Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Materials: Why MgO Boards Lead the Way 

29 Jan Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Materials: Why MgO Boards Lead the Way 

How often have you searched for sustainable and eco-friendly building materials that reduce your environmental impact? Probably hundreds. Well, sustainable building materials are not easy to find. There is much to consider, from material acquisition to manufacturing and usage. 

Multiple building materials are available in the market. However, MgO boards have earned the title of Green architecture material. There are multiple reasons behind this. MgO is not just an eco-friendly construction material; it also has exceptional features. 

Magnesium oxide boards are resistant to fire, moisture, and noise. The material does not break or deform easily, making it a long-lasting solution for builders. They are also easy to handle and can be your ally in extreme weather. 

What else do MgO boards offer? Natural building materials are feasible for indoor and outdoor environments and give your space an aesthetic look. 

Are you excited to know more? This blog post will provide a detailed overview of magnesium oxide boards, a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. So, let’s get into the topic. 

Why Sustainability Matters in Construction

As the human population increases, the impact on the environment also increases. From seemingly simple actions like choosing construction materials to the biggest policies, every action has an impact on the environment. Research shows the construction industry will account for nearly 2.2 billion tons of waste in 2025. 

And this is just the waste statistics.

Every product has an environmental impact from material extraction until its end of life. Therefore, it’s non-negotiable to opt for sustainable construction practices, too. 

Take, for example, a material that requires a high amount of energy for extraction and manufacturing, and the resource is scarce, too. Quite an unsustainable practice, isn’t it? 

Transportation, usage, and end-of-life all have a high impact on nature. On top of that, what if the material is not resistant to extreme conditions? That sounds like a nightmare. Combining all these things will have a huge negative impact on the environment. It will not only impact nature (in a negative manner, though!)

Now, compare it with a material that is abundant in nature and does not require high energy during manufacturing. Moreover, it offers resistance against fire, moisture, and noise. And it’s not a welcoming host for pests, mold, and mildew. Not only this, the building material is recyclable, leaving no residue after usage. Sounds too good to be true, right? 

When comparing both materials, consider which is the most sustainable choice. Of course, the latter one is the most sustainable option because it is durable, eco-friendly, and can remain functional for a longer time. Only a small decision but it made a HUGE impact on the environment for not one year or two but for decades. 

The choices you make today in construction will impact the environment for years. Therefore, it is necessary to make sustainable choices.

MgO Boards: An Overview

Magnesium oxide boards are a green building material with a cleaner life cycle. Europe and China supply the majority of magnesium carbonite. Magnesium oxide (MgO) is produced by applying pressure and heat to magnesium to oxygen. 

After heating, the MgO takes on the properties of stone. After being pounded into a powder, it is combined with perlite, wood dust (cellulose), water, chloride, sulfate (or Epsom salts), and other substances. Manufacturers typically don’t utilize harmful materials or volatile organic compounds when making the boards.  However, you need to finish the board with either paint or plaster to make it look neat. 

Here are the top reasons that make MgO boards environmentally friendly construction materials:

• Made from natural, non-toxic materials 
• No harmful chemicals or VOCs emitted during production
• Fully recyclable and reusable
• Low energy consumption in manufacturing
• Free from asbestos and other hazardous substances
• Long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements
• Does not contribute to deforestation (compared to wood-based products)

Now that we know what magnesium oxide boards are, let’s compare them with different materials to see what makes them a sustainable building material. 

MGO Boards – A Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Material

Magnesium oxide board is a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. Here’s a detailed comparison to see what aspects make MgO boards stand out in the crowd as a green construction material:

Physical features are important parameters for checking the sustainability of the material. But there is A LOT more that adds to the definition. So, here is the performance feature of different construction materials:

Here is the comparison of the application, cost, and environmental impact of different construction materials: 

The overview of the comparison of different aspects shows that MgO boards are eco-friendly green building materials. Let’s compare the magnesium oxide boards with traditional boards. 

MgO Boards Vs. Gypsum Boards (Drywall)

Well, Gypsum boards remained the undefeated king in the construction industry for quite some time. And no doubt, it earned that credit with exceptional properties. Here is a head-to-head comparison of MgO boards and Gypsum boards:

The comparison of MgO boards and Gypsum boards showed that gypsum boards are fire-resistant but degrade at high temperatures. Meanwhile, MGO boards are made of organic building material and are non-flammable. The material does not melt or catch fire even if the temperature rises to 1200 degrees. MGO boards are highly resistant to water, mold, and mildew, while gypsum is susceptible to moisture and mold.

