Raw materials are unprocessed or minimally processed substances that serve as the fundamental components essential for the production of goods or the provision of services. They can come from natural sources such as plants, animals, and minerals obtained through mining or extraction, and also include synthetic materials created through chemical processing. Raw materials are categorized mainly into three types based on their origin: plant/tree-based (like wood and latex), animal-based (like leather and wool), and mining-based (like metals and crude oil). Additionally, raw materials in manufacturing are often divided into direct raw materials (primary components for finished products) and indirect raw materials (supplementary materials used in production).
In summary:
- Raw materials are the basic, natural, or minimally processed inputs used to create products.
- They include materials like wood, metal ores, crude oil, cotton, leather, and minerals.
- Raw materials are vital starting points in manufacturing and production processes.
- They can be direct (main materials for products) or indirect (support materials for production).
This foundational role makes raw materials crucial to various industries including automotive, textiles, electronics, and construction.
