Wood products: Everywhere for everyone

• Bath towels
• Toothpaste
• Nail polish
• Makeup
• Disinfecting wipes
• Medications
• Paints
• LCD screens
• Ping-pong balls

Toothpaste

Toothpastes can contain several different wood components, including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), also known as cellulose gum, and xylitol. CMC is used primarily because it has a high viscosity, is non-toxic and is hypoallergenic. It is added to food products as a thickening agent and/or to prevent mixtures from separating during storage in products like dry cake mixes, instant macaroni and cheese dinners, and chewing gums. It is also used in many non-food products, such as toothpastes, laxatives, diet pills, eye drops, water-based paints and detergents.

CMC is manufactured by mixing cellulose with chlorinated acetic acid (acetic acid is the chemical name for vinegar). This makes it soluble and hydrophilic—binding easily with water molecules—and ideal for use in liquids and gels.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar substitute that can be made from xylose, the sugar molecule from hemi-cellulose. Xylitol is usually extracted from birch trees or other hardwoods and is used mainly as a sweetener in oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste, fluoride tablets and mouthwashes.