The composition of both boards showed that Magnesium oxide boards are made of non-toxic material and are abundant in nature. This accounts for the sustainability of Magnesium oxide boards as well. However, Gypsum is not readily available in nature. 

Gypsum has a lower initial cost, but it requires replacement after some time because it can wear and tear easily. MGO boards are costly because of their exceptional features, like versatility. They are highly durable, while gypsum is prone to cracking and denting. 

MGO boards have versatile applications. They are used on walls, ceilings, floors, and exteriors. Gypsum has limited applications and is only used for interior walls and ceilings. Gypsum is a very lightweight material that can easily be handled, while MGO boards are lightweight but heavier than gypsum. 

All in all, MgO boards are eco-friendly and made from natural, recyclable materials. Compared to MGO boards, gypsum is less eco-friendly and contains chemical additives, making it a second option in the presence of MgO boards.

MgO Boards Vs. OSB Boards

Here is the comparison of OSB boards and MgO boards:  

OSB boards are another traditional building material. They are flammable unless treated with a fire retardant. Meanwhile, MgO is a non-combustible material that is highly resistant to fire. MgO boards are highly durable and impact-resistant, whereas OSB boards are durable but weaken when exposed to prolonged moisture. OSB boards are easier to handle and lighter than MgO boards. MgO boards are resistant to water, mold, and mildew. In comparison, the OSB board is susceptible to swelling and growing mold when the surface is wet. 

MgO boards are organic building materials, while OSB is made from wood veneers, which raises concern over deforestation. Magnesium oxide boards are used in walls, ceilings, floors, and exteriors, while OSB boards are only used for structural sheathing, flooring, and roofing. OSB boards have a lower initial cost, but they require higher maintenance over time. MgO boards come with a higher upfront cost but offer long-term value.

MgO Boards Vs. Plywood 

Plywood is another material that has been used for construction. Here is the comparison of MgO boards and plywood. 

MgO boards are non-combustible materials, so they are highly resistant to fire. However, plywood may burn and char easily. The reason? Plywood is actually wood, and it catches fire easily. MgO boards are highly resistant to water, mold, and mildew. Plywood is also resistant to water but wraps when soaked. 

MgO boards are green building materials made from natural and recyclable materials. On the other hand, plywood is made from wood veneers, raising concerns about deforestation. MgO boards are versatile and can be used in walls, ceilings, floors, and exteriors. At the same time, plywood has only structural applications. It is only used for furniture and flooring. 

MgO boards are more durable than plywood. Plywood is prone to splitting or delamination.

Plywood is lightweight compared to Magnesium oxide boards. Because of its lightweight, plywood is easier to handle and transport. Plywood has a lower initial cost but requires higher maintenance over time. MgO board has a higher upfront cost but offers better long-term value.

MgO Boards Vs. Cement Boards

Both MgO and cement boards are non-combustible and highly resistant to fire. Magnesium boards are also highly resistant to water, mold, and mildew. Cement boards are also moisture-resistant but can grow mold on their surfaces. 

MgO boards are eco-friendly building materials and highly nontoxic. They are made from natural, recyclable material, but cement is not. Cement production and manufacturing process requires high energy and water, which is a big turn-off. 

MgO boards are lightweight and easy to install compared to cement boards. In addition, they are highly durable. While cement is considered a durable material, it is prone to cracking. 

MgO boards have versatile applications in walls, ceilings, floors, and exteriors. Cement has limited applications; it is only used for tile backers, boards, and exteriors.

MgO Boards Vs. Fiber Cement Boards

Here is a comparison of Magnesium oxide boards with fiber cement boards to see which is the most sustainable building material. 

MgO boards are non-combustible and have excellent fire resistance. Similarly, fiber cement boards are also good for fire resistance. Magnesium oxide boards are eco-friendly options that are also non-toxic. Meanwhile, fiber cement boards are made from cement, sand, and fibers, all energy-intensive products. Mgo board is highly resistant to water and mold. Like MgO boards, fiber cement boards are also resistant to moisture but absorb water over time. 

