- Evonik's hydrolysis process converts flexible PU foams back to polyol raw material.
- Vita Group is trialling recycled polyols in flexible foam applications.
- 40 million mattresses are discarded annually in Europe, creating 600 kilotons of waste.
- Evonik's process offers higher recycled polyol use compared to existing technologies.
Partnership for Recycling Innovation
The Vita Group has partnered with Evonik to develop an efficient chemical recycling process aimed at converting flexible polyurethane (PU) foams back into their original polyol raw material. This collaboration is part of Vita's commitment to advancing a circular economy.
Hydrolysis Process
Evonik, a leading supplier of additives for polyurethane foam manufacturing, has developed a hydrolysis recycling process. This process has the potential to significantly increase circularity within the flexible PU foam industry by enabling the recycling of used flexible PU foams and mattress materials.
Environmental Impact
According to EUROPUR, around 40 million mattresses are discarded annually in Europe, resulting in 600 kilotons of waste, including over 300 kilotons of PU foam. Evonik's new process aims to reduce the number of mattresses incinerated or sent to landfills each year by offering a more efficient recycling method.
Future Developments
Evonik plans to scale up trials of its hydrolysis process, further supported by its partnership with The Vita Group. The process promises higher use levels of recycled polyol compared to existing technologies, contributing to the global flexible PU industry's sustainability goals of reducing waste and increasing the use of renewable raw materials.
