With Earth Day approaching, demand is accelerating for sustainable building materials in Alaska, as Alaska Plastic Recovery reports growing interest in its recycled plastic lumber product, Grizzly Wood.
Company leader Patrick Simpson said he expects sales to climb as more builders and communities look for durable, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional wood for construction applications such as docks, trails, decking, and boardwalks.
Simpson, who was raised in a fishing family in Cordova, shifted his career path after discovering he was prone to seasickness. He pursued engineering and eventually launched ventures supporting the commercial fishing industry before turning his attention to construction materials.
Grizzly Wood, developed after years of research, is made entirely from recycled plastic. The material not only diverts waste from landfills but also offers enhanced durability compared to traditional lumber. Unlike wood, it resists rot, pests, and harsh weather conditions, making it particularly suited for Alaska’s extreme climate.
“The plastic we are using is designed for use on the North Slope,” Simpson said.
A key selling point of Grizzly Wood is its longevity and minimal upkeep requirements. While upfront costs may be higher than traditional lumber, Simpson emphasized long-term savings.
“The initial cost of Grizzly Wood is more expensive, ‘but you don’t have to repaint it or restain it,’” Simpson said.
The material is engineered to withstand high impact and includes ultraviolet protection, preventing degradation over time. It also remains stable across a wide range of temperatures, avoiding the expansion and contraction common with conventional wood products.
Among its most popular applications are outdoor structures such as picnic tables, park benches, and decking components.
“We sell three times more two-by-sixes than anything else, for a lot of deck projects, garden boxes, bridges,” he said. “We have a design for garden boxes we will share. We will help people build their own project.”
Recent projects highlight the growing adoption of the material. A restaurant in Cordova installed multiple picnic tables, while other uses include a dock at Big Lake and a bridge project in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Simpson noted that the company’s customer base spans individuals, businesses, and institutional buyers across Alaska.
Beyond product demand, Alaska Plastic Recovery is expanding its recycling efforts to secure raw materials for future production.
One major opportunity involves approximately 200,000 pounds of discarded plastic pipe from Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corp. The material, currently stockpiled at Cannery Creek, will be transported to Palmer for repurposing into new construction-grade lumber.
This initiative reflects a broader trend of turning industrial waste into valuable building materials, supporting both environmental goals and construction innovation.
The company, which operates out of Big Lake and Palmer, employs a mix of full-time and part-time workers and continues to grow alongside increasing demand for sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Simpson also highlighted the company’s outreach efforts, including participation in the Alaska State Fair, where it engages the public and promotes recycling through product demonstrations and giveaways.
As sustainability becomes a larger focus across the construction industry, recycled plastic lumber like Grizzly Wood is gaining traction as a viable, long-term alternative—especially in regions where durability and environmental resilience are critical.
Originally reported by Margaret Bauman in The Cardova Times.
