Trex Recognized for Innovation and Sustainability
Trex Company [NYSE:TREX], the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and residential railing, has once again reinforced its status as a leader in sustainable innovation. At this year’s Environment + Energy (E+E) Leader Awards, Trex received top accolades for its groundbreaking work in outdoor living solutions. The company’s composite decking was not only named Product of the Year but also received the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award—the highest score in the Consumer + Residential category.
“Trex continues to redefine the outdoor living industry with its relentless commitment to innovation, sustainability, and performance,” noted one judge. “By developing decking products made from up to 95% recycled materials, Trex has set the gold standard for environmentally responsible manufacturing. The company’s products exemplify how performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
The E+E Leader Awards recognize outstanding achievements in environmental and energy innovation. They spotlight products, services, and projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits while enhancing business performance. The judging panel comprised experts from a wide range of organizations, including Hyundai Motor Group, JLL, UCLA, Climate Social, Navitas Partners, TRC Companies, and others—more than 20 in total. These judges evaluated entries on innovation, impact, and potential for replicability and scale.
As the sustainability and energy sectors evolve at a rapid pace, companies face increasing pressure to find reliable, impactful solutions. The E+E Leader Awards provide a benchmark for evaluating products and initiatives that deliver meaningful environmental and energy outcomes. Through rigorous judging, the program identifies innovations that not only benefit the planet but also support business success.
“This year’s winners are driving real-world change through practical, scalable strategies,” said Sarah Roberts, Co-President of E+E Leader and C-Suite Compass LLC. “They’re raising the bar for what sustainability and energy excellence look like in today’s complex business landscape.”
Kay Harrison, Vice President and head of the E+E Leader Awards program, added: “We look for companies that are not just meeting expectations but pushing boundaries. Trex is doing just that—delivering products that meet a growing demand for sustainability while also performing exceptionally well.”
A Legacy Rooted in Sustainability
Trex’s commitment to sustainability dates back over 30 years, when it pioneered composite decking as a way to repurpose plastic waste—starting with discarded plastic bread bags. Today, the company’s proprietary formula uses a blend of recycled polyethylene film and reclaimed wood fibers, making its products both environmentally friendly and high-performing.
Approximately 95% of the material used in Trex decking comes from recycled sources. The company is now one of the largest recyclers of plastic film in North America, diverting hundreds of millions of pounds of plastic waste from landfills each year. To date, Trex has recycled over five billion pounds of plastic.
One judge remarked, “Trex demonstrates clear impact in converting landfill-bound waste into long-lasting products, showing how a circular economy approach can lead to industry-leading solutions.”
Beyond its products, Trex also prioritizes sustainable manufacturing processes. The company has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. These include replacing petroleum-based fluids with vegetable oil in hydraulic systems, adopting closed-loop water systems to conserve water, and operating bi-coastal production facilities to reduce transportation-related emissions. Trex also collaborates closely with suppliers to minimize environmental impact across the supply chain.
“Sustainability is built into every part of our operations,” said Amy Fernandez, Chief Legal Officer and Head of Sustainability at Trex. “This award affirms our belief that customers want and deserve sustainable options, and it supports our mission to provide high-performance products that are also good for the planet.”
Consistent Recognition for Environmental Excellence
The E+E Leader Award adds to an already impressive list of recent accolades for Trex. The company was named one of Barron’s “100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies” for the second consecutive year. It also retained its long-standing title as the “Sustainable Brand Leader” in the decking category, awarded by readers of Green Builder magazine—an honor it has held for 15 straight years.
Additionally, the newly enhanced Trex Select® decking line was included in Green Builder Media’s list of the “50 Most Sustainable Products of the Year,” further showcasing the brand’s continued innovation and dedication to eco-conscious design.
“At Trex, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle,” Fernandez said. “As our company continues to grow, we remain deeply committed to developing solutions that reduce our environmental footprint and support a healthier planet. It’s part of who we are and what we stand for.”
By aligning environmental responsibility with innovation and consumer appeal, Trex continues to lead the way in transforming the outdoor living industry. With its latest accolades from the E+E Leader Awards, the company reinforces its role as a model for how businesses can thrive while doing right by the environment.
