Particle board, oriented strand board (OSB) and similar board of ligneous materials other than wood, whether or not agglomerated with resins or other organic binding substances

HS code 441090 covers a diverse range of engineered wood products, including particle board, oriented strand board (OSB), and other ligneous materials-based boards. These materials play a crucial role in the construction, furniture, and packaging industries, providing cost-effective and versatile alternatives to solid wood. As the global demand for sustainable and efficient building materials continues to grow, the importance of this industry within the broader economy is expected to increase.

The production of particle board, OSB, and similar boards typically involves the following key steps: raw material preparation, particle or strand formation, mat formation, pressing, and finishing. The raw materials, which can include wood chips, sawdust, or other lignocellulosic materials, are first processed and dried. They are then formed into particles or strands, which are then arranged into mats. These mats are then pressed under heat and pressure to bond the materials together, often with the addition of resin or other binding agents. The final boards are then trimmed, sanded, and may undergo additional finishing processes to meet specific requirements.

The main inputs required for the production of particle board, OSB, and similar boards include various types of lignocellulosic raw materials, such as wood chips, sawdust, and agricultural residues. Additionally, resins or other organic binding substances, such as urea-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde, are commonly used to agglomerate the materials. Specialized machinery, including particle or strand formation equipment, mat formers, and hot presses, are also essential for the manufacturing process.

The primary outputs of HS code 441090 are particle board, OSB, and other engineered wood panels. These products are widely used in the construction industry for applications such as flooring, wall panels, and furniture components. They are also used in the packaging industry for creating sturdy and lightweight containers. Other industries that may consume the outputs of this code include the furniture manufacturing 940320 Furniture, wooden, of a kind used in the bedroom and the interior design 940360 Furniture, wooden, n.e.s. sectors.