Polyvinylchloride (PVC/plastic) and Polyurethane (PU/plastic Jell-O) makers use labels like Woodlite, FlexWood, and Thermawhite, but they’re all just synthetic petroleum products trying to look like wood. Unfortunately, they’re also weak, heavy, non-recyclable, and emit toxic fumes in a fire. Most plastic shutters are built to sag and must be lifted in place to open or close. Whole Basswood is much lighter and stronger than plastic. Basswood’s strength and rigidity enable elegant designs, tighter tolerances, and little or no sagging in panels and louvers. Elizabeth Shutters is the world’s only major manufacturer to offer 100% whole Basswood for all painted and stained shutters.