16 April 2021

Eva-Last® celebrates 15 years of innovation

Submitted by: Nina Minne

From humble beginnings catering to local demand for better and more durable decking products in South Africa, Eva-Last® has grown to become one of the world’s leading building materials groups with a catalogue of innovative class-leading patents that are fuelling further growth.

The challenges posed by the South African climate provided the perfect proving ground for the development of Eva-Last®’s products, which now lead the global market in warranties for durability and longevity of performance.

“In 2021 we are embarking on a growth strategy that will take us to the next level of international growth, approximately doubling the size of the organisation by targeting the best talent from within our industry. It has taken a lot of hard work to get here but we are very pleased with the validation we have received from the market. Our products are in great demand around the world and we are excited to be in a position to scale up for the next phase,” says co-founder Nathan Chapman.

A classic case of a small business born from the passion to create more sustainable building solutions, Eva-Last® now operates a smart manufacturing facility in China which is runs almost entirely off its own solar power supply and makes use of reclaimed plastics to combine with bamboo fibres in proprietary decking and cladding profiles.

“Eva-Last® is 100% dedicated to a greener future for all, which is why our entire business is based on the sustainable sourcing of materials. Bamboo is fast-growing and easily replenished while releasing 35% more oxygen as it grows, compared with hardwoods typically used for decking and cladding applications. Reclaiming and recycling plastics is preventing tons of plastics from reaching our oceans daily, while operating from solar energy saves 2 000 tons of CO2 from entering our atmosphere every day. It is not only our products that are having a global impact but our environmental initiatives too,” says Chapman.

Over the last 15 years Eva-Last® has introduced innovations that have propelled the brand to the forefront of architect and landscaper recommendations worldwide, such as its HULK Fasteners™ line and the Apex® range of board profiles. Between them, these products ensure that composite decking products overcome all of the traditional drawbacks of outdoor décor – such as warping, oxidising, cracking, splitting, staining, scratching and being flammable.

“We are proud to look at our catalogue of global patents that have advanced the composite building material industry over the last 15 years. Eva-Last®’s boards, fasteners and ancillary products have literally redefined the aesthetics, performance and longevity of what would typically be a significant investment threatened by climatic and heavy use conditions.

“Today, using our products, a customer can feel safe and assured in embarking on a new or upgrade project – residential or commercial – that will still be under warranty 30 years from now. That is the kind of incredible confidence a well-engineered product can provide and no competitor has been able to match it,” says Chapman.

Eva-Last® is in the process of expanding its value chain throughout Europe, North America, Australia and Africa. “With leading safety, fire resistance and performance ratings across the globe, we are poised to take on all climates, territories and architectural styles with our modular products that can be blended into just about any application. This is why we’ve come to be known as ‘The Homemaking Company’. We cannot wait to supply more products to new customers around the world as they turn their dream living spaces into reality,” Chapman says.

Eva-Last

Eva-Last® is a globally recognised and trusted brand that manufactures and distributes specialised bamboo-plastic composite building products.Together with a wide range of decking, cladding and flooring products, Eva-Last® also offers specialised support systems and expert advice, ensuring each and every build is designed to last. Eva-Last® composite profiles and complimentary systems can be found in over 35 countries globally and have been an imperative part of some of the world’s largest building projects. As the leaders in composite building technology, Eva-Last® ensures product quality and customer satisfaction with industry and class leading warranties.