A composition for making a molded article such as a reel flange, and a method making the same, are provided. The composition may consist essentially of about 75-95 wt % dry waste wood and about 10-25 wt % binder such as melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) or PMUF resin. The waste wood may be recycled wood fiber from pine or other hardwoods, sawdust and wood chips. The method comprises mixing dry waste wood with MUF or PMUF resin binder to make a wood/resin mixture, and compressing the wood/resin mixture in a mold cavity at a pressure and temperature.

A reel for carrying cable, wire or other wound materials is provided. The reel comprises a paperboard drum and molded flanges. The drum forms a friction fit with a hub located on each flange and forms an adhesive bond at an annular groove defined by each flange. The friction fit and the adhesive bond secure the flange to the drum sufficiently to eliminate the need for bolts or other attachment means.