BASF develops new mattresses made from old ones

BASF, a chemical giant, has devised a method for chemically recycling polyurethane soft foam from old mattresses.

It has developed high-quality secondary materials from which industrial partners are developing new foams and mattresses.

Polyols and isocyanates are required to manufacture polyurethane foam mattresses. BASF has now successfully produced high-quality polyols from used mattresses rather than fossil raw sources.

Partner Neveon

Neveon, an integrated foam manufacturer that manufactures polyurethane flexible and composite foams in blocks, rolls, and sheets, is involved in the project. The partner converts BASF's recovered polyols into high-quality mattress foam, with about 80% recycled content. These are currently being deployed for the first time at BASF's Business-Hotel René Bohn.

'We are proud of the success we are making in our cooperation with Neveon,' says Christopher Metz, vice president of BASF's European isocyanates and intermediates business. However, widespread commercial availability of recovered polyols remains a long-term goal. To effectively shut the mattress loop, we must engage all stakeholders throughout the value chain.

Source: BASF