Circularise has announced substantial progress in its role within the Circular Foam project, an initiative aimed at transforming the recycling of rigid polyurethane (PU) foam. Running from October 2021 to September 2025, this project unites industry leaders to tackle recycling challenges associated with PU foam, a material extensively used in construction, appliances, and insulation. By promoting systemic and territorial recycling strategies, the Circular Foam initiative aims to advance the circularity of PU foam, making it a pivotal step toward sustainable waste management.

The project’s environmental goals are ambitious yet impactful. By 2040, it is projected to prevent 1 million tons of waste, reduce 2.9 million tons of CO2 emissions, and save €150 million in incineration costs. Circularise plays a critical role in refining and testing scalable solutions for circular PU foam recycling, with the ultimate aim of formulating recommendations for Europe-wide implementation.

Spearheaded by Covestro, the project involves key collaborators, including Circularise, Kingspan, Electrolux, and Unilin, with partners across Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Ireland. One of the key challenges the initiative addresses is the lack of standardization in PU foam recycling, despite its energy-saving advantages. Circularise has made notable contributions by advancing product traceability through Digital Product Passports (DPPs). These digital tools securely capture and share essential product data, such as composition, sustainability certifications, and end-of-life (EoL) processes, enhancing recyclability and enabling informed decisions by stakeholders.

Circularise has successfully implemented DPPs for products such as an Electrolux refrigerator door, a Unilin insulation board, and a Kingspan metal panel. These passports provide recyclers with critical material and product information, streamlining recycling processes and improving material recovery rates. Additionally, the project enables secure sharing of proprietary data using blockchain technology and zero-knowledge cryptography, ensuring confidentiality while facilitating collaboration. This innovation sets a new benchmark for data transparency in the recycling sector.

The initiative extends benefits to consumers through public-facing Digital Product Passports (pDPPs). These QR-coded passports offer insights into a product’s lifecycle, from material composition to environmental impact. By providing such information, Circularise empowers environmentally conscious consumers to make sustainable purchasing choices, aligning with growing demands for transparency.

Mesbah Sabur, CEO of Circularise, emphasized the significance of data traceability in driving the circular economy: “Our platform not only enhances recycling efficiency but also empowers consumers to make more sustainable choices. We are excited to further our vision of scaling circularity across the PU foam value chain.”

Having completed its work on DPPs and pDPPs for the Circular Foam project, Circularise plans to expand its platform to other materials and industries, reinforcing global recycling efforts and supporting the transition to a circular economy.