polyuretaanijärjestelmän

Polyurethane waste, or polyuretaanijäte in Finnish, encompasses scraps, cuttings, defective products and discarded items that contain polyurethane foams or resins, including insulation boards, rigid foams, flexible cushions, coatings and adhesives. It originates from manufacturing offcuts, construction decommissioning, post-consumer products and improper handling of polyurethane-containing materials.

Composition and risks: Many polyurethane products include additives such as flame retardants, blowing agents and catalysts. When disposed, polyurethane can release toxic diisocyanates during processing, and fragmentation can contribute to microplastics. The waste is often contaminated with coatings, metals or adhesives, complicating recycling. Proper handling requires segregation and control of emissions and residues.

Management options: Mechanical recycling grinds foam scraps into crumb or pellets for insulation or cushioning, though contamination limits applicability. Chemical recycling, including glycolysis, hydrolysis or aminolysis, aims to recover polyols and sometimes isocyanates for new polymer production. Energy recovery by controlled incineration or cement kilns is used where recycling is not viable. Landfilling is generally avoided, except where no alternative exists, and depends on national regulations.

Regulation and scope: In many regions polyurethane waste is subject to hazardous waste rules or producer responsibility schemes. Regulations cover classification, collection, transport, treatment and disposal, as well as environmental and health safeguards for workers. Public agencies and industry bodies promote recycling standards and traceability of recycled polyols and foams.