Material Composition | Outdoor walls needing durability and eco-friendliness | Industry: Basic plastic/wood mix (no eco-certification) Base: 50% post-consumer recycled plastic (ASTM D7611) (▲) Advanced: 70% recycled + FSC-certified wood (▲▲) | Base reduces waste; Advanced meets strict sustainability standards (e.g., FSC). | Advanced versions cost 20–30% more; requires proper disposal for recycled content. |
Fire Resistance | Buildings near fire hazards | Industry: Non-fire retardant Base: Class B Flame Spread (ASTM E84, ≤75) (▲) Advanced: Class A (≤25) (▲▲) | Base meets safety codes; Advanced exceeds for commercial use (e.g., hotels). | Advanced adds 10% weight and cost due to fire-retardant additives. |
Water Resistance | Coastal or high humidity areas | Industry: IPX2 (light rain) (▲) Base: IPX4 (splashes) (▲) Advanced: IPX5 (water jets) (▲▲) | Base resists splashes; Advanced withstands heavy rain (ASTM D3317 tested). | Advanced requires annual inspections for seal integrity in extreme conditions. |
Installation Ease | DIY or professional installations | Industry: Requires professional tools Base: Snap-lock system (▲) Advanced: Pre-drilled holes + adhesive backing (▲▲) | Base simplifies DIY projects; Advanced streamlines complex layouts. | Advanced’s adhesive backing increases upfront material costs by 15%. |
Thickness | High-traffic areas | Industry: 18mm Base: 22mm (▲) Advanced: 25mm (▲▲) | Base resists bending; Advanced enhances longevity in commercial settings. | Advanced adds 15% weight, complicating installation for large projects. |
Environmental Impact | Green building projects | Industry: Non-recycled materials Base: 50% recycled (▲) Advanced: 70% recycled + carbon-neutral production (▲▲) | Base reduces landfill waste; Advanced qualifies for LEED credits. | Advanced’s carbon-neutral claims require third-party validation (e.g., ISO 14064). |