IKEA has different product lines at different price points. They give the option of going with particle board, but spend more money and you get much longer lasting furniture.

Realistically, for people that move around a lot having a very cheap option to fit each living space is just efficient. Particleboard is effectively a form of wood recycling so using it is surprisingly environmentally friendly even if doesn’t last very long. However, once you buy a place it’s time to get something that lasts.