From Rubber & Plastics News
Alexandria, Virginia -- The International Sleep Products Association has announced the completion of a joint pilot programme with Rubber Recovery Inc. to test options for processing and recycling large numbers of used mattresses.
Testing was performed at RRI's facility in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, with the help of several ISPA members, ISPA said in a press release. Simmons Bedding Co. and Park Place Corp. provided hundreds of used mattresses and foundations for the programme, while Leggett & Platt Inc. assigned four experts from their quality assurance and engineering departments to document the tests. Several foam manufacturers will analyse whether the mixture of shredded foam, fiber and fabric is suitable for making re-bond foam for carpet padding, ISPA said.
Other mattress manufacturers, recyclers, component suppliers and retailers observed the tests and shared their insights as to how the RRI process could be adapted to mattress recycling, ISPA said. Leggett and Platt will draft a report making its recommendations as to mattress recycling procedures; ISPA will share the report with all its members and with companies interested in recycling used mattresses.
Founded in 1915, ISPA represents more than 600 mattress manufacturers and suppliers worldwide."