When you think of wood, a few obvious items likely come to mind: guitars, fences, desks, and even toilet paper. But wood’s role in our daily lives goes far beyond the expected.
Through modern innovation, wood can be broken down into its core components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These elements are then transformed into ingredients used in a surprising range of everyday products.

You might be surprised to learn that wood plays a role in:
- Bath towels
- Toothpaste
- Nail polish
- Makeup
- Disinfecting wipes
- Medications
- Paint
- LCD screens
- Ping-pong balls
And that’s only the beginning.
From clothing and books to hockey sticks, cabinetry, and even building materials, wood-based components are everywhere, quietly supporting the products we rely on every day.
Wood products: Everywhere for everyone – Natural Resources Canada
What Does Wood Make? 60 Everyday Products