Particleboard Production, Markets, and Raw Material Trends in the United States

A questionnaire mailed to all particleboard plants operating in the United States in 1973 showed that more than 90 percent of all board produced was medium density particleboard. Approximately 99 percent was manufactured by the platenboard process with the remainder by the older extruded process. The average platenboard plant produced 65 million sq. ft. (3/4-inch basis). Major intended uses of the particleboard manufactured were for mobile home decking, floor underlayment, and core stock. A small amount of particleboard was also produced for exterior siding. An average of 1.5 tons (dry weight basis) of wood raw materials went into each 1,000 sq. ft. of finished particleboard produced (3/4-inch basis). Most of this material was some form of wood residue. Of all wood raw materials reported, 7 percent was roundwood; 65 percent planer shavings; 10 percent plywood mill waste; 3 percent slabs, edgings, and trimmings; 9 percent sawdust; 5 percent pulp-type chips; and 1 percent other types of residue. Less than 1 percent was veneer core, and no bark use was reported. Plant managers in the Pacific Northwest expressed the most concern about present and future raw material supplies. Many hoped to increase their use of sawdust to offset shortages of other types of residues. However, this does not appear to be a good solution to their raw material problems since sawmills are trying to reduce the amount of sawdust produced and much that is produced is being used for fuel.

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