Waste Management

Polyurethane insulation displays many features which are invaluable in the context of waste management and resource effciency:

It is very durable so that it has a long life and thus early obsolescence and waste are avoided
PUR core sandwich panels are relatively lightweight meaning that structural support can be lighter and fewer, further reducing metallic structural element requirements
Composite panel are easy to assemble but also to disassemble facilitating re-use and recycling
Spray foam PUR can be applied as spray foam on site and serves the dual functions of providing to the building structure water and air tight covering and insulating it. In renovation, spray foam technologies avoid discarding the existing roof structure avoiding demolition and disposal.

Research by the polyurethane industry has demonstrated that at the end of their useful life, polyurethanes' intrinsic energy can be recovered in state-of-the art installations or the material can be physically or chemically recycled.

The choice between the various technologies depends on several technical factors such as volume, qualities and consistency of waste streams, market capacity for recyclates and collection logistics. Local and regional conditions will be key in defining the most environmentally sensible and technically and economically feasible balance between the various waste management technologies.

Energy recovery

Polyurethanes, like other plastics, can be considered as a source of energy when their useful life has come to an end. Their energy value is quite significant.

Burning polyurethane post consumer wastes allows saving primary fossil fuels, thus contributing to energy conservation. Polyurethane can be burnt in combination with other materials such as textile, wood, paper and other plastics.

Incineration of polyurethane can be carried out safely in modern solid waste combustors.

Heat content of various combustible materials, Isopa “energy recovery”.

Recyclability

There are several ways to recycle polyurethane. The choice of the most adequate technique depends on several factors: cleanliness of product, environmental impact, costs and safety.

Physical and mechanical recycling

Oil binders
Polyurethane powder exhibits a higher absorption capacity than sand and dust, and a much lower weight. It is therefore an excellent choice as absorber for oil or many other liquids.

Insulating mortar
Polyurethane rigid foam particles in combination with polyurethane powder can be mixed with water to give an insulation mortar. This mortar is lightweight, provides thermal insulation and is very easy to handle.

Chemolysis
Chemolysis consists in depolymerising polyurethane into building blocks, which can then be used to reconstruct a polymer. This process can give high quality polymer; however, it is somewhat costly and requires clean wastes.