July 14, 2025
RECYCLING INITIATIVES FOR MATTRESSES IN EUROPE
EPR Schemes and National Approaches in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France
This article examines the state of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and mattress recycling in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. It highlights country-specific frameworks, common challenges, and outcomes, whilst addressing material recovery achievements, with a focus on flexible polyurethane foam.
Across Europe, the end-of-life (EoL) management of mattresses is undergoing significant transformation, driven primarily by regulatory mandates and circular economy objectives. With more than 45 million mattresses sold and approximately 40 million reaching end-of-life each year in the EU, the recovery of polyurethane foam and other valuable materials has become a strategic priority.
In recent years, notable progress has been made across Europe, largely due to two key drivers: increasing environmental awareness and binding legal requirements, factors which have served as the primary regulatory “push” behind mattress recycling efforts.
Context: European Landscape & Legislative Drivers for Mattress Recycling
The EU’s main legislative initiatives to improve waste management and recycling are the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) (Directive 2008/98/EC, currently under revision) and the Landfill Directive. They guide EU Member states to prioritise waste prevention, reduce the environmental impact of waste, and enhance resource efficiency. The EU’s ultimate objective is to achieve a 65% target of municipal waste prepared for recycling or reuse by 2035.
The WFD mandates EU Member States to work towards these objectives and provides a catalogue of measures countries may adopt to meet these objectives. One of the key policy mechanisms profiles being Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. Another important piece of legislation is the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which may introduce requirements for recycled content in new products, stimulating demand for PU recyclates. Some other aspects currently discussed as part of the ESPR can also help improve operations of EPR schemes, notably Digital Product Passports, which could contain useful information for recyclers.
Together, these frameworks would create both push (waste responsibility) and pull (recycled content demand) factors across the value chain in the future.
EPR Schemes and the Case for Mattress Recycling
The Environmental Rationale
The environmental benefits of mattress recycling are well established. A 2020 study by the European Bedding Industries’ Association estimated that in 2017 around half of all discarded mattresses in the EU were landfilled, while only 14 % were recycled. Although many countries have made progress since then, the data clearly indicate that there remains significant potential to further improve mattress recycling across the EU.
According to a case study by Ingka Group, recycling a single mattress can avoid up to 76 kilograms of CO₂ emissions compared to incineration. If all EoL mattresses were properly recycled, it could prevent the release of over 3 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. Complementary findings from the Municipality of Utrecht estimate that recycling high-quality mattresses saves approximately 23.25 kg of CO₂ per unit. Assuming an average of 20 kg per mattress, this equates to 1.16 tons of CO2. While the underlying methodologies differ in scopes, both data sets clearly illustrate the significant environmental benefits of mattress recycling.
Research in the Netherlands estimates that the cost of avoiding one tonne of CO₂ through mattress recycling is approximately €138 [2]. For comparison, this is more than twice the average price of CO₂ allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) in 2024, which stood at around €65 per tonne, although ETS prices peaked at €100 per tonne in 2023. This comparison highlights that, while mattress recycling delivers clear environmental benefits, it remains a relatively cost-intensive method of CO₂ abatement, underscoring the need for targeted policy support.
The Economic Case
The economic reality of mattress recycling, however, paints a more complex picture. They are often composed of mixed, heterogeneous materials, many of which are contaminated or inseparable. Therefore, dismantling and recycling can be complex processes resulting in high operational costs and low-value material recovery – especially concerning non-metal and non-PU parts. In the absence of market demand sufficient to absorb the cost of recycling, it is rarely a profitable activity.
Two other factors should be mentioned. Firstly, mattresses are heavy products with low density, which require costly transport to i) a disposal centre, ii) a dismantling unit, and finally to iii) a recycling plant. In other words, mattresses require more transport costs per ton than mixed waste streams with a higher density.
The Example of France |
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In France, there are 4300 disposal centres (point of origin) contracted for the collection of waste mattresses and furniture. After being collected in these centres, waste mattresses are being sent to 150 sorting centres (collecting points) in the country, which separate mattresses from furniture and remove mattresses units for recycling. The ‘recyclable’