Grade B

Grade B waste wood, also known as industrial waste wood, consists of a mixture of treated and non-hazardous materials, making it suitable for industrial applications. It may include materials similar to Grade A waste wood, such as solid softwood and hardwood, building and demolition materials, and domestic furniture made from solid wood. It may also contain a limited percentage (typically 5% to 10%) of former panel products like chipboard, MDF, and plywood. 

Prior to processing, Grade B waste wood may contain nails, metal fixings, and certain non-wood materials such as paints, plastics, glass, grit, coatings, binders, and glues. However, there are limits on the presence of treated or coated materials, as defined by end users and Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) regulations. 

Grade B waste wood is sourced from a variety of industries and operations involved in wood product manufacturing, distribution, retailing, packaging, and secondary manufacture. The typical sources of raw materials for recycling Grade B waste wood include: 

  1. Wood Product Manufacturing: Waste wood is generated during the production processes of wood products, including furniture, doors, windows, and panel boards. Offcuts and waste materials from these manufacturing activities contribute to the Grade B waste wood stream. 
  2. Distribution and Retailing: Similar to Grade A waste wood, wooden packaging waste from distribution and retailing operations is a common source of Grade B waste wood. This includes crates, pallets, and other packaging materials used for transporting and storing goods. 
  3. Construction and Demolition Operations: Grade B waste wood also originates from construction and demolition activities. This includes discarded wood materials from building sites and demolished structures. 
  4. Joinery and Pallet Reclamation: Joinery and pallet reclamation processes contribute to the Grade B waste wood stream. These activities involve working with wood materials and produce waste wood suitable for recycling. 

Grade B waste wood is the preferred feedstock for industrial wood processing operations involved in the manufacture of panel board products. It serves as a valuable resource for producing particle boards, medium-density fiberboards (MDF), and plywood.  

It can also be used as a feedstock for biomass fuel production. It provides a renewable and sustainable alternative for energy generation in compliant biomass installations.