EVA-LAST MARKS INDUSTRY MILESTONE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Johannesburg, South Africa - 17 April 2026 - The materials we build with don’t evolve by chance. They evolve because people challenge the limits of what’s possible.

Over decades, this mindset has driven a shift in how building products are designed, engineered, and expected to perform, extending the focus beyond aesthetics toward long-term impact and real-world functionality.

As global composite building materials manufacturer, Eva-Last marks its 20 year milestone, it celebrates two decades of progress made in helping redefine material performance for modern construction.

From the outset, Eva-Last set out to rethink traditional material limitations, developing composite alternatives that combine renewable resources with engineered performance. Over time, this has translated into building solutions designed not only to meet structural and aesthetic demands, but to respond to the long-term realities of use, maintenance, and environmental impact.

Today, with a distribution footprint that extends to over 30 countries and recognisable applications in various high profile residential and commercial projects, Eva-Last continues to invest in research, manufacturing innovation, and system design that supports more efficient and resilient building solutions.

As the industry has evolved, so too has the understanding of what building material performance truly means. It is no longer defined solely by strength or durability, but by how materials contribute to the way spaces are used over time.

Studies from organisations such as the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Home Builders indicate that outdoor spaces are increasingly being designed as extensions of everyday living, yet their success depends heavily on the materials that underpin them.

Studies in residential design behaviour suggest that outdoor spaces are used up to three times more frequently when they require minimal upkeep, fundamentally shifting them from occasional features into everyday environments. At the same time, property owners consistently overestimate how often they will need to maintain timber surfaces, often by a significant margin, leading to faster deterioration and earlier replacement cycles than anticipated.

This disconnect has real implications. According to these studies, spaces that demand ongoing maintenance are not only used less frequently but are also less likely to be fully furnished or upgraded, limiting both their functional potential and long-term value.

In contrast, it was found that low-maintenance environments tend to see greater daily use, stronger emotional connection, and higher perceived property value.

For Eva-Last, this shift reflects a broader evolution that has taken place over the past two decades. What began as a focus on durability and reduced maintenance has developed into a deeper understanding of how materials influence not just performance, but behaviour.

Material choice is no longer purely a technical decision. It is a decision that shapes how people live, how spaces are used, and how value is experienced over time.

For co-founder and CEO Marc Minne, this evolution reflects not only a shift in the industry, but a principle that has been central to Eva-Last’s journey from the very beginning.

At its core, the company was founded on the belief that better materials should do more than perform, they should contribute positively to the environments in which they are used. Sustainability, in this sense, is not just a product feature, but a driving force behind how Eva-Last approaches design, engineering, and manufacturing.

“Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen a fundamental change in how materials are evaluated. It’s no longer just about how something looks on day one, but how it performs over years of real use,” says Minne. “Sustainability is not only about what a product is made from, but how long it lasts, how it reduces maintenance, and how it supports better outcomes over its entire lifecycle.”

This perspective has guided Eva-Last’s approach to innovation, from advanced composite formulations to manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impact, including the use of solar-powered production.

Co-founder and VP of Brand and Channel Sales, Nathan Chapman highlights how these shifts have shaped both business development and global expansion.

“What’s been most notable over the past two decades is how the conversation around materials has evolved,” says Chapman. “Customers are more knowledgeable than ever, with instant access to information. They’re also more aware of environmental considerations, and want to be confident they’re choosing materials that deliver the best long-term value.

He adds that Eva-Last has not only responded to this shift, but played a role in helping to advance it.

“Through continuous product development, on-the-ground engagement with partners, and a focus on long-term performance, we’ve been able to contribute to that change, helping to shape how materials are understood, specified, and valued across different markets.”

Chapman notes that this alignment between evolving expectations and product delivery has been central to the company’s international growth.

“As we’ve expanded into new regions, the priority has remained consistent, to deliver reliable, predictable performance regardless of geography or climate. That consistency builds confidence, and ultimately, that’s what underpins sustainable, long-term growth.”

Over the past two decades, Eva-Last has played a meaningful role in advancing the global building industry, bringing to market high-performance composite solutions that have helped reshape expectations around durability, sustainability, and long-term value.

Looking ahead, that momentum is only building. With the next generation of product innovation already underway, Eva-Last is set to continue pushing boundaries, helping define what the future of material performance will demand.

For more information on Eva-Last and its range of bamboo composite building solutions, visit http://www.eva-last.com/

-ENDS-

American Institute of Architects – Home Design Trends Survey

National Association of Home Builders – What Home Buyers Really Want Report

National Association of Realtors – Remodelling Impact Report

Houzz – Houzz & Home Study

Joint Centre for Housing Studies of Harvard University – Improving America’s Housing / Maintenance Trends Reports

World Green Building Council – Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront & Lifecycle Reports

McKinsey & Company – Construction & Building Materials Industry Insights

Eva-Last is a globally recognised and trusted brand that manufactures and distributes specialised bamboo composite building products. Together with a wide range of advanced decking, cladding, fencing, architectural beams, fasteners 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 products and complimentary systems can be found in over 30 countries globally and have been an imperative part of some of the world’s largest building projects. As a global leader in composite building technology, Eva-Last ensures product quality and customer satisfaction with class-leading warranties. For the latest news, please follow Eva-Last on Facebook (Eva-Last Global), Instagram (evalastglobal), X (EvaLastGlobal), LinkedIn (Eva-Last Global),Flickr (Eva-Last), and Pinterest (EvaLastDecking), or view the brand's YouTube channel (EvaLast Global) for product information and installation guidelines.