A process for the production of a light lignocellulose-containing substance having an average density in the range from 200 to 600 kg/m3, in which, in each case based on the lignocellulose-containing substance: A) from 30 to 95% by weight of lignocellulose particles; B) from 1 to 25% by weight of expanded plastics particles having a bulk density in the range from 10 to 100 kg/m3; C) from 3 to 50% by weight of a binder selected from the group consisting of aminoplast resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin and organic isocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups and, if appropriate D) additives are mixed and then pressed at elevated temperature and under elevated pressure, wherein the expanded plastics particles are obtained from expandable plastics particles with a content of blowing agent in the range from 0.01 to 4% by weight, based on the expandable plastics particles.