Going poly-wood: Syracuse company makes products from high-density poly lumber.

• Author: Keaton, Joanne
• Position: Poly-Wood Inc.

Do you ever wonder what happens to those empty plastic milk containers after you toss them at a recycling station? They may end up in the Indiana community of Syracuse, where they'll be made into captain's chairs, gliders, trellises, coffee tables or a variety of other items.

Forget the equation which says plastic equals flimsy if you're talking about Poly-Wood Inc.'s products. The company uses high-density poly lumber to make goods, and that translates into about 500 bottles per chair. In fact, the poly lumber has a weight equal to hardwood. For units left outdoors, that weight is a defense against being knocked over or blown away by wind.

Though up to the elements, some Poly-Wood items are suitable for indoor use. An example is the Trade Winds rocker, which won a Design Excellence Award for its category in 1993 and received the Best of Show honor as well.

"Nothing sticks to poly, even paint," says company President Mark Phillabaum. If a poly piece needs sprucing up, almost any cleaner will do the job. Phillabaum suggests using a power washer or even a manual car wash.

Such easy upkeep makes poly lumber perfect for children's goods. As a supplier to Radio Flyer, the company makes "earth wagons," teeter-totters and picnic tables. The wagons are almost complete when they leave Syracuse: Radio Flyer prefers to add the wheels and tongues.

Poly-Wood's products go beyond home and family needs. On contract with the military, the company made side boards for Desert Storm vehicles. The firm also manufactures hatches, ladders and other goods for the marine industry. An...