In Amsterdam, the recycling of old mattresses has dramatically improved, with around half being processed for reuse instead of ending up in incinerators or landfills. Facilities like RetourMatras dismantle mattresses into recyclable materials, including foam and metal springs, and have developed innovative processes for turning old foam into new chemicals for manufacturing. This initiative has gained traction with partnerships, particularly with retailers like IKEA, aiming to enhance their circular economy practices and sustainability goals, with significant investments aimed at increasing recycling capacity.
"In the past, shredded foam could only be 'downcycled' into a lower-quality material for products like carpet backing. Now, if you buy an Extorp sofa or Poäng chair from IKEA in Europe-or a new mattress-it will likely contain foam partially made with chemicals that RetourMatras recycled from old mattresses."
"We would like to recycle as many mattresses as IKEA puts on the market globally," says Alberic Pater, who manages business development at Ingka Investments. (Last year, the company sold more than 11 million mattresses.)
"Incineration or landfill was still commonplace, because the cost was far cheaper than recycling," he says. Cost is still a challenge, but we are seeing a shift as consumer demand for sustainable practices grows."
"Around half of Dutch mattresses are recycled, and that number is growing. More than 80% of a typical mattress can be recycled."
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