Industry

Pioneering circular solutions to transform the building and construction sector

Embracing circularity is essential in the architectural and construction sector, and we, together with our partners, are committed to offering diverse solutions. From mechanical recycling to further exploring chemical recycling methods, we aim to revolutionize construction practices for a more sustainable and resilient tomorrow.
Contact expert

Mechanical Recycling: Transforming waste into valuable resources

Recycling is a crucial factor for achieving a circular and low-carbon construction. Mechanical recycling of PU foams is a significant step forward in this direction and it is already existing today.Through this process, companies collect and process end-of-life rigid Polyurethane foam insulation boards, transforming them into new, high-quality boards. The approach promotes reuse of materials, reducing the need for virgin resources, and cutting down on waste generation.

In simpler terms, PU foams are collected, shredded into smaller pieces, and processed to make new boards, all while maintaining the foam's original quality to provide a durable new material.

Closing the loop on PU insulation boards through mechanical recycling.

Our trusted partner, Puren, plays a vital role in advancing this innovative process, turning recycled PU materials into durable, high-performance insulation boards.

Chemical Recycling: Innovative solutions for a more sustainable future

While mechanical recycling is a significant step forward, we are also pioneering chemical recycling through the EU-funded Circular Foam project1. This collaborative initiative, involving 22 partners from nine EU countries, aims to achieve full circularity for PU rigid foams. Chemical recycling processes, such as chemolysis and smart pyrolysis, break down used PU foams into their molecular components. These components can then be used to make new PU foam with the same high quality as the original. 

With the Circular Foam project, we're making significant strides in chemical recycling for rigid polyurethane foam, moving us closer to our vision of full circularity.

Fernando Resende

Marketing Manager Building & Construction at Performance Materials, Covestro

Our commitment to sustainable innovation

We are dedicated to sustainability and innovation. By using both mechanical and chemical recycling, we aim to set new standards in the construction sector. Our goal is to reduce waste, lower emissions2, and create a circular economy model that can be replicated across Europe and beyond.

As leaders in the Circular Foam project, we work with top universities and industry partners to develop these recycling processes. Together, we are making the construction industry more sustainable and ready for future challenges.

Circular Foam (circular-foam.eu) 
Emissions reduction based on internal LCA calculations  stages A1-A3 (cradle-to-gate) according to the EN15804+A2 standard using a mass balance approach.

Curious? Check out the FAQs!

How do end-of-life raw materials get back to you?

This varies from region to region. We work in partnership with waste collection companies to find the best solutions. 

How does Covestro's "Circular Foam" project aim to improve the chemical recycling of rigid foams?

The project aims to develop a feasible and scalable solution, transforming PU rigid foam back into chemicals that can be converted again into foams, keeping the same properties from the fossil-based version.

What advancements in recycling technologies are being made to enhance the circularity of PU rigid foam?

Through the Circular Foam project, Covestro, together with its partners, is testing different alternatives for chemical recycling to find a feasible solution to transform end-of-life PU rigid foams back into foams while maintaining the same performance.

Have you already built recycling plants at Covestro sites?

Covestro is already running a pilot facility for recycling of PU flexible foams and is currently working to find a solution for end-of-life for PU rigid foams, through the Circular Foam project.

Which partners do you collaborate with to ensure effective recycling?

For the Circular Foam project, Covestro is working together with 22 partners from the PU rigid foam value chain, aiming to find a feasible solution for chemical recycling of these foams.

Read more articles on this topic

  • 一座正面带花园的更可持续的高层建筑。
    故事

    净零隐含碳

    在我们的 Klima Festival 研讨会上,专家设想了如何在建筑的生命周期中实现净零隐含碳。

 1 Emissions reduction based on internal LCA calculations  stages A1-A3 (cradle-to-gate) according to the EN15804+A2 standard using a mass balance approach. 

Contact us

Contact Partner

您今天的主要诉求是什么?

您如何形容自己?

您对什么类型的材料感兴趣?

您对什么类型的行业感兴趣?

这是什么类型的查询?

如何联系您?

您请求的主题是什么

您提供给我们的信息

*必填信息

有关数据处理的信息可查看我们的 隐私声明

申请样品
{"FieldName":"ProductName","Endpoint":"https://covestro-prod-ffm.apimanagement.eu2.hana.ondemand.com/hybrispim/products_typeahead?identKey=GB6LiyNSG0YYxXXEpmO8EyoUdFLN0Roi&CLIENTID=DHLTHP&CLIENTSECRET=2DNknMSM9HF5ubP2qdBg&extended=true","Language":"zh","PermissionQuery":"","BrandLabel":"Brand","ProductLabel":"Product","NoResultLabel":"没有结果","MaxItem":5}

请求一个样本

申请报价
{"FieldName":"ProductName","Endpoint":"https://covestro-prod-ffm.apimanagement.eu2.hana.ondemand.com/hybrispim/products_typeahead?identKey=GB6LiyNSG0YYxXXEpmO8EyoUdFLN0Roi&CLIENTID=DHLTHP&CLIENTSECRET=2DNknMSM9HF5ubP2qdBg&extended=true","Language":"zh","PermissionQuery":"","BrandLabel":"Brand","ProductLabel":"Product","NoResultLabel":"没有结果","MaxItem":5}

{"FieldName":"","Endpoint":"https://covestro-prod-ffm.apimanagement.eu2.hana.ondemand.com/hybrispim/products_typeahead?identKey=GB6LiyNSG0YYxXXEpmO8EyoUdFLN0Roi&CLIENTID=DHLTHP&CLIENTSECRET=2DNknMSM9HF5ubP2qdBg&extended=true","Language":"zh","PermissionQuery":"","BrandLabel":"Brand","ProductLabel":"Product","NoResultLabel":"没有结果","MaxItem":5}

We're thrilled to have you on board. You’re just a click away to stay ahead of the curve with insights, innovations, and inspiration. Please check your email inbox to confirm your interest!

Once you're in, you'll be the first to receive our latest news and updates.

Best regards,

Your Covestro Team

Compare