PITTSBURGH, Pa.—Covestro has entered into a long-term research partnership with the Mattress Recycling Council. Its aim is to improve and expand mattress recycling in the U.S.
The company hopes the collaboration will foster innovation in end-of-life processes for mattresses, particularly the polyurethane foam component.
Currently, the predominant applications that keep waste PU out of landfill are the manufacture of carpet backing and sports-related surfaces. This new collaboration is part of MRC's research efforts to improve the ways that discarded mattresses are recycled, and to identify new markets for the reclaimed materials.
"We look forward to combining our polyurethanes knowledge with MRC's mattress recycling expertise," said Christine Bryant, Covestro's senior vice president of the Polyurethanes business in North America. "Together, we will attempt to develop new business models to manage the full life cycle of flexible polyurethane foam products."