FSC, Cradle to Cradle, or EPD, which makes transparency a bit fuzzy. No public sustainability reports either—something eco-conscious buyers should note.

Shipping: The Hidden Cost

Let’s talk logistics. A full pallet of OrientDeck travels roughly 7,500 miles from factory to a U.S. warehouse. At an average emission rate of 40g CO₂ per ton-mile, that adds up fast. One container shipment can emit over 5 metric tons of CO₂—equivalent to driving a car for six months!

So, Is It Worth It?

Yes… with caveats. If you value durability, style, and moderate eco-benefits, OrientDeck is solid. It lasts 25+ years with little upkeep and reduces demand for tropical hardwoods. But if your priority is low carbon or full sustainability traceability, consider brands with greener manufacturing and local production.

In short: OrientDeck isn’t the greenest option out there, but it’s a step in the right direction—especially compared to pressure-treated lumber or PVC decking.