Mattress recycling process | circular cooperation with RetourMatras NL

In the Netherlands, 1.5 million mattresses are discarded every year. Many of those mattresses are recycled into new products such as playground underlays. This process starts with the collection of used mattresses from companies, institutions or the recycling center. The mattresses are collected there by waste and recycling specialist Renewi. From here Renewi transports the mattresses directly to one of the Retourmatras branches. This is where the sustainable and innovative recycling process begins.
First, the textile is removed from the mattress and separated. This is later reused in the textile industry. Any steel from the mattress is also recycled. As soon as the foam has been removed from the mattress, it is cut into pieces and shredded.
These flakes are then mixed with a binding agent. In this cylindrical press, the foam is steamed and pressed. This process kills all bacteria and activates the glue. After the cylinder has dried, it is peeled by Aslon Refoam to the desired thickness.
The rolls are ultimately cut to size into a recycled and brand new product: The Aslon Refoam sheet. A product that is not only used as a fall-absorbing plate under artificial grass on playgrounds, but is also used under indoor floors and improving the acoustics in rooms.
After this process, it is the turn of the green specialists of Donker Groep to give the foam panels a new use at one of the playgrounds throughout the Netherlands. Naturally, the plates are certified for fall heights and meet the strictest requirements for shock absorption. And so the discarded mattress with Aslon Refoam gets a new life, so that we can exercise, play and live safely and carefree.
This completes the circle of recycling. And that thanks to the unique collaboration between four partners who contribute to a clean and sustainable future with this circular process.
More information about the circular collaboration between RetourMatras, Renewi, Aslon Refoam and Donker Groep can be found at www.retourmatras.nl