Minerals; mixtures and articles of heat-insulating, sound-insulating or sound-absorbing mineral materials, other than those of heading no. 6811 or 6812 or of chapter 69

HS code 680690 covers a diverse range of mineral-based materials used for heat insulation, sound insulation, and sound absorption. These products play a crucial role in the construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries, helping to improve energy efficiency, acoustic comfort, and overall building performance. As a key component of the broader mineral processing and materials science sectors, this industry contributes significantly to the global economy and sustainable development.

The production of 680690 materials typically involves the processing and refinement of natural mineral resources, such as rock wool, glass wool, and expanded perlite. These raw materials are subjected to various thermal, mechanical, and chemical treatments to enhance their insulating and sound-absorbing properties. The final products may be manufactured into a variety of forms, including loose-fill, blankets, boards, and molded shapes, to meet the specific requirements of different applications.

The main inputs for the 680690 industry include mineral raw materials, such as 250900 Perlite, 270100 Coal, and 270500 Natural gas, as well as specialized machinery and equipment for processing and shaping the materials. Energy sources, such as electricity and natural gas, are also essential for the production processes. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce with expertise in materials science, engineering, and manufacturing.

The primary outputs of the 680690 industry are a wide range of heat-insulating, sound-insulating, and sound-absorbing products, which are used in various sectors, including 940600 Construction, 860900 Transportation, and 841919 Industrial machinery. These materials help improve energy efficiency, acoustic comfort, and overall building performance, making them essential for sustainable construction and infrastructure development. The outputs of this industry may also be used as inputs for other related industries, such as 680610 Slag wool, rock wool and similar mineral wools, 680620 Exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays, foamed slag and similar expanded mineral materials, and 680690 Mineral insulation materials.