Design for circularity

Besides implementing the EPR for all member companies, Valumat also wants to focus on prevention. Valumat reserves part of the environmental contribution for investments in eco-design in order to achieve a mattress that is easily dismantled and recyclable, without sacrificing sleeping comfort and product differentiation. The guide is the result of one of the actions within the Belgian ‘TakeBack-Obligation Covenant’ and aims to facilitate the move towards more circular mattresses.

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Design-for-Recycling of PU foam

The Design-for-Recycling guidelines for polyurethane foam (PU) are designed to optimise the recycling potential of PU foam, with a specific focus on mattresses and their various material compositions. These guidelines were developed in consultation with PU industry stakeholders and in line with regional and European legislation. The aim is to recycle PU foams more efficiently and at a higher value in the future, focusing on new chemical recycling methods. The document supports the PU industry in making sustainable choices throughout the life cycle and value chain, aiming at a closed-loop model.

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Technologies for recycling textile fibres

Recycling of mattress textiles is one of the biggest challenges in the end-of-life phase of mattresses. These consist of a mix of natural and synthetic fibres, often processed in multi-material fabrics, and treated with various coatings. This makes it difficult to identify, sort and recycle the materials. Many textiles end up in landfills or are incinerated, wasting valuable resources. This study, conducted by Centexbel in collaboration with Valumat and WOOD.BE, examines current and future textile recycling technologies and offers insights for a circular mattress industry.

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