The Influence of Increasing Polyurethane Recyclability and Renewable Content on Material Flows

Today, polyurethanes (PU) are effectively non-recyclable and are made from non-renewable, fossil-fuel derived resources. With technology to increase PU recyclability and its renewable content under development, this status quo could be dramatically altered, causing shifts in the PU supply chain, markets for precursors, and use patterns of downstream products. To understand the sustainability implications of these shifts, we first use material flow analysis (MFA) to characterize today’s PU supply chain starting with raw materials. These include isocyanate, a compound that poses key sustainability challenges. The MFA also includes information about the relative uses of PU in a variety of products in building and construction, furniture and bedding, packaging, and electronics. Finally, it evaluates end-of-life options for PU, which are dominated by disposal. We explore how increasing PU recyclability and renewability could change MFA and influence its overall sustainability.