Dow Polyurethanes (Horgen / Switzerland; www.dowpolyurethanes.com) has launched a pilot project using blockchain technology to test if “ChemChain” (www.chemcha.in), an EU-funded programme developed as an open-source global blockchain platform for the chemical industry, is able to support its “Renuva” mattress recycling programme (see Plasteurope.com of 05.06.2020).

Specifically, the company is testing the transfer of information on chemical products from manufacturers to consumers, recyclers and waste operators.

Blockchain can speed up information exchange and improve polymer traceability, transparency and circularity of products, compared to existing information systems. It ensures that data can be identified at every stage in a product’s lifecycle. Recyclers can gain quick access to verified information to identify an appropriate action for the disposal or recycling of end-of-life mattresses.

Industry association Europur recently reported that various chemical recycling projects for mattresses are progressing rapidly, and that within Europe, the Netherlands is leading in mattress recycling innovation (see Plasteurope.com of 27.01.2021).