Wood pellets are a type of biomass fuel commonly used for heating purposes. They are typically made from the byproducts of wood processing and other forestry activities. The raw materials used to produce wood pellets include:

1. Sawdust: This is one of the primary raw materials for wood pellets. Sawdust is the small particles and shavings created during the process of sawing wood.
2. Wood Chips: These are small pieces of wood obtained from various wood processing activities. They can come from forestry operations, lumber mills, or other wood manufacturing processes.
3. Logging Residues: Leftover materials from logging operations, such as tree branches, tops, and other woody biomass, can be used to produce wood pellets.
4. Wood Shavings: Similar to sawdust, wood shavings are often produced during wood processing and can be used in pellet production.
5. Bark: The outer protective layer of trees, bark, is another potential raw material. While it is not as commonly used as other sources, it can be included in some pellet formulations.
6. Forest Residues: Various residues from forestry activities, such as thinnings and tree tops, can be utilized in pellet production.
7. Wood Residues from Woodworking Operations: Leftover wood materials from manufacturing processes, such as furniture making or carpentry, can also be used to produce wood pellets.

It’s important to note that the quality and characteristics of wood pellets can vary depending on the raw materials used and the manufacturing process. The use of wood pellets as a renewable energy source is considered environmentally friendly, as the raw materials are often byproducts of other industries and would otherwise be discarded or left to decompose. Additionally, wood pellets are considered a carbon-neutral fuel source because the carbon dioxide released during combustion is roughly equal to the amount absorbed by the trees during their growth.