Each year, million tonnes of PU waste are generated worldwide, with most of it ending up in landfills or incinerators. Reducing polyurethane foam environmental impact is crucial, making recycling top priority. The purman® method, available through technology licensing, offers an effective and sustainable solution to this growing challenge.
Upcycling PU foam waste is a great environmental and economic opportunity in itself, but the purman® method goes even further. By combining PU foam with an eco-friendly lignin-based binder, we can help reduce carbon emissions, promote a circular economy, and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
Sustainability is at the core of the purman® method
Traditional recycling methods often involve heating materials to high temperatures, consuming substantial energy and contributing to carbon emissions.
The purman® method prioritizes both energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, ensuring a greener approach to PU foam recycling
- The PU foam upcycling process does not require technological heating. This is a significant advantage in terms of energy conservation.
- By utilizing natural binders, the method reduces the reliance on synthetic chemicals, making the process more environmentally friendly.
Using lignin as natural the binder is key to sustainability, as it is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants, especially in wood and bark, making it one of the most abundant organic polymers on Earth.
Mechanically upcycled PU Foam granulate
Reducing polyurethane foam environmental impact by minimizing waste
PU foam waste from various industries typically end up in landfills or is incinerated. Similarly, lignin–a by-product of the paper and pulp industry–is often considered waste and burned for energy.
By incorporating lignin into the PU foam recycling process, both of these waste streams are repurposed, preventing unnecessary incineration and landfill accumulation. This innovative approach not only reduces industrial waste but also enhances the sustainability of the final material.
The dual integration of lignin and PU foam waste marks a major step forward in sustainable material development, transforming discarded by-products into valuable resources for a greener future.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Incinerating lignin and PU foam waste releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, accelerating global warming. The purman® process offers a sustainable alternative by repurposing these materials into valuable products instead of burning them.
By diverting waste from incineration and reducing reliance on energy-intensive recycling methods, our approach significantly lowers carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Supporting Circular Economy
The purman® recycling process aligns with the principles of a circular economy by ensuring that materials are reused, recycled, and kept in circulation for as long as possible. By integrating lignin into PU foam recycling, we further enhance resource efficiency while reducing industrial waste.
This approach reduces dependence on virgin resources and minimizes waste, transforming by-products like waste lignin and PU foam into high-value, sustainable materials. The purman® method serves as a prime example of how industrial processes can be both environmentally responsible and economically viable, driving a more sustainable future.
Economic advantages: Turning waste into value
The purman® method goes beyond waste reduction—it transforms discarded PU foam into valuable new material, creating additional revenue streams and even generating jobs in the recycling and manufacturing sectors.
Integrating lignin into the recycling process further enhances economic benefits. As a readily available and cost-effective by-product of the paper and pulp industry, lignin helps lower production costs, making recycled PU foams more competitive in the market.
The purman® method shows that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, proving that eco-friendly innovation benefits both the planet and business.
Reduce your environmental impact, license the purman® method
Reduce your environmental impact with the purman® method—an innovative approach that minimizes waste, lowers carbon emissions, and supports a circular economy. By licensing this technology, your business can stay profitable while protecting the planet.
