NexTrex®: Turning Single-Use Plastics Into Sustainable Decking

We're all responsible for keeping our planet clean and safe for future generations. At Trex® (Green Builder Media's "Sustainable Brand Leader" in decking for 16 years running), we’ve made that belief the centerpiece of our company mission. That's why we started NexTrex®, a recycling movement that allows both businesses and consumers to transform single-use plastics into quality, sustainable decking.

But how does this program work, and how can you get involved? Follow along as we highlight the inner workings of NexTrex® and how Trex’s recycling efforts are already impacting how we view plastic.

What is NexTrex®?

NexTrex® is a recycling program founded by Trex to reduce the presence of single-use plastic in landfills while also fueling Trex's eco-friendly decking efforts. Trex composite decking is made with 95% recycled and reclaimed materials, and the NexTrex program is a key source of much of the recycled plastic film in our environmentally friendly decking.

The focus of NexTrex is to collect plastic film, at both commercial and grassroots levels, that can be safely recycled into composite decking — giving it a second life, rather than condemning it to a landfill. NexTrex® works with a majority of grocery and retail stores in the U.S., so this polyethylene (PE) film recycling program makes Trex the largest PE film recycler in the United States.

How NexTrex® Works

So, how do you start recycling with NexTrex®? There are two key methods: through a direct commercial partnership or by using one of many NexTrex® drop-off locations. Here's how these programs work.

Commercial partners can aid their sustainability efforts while also boosting their bottom line, as Trex pays a competitive per-pound rate for the plastic film they'd otherwise discard. This includes baled #2 and #4 polyethylene films such as:

• Stretch film
• Shrink wrap
• Pallet wrap
• Polyethylene bags

NexTrex® also partners with retailers and grassroots locations to provide plastic film recycling drop-off locations for consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and recycle plastic products that aren’t typically accepted by curbside recycling programs. Consumers can return clean, dry plastic products to these partner locations, including:

• Grocery and retail bags
• Plastic mailer bags
• Bread bags
• Case overwraps
• Dry cleaning bags
• Newspaper sleeves
• Ice bags
• Ziploc® and other reclosable bags
• Produce bags
• Bubble wrap
• Salt bags
• Cereal box liners
• Wood pellet bags

If you’d like to get involved with the NexTrex® program, simply bring your qualifying plastics to your nearest drop-off location, and Trex will take care of the rest. 

How NexTrex® Is Changing the Way We View Single-Use Plastic

Currently, more than 10,000 partners nationwide are involved in the NexTrex® program across its three participation tiers, and this collaboration is making a big difference. In fact, NexTrex® recycles more than 370 million pounds of partner-contributed PE plastic per year.

Through these partnerships, NexTrex® is transforming the way we think about discarding plastic. Rather than sending plastic waste to a landfill and treating it as an inevitable consequence of modern retail, Trex is helping facilitate a circular economy by turning single-use plastics into high-quality decking.

Circular economies prioritize recycling, repair, and reuse to eliminate the waste generated by single-use plastics commonly used in modern distribution. NexTrex® allows big brands to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to the development of new, sustainable products.

This is just one example of how commercial businesses can contribute to the NexTrex® mission. And big brands aren't the only ones that can make a difference; even local organizations can make an impact while earning rewards through the NexTrex® Recycling Challenge.

How You Can Get Involved With the NexTrex® Recycling Challenge

Looking to get your school or community more involved in sustainability efforts? The NexTrex® Recycling Challenge offers the chance to win prizes while helping protect the environment. This challenge was designed to educate consumers on proper recycling practices for plastic bags and other soft plastic films.

In partnership with local recycling programs, NexTrex® works with participating organizations, including K-12 schools, civic groups, houses of worship, and colleges and universities, to promote recycling while earning rewards such as outdoor products, games, and Trex merchandise.

Each quarter, 25 participating organizations are randomly selected and rewarded with one of these gifts. Every 250 pounds of plastic collected equals one entry. Each participating organization also receives a gift from the NexTrex® by Trex Store when they collect their first 250 pounds (annually), valued at $100.

Through the NexTrex® program, Trex is working to educate future generations and bring communities together through a single common goal: protecting our planet. This program is just one way Trex demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and to improving our world.