Why Does It Seem That Magnesium Sulfate Board More Widely Used in Australia & New Zealand Than in The U.S.?

Why Does it Seem that Magnesium Sulfate Board More Widely Used in Australia & New Zealand Than in the U.S.?

In the global shift toward greener and safer building materials, Magnesium Sulfate Board (MgO Board) has been gaining recognition for its outstanding fire resistance, moisture resistance, and sustainability.

But here’s something interesting: while the U.S. market is still dominated by gypsum boards and OSB, Australia and New Zealand seem to embrace MgO boards much faster, with broader applications and stronger demand.

Why is that?

1. Stricter Building Codes & Fire Safety Awareness

Australia and New Zealand face high wildfire risks. Recent devastating bushfires have made fire performance a top priority in construction. Local building codes (e.g., Australia’s NCC) set very clear requirements for fire ratings, creating natural demand for materials like MgO boards. In contrast, the U.S. has strong codes as well, but traditional materials are still deeply entrenched in the supply chain.

2. Market Size & Flexibility

The U.S. construction materials market is massive and well-established. New materials face longer timelines and stricter certification pathways before they can replace mainstream products. Australia and New Zealand, while smaller markets, tend to be more flexible and open to innovative materials that deliver performance advantages.

3. Sustainability & Green Building Push

Australia and New Zealand are at the forefront of sustainable construction. Certifications such as Green Star and LEED play a key role in project selection. As a non-asbestos, low-carbon, and eco-friendly product, MgO boards naturally fit these requirements.

4. Broader Applications

In Australia and New Zealand, MgO boards are not just used for walls and ceilings, but also for subfloors, exterior cladding, modular housing, and light steel framing projects. By contrast, in the U.S. market, usage is still limited to niche applications.

In summary: the difference isn’t in the product itself, but in how local regulations, market flexibility, and sustainability priorities shape adoption.

For manufacturers and suppliers, this highlights a key insight: Understanding local codes, project needs, and market mindset is just as important as having the right product.

If you’re exploring alternatives to traditional cement or gypsum boards for your next project, let’s connect — we’d be glad to share insights and solutions that match your market needs.