MgO boards have vast applications because they are used on walls, ceilings, floors, and exteriors. However, fiber cement is commonly used for exterior siding and roofing. All these features of Magnesium oxide boards come with a price. That’s why they are more costly than fiber cement boards. 

Compared to fiber cement boards, MgO boards are made from materials that strengthen and make them durable. MgO boards are lightweight, whereas fiber cement boards are heavier and more labor-intensive to install.

Why MgO Boards Are a Leading Building Material 

Based on the comparison with other building materials, we come to the point that magnesium oxide boards are a sustainable and ecologically friendly construction material. Here are the common reasons why MgO boards are leading the way as sustainable alternatives to construction materials:

Fire resistance 

First, the comparison showed that magnesium oxide boards have higher fire resistance than drywalls, OSB, plywood, and cement boards. The material can withstand high temperatures, up to 1200*C, without breaking and deforming. Moreover, MgO boards are non-combustible, meaning they do not catch fire easily, giving enough time for residents to leave in case of emergency. 

Moisture resistance

Another reason MgO boards are considered a sustainable housing material is their high moisture resistance. Related to this point, these boards resist pests and mold growth, making them a durable architectural material.

Strength and Structural Integrity

Magnesium oxide boards have high strength, which accounts for their structural integrity. When the right components (polyurethane) are added, MgO boards become stronger. They harden and can easily support weight.

In contrast, the 12mm 2440 x 1220 board can withstand up to 13.7 MPa, while the 9mm 2440 x 1220 board can withstand up to 14 MPa. Therefore, it is stronger and harder than plasterboard. 

Noise Resistance 

No matter if you need a separate space to work without distraction or you’re annoyed to voices, MgO boards can be your one and only choice.

MgO boards are noise-resistant materials. They cannot let your secrets pass from one wall to another. Because of their porous structure, MgO may absorb sound. Compared to more conventional soundproofing materials like plywood or gypsum board, these soundproof boards perform better. Their special composition provides excellent sound insulation against impact and airborne noise.

Eco-friendly Building Material

Traditional building materials like plywood, cement, and gypsum boards all use materials that are not abundant in nature, or their manufacturing somehow involves excessive use of natural resources. However, MgO boards are leading the way because they require little to no resources and have a minimum impact on the environment throughout their life cycle. 

Recyclability

The cherry on top is the recyclability of MgO boards. Unlike any other building material, Magnesium oxide boards are recyclable. Traditional construction materials are in landfills since they cannot be reused or recycled. However, MgO boards can be recycled. You can repurpose it as insulating material or use it for garden bordering. There are many other ways to blow your mind when using recycled MgO boards. 

Multiple Applications

Usually, construction materials are restricted to one or two applications. However, MgO boards are leading the construction industry because they have multiple applications in indoor and outdoor environments. From walls to ceilings and subflooring, MgO boards won’t fail to impress. 

Now that we know what MgO boards are and what makes them an alternative construction material let’s examine their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and Disadvantages of MgO Boards

With all these benefits, there are certain drawbacks, too. Here is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of MgO boards to see what makes it a rival of alternative construction materials 

Where to Get the Eco-friendly MgO Boards

Knowing about sustainable construction materials is one thing, but knowing where to get high-quality materials is another. Sulfycor is committed to manufacturing eco-friendly green building materials. Yes, it’s MgO boards.

With more than eight years of expertise, we upgrade to deliver the greatest experience since we value quality over quantity. Our Guangxi-based company has happy customers in over 20 countries. Here is what we offer:

• Non-toxic (Chloride-free) MgO boards 
• High-quality MgO boards that meet ISO standards for quality and safety 
• Customized MgO boards to cater to diverse needs 
• Door-to-door service
• 24/7 availability 

Do you want to talk to the professionals about this? Contact us via phone or our social media accounts for instant help.

In a Nutshell

That’s everything you need to know about what makes MgO boards a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. From cleaner production to manufacturing and end-of-life, MgO boards are proven to be a green building material. These boards are recyclable and have little to no impact on the environment. So, if you’re conscious about your environmental footprint, make sure you invest in sustainable MgO boards. Head to Sulfycor to get the environmentally friendly architectural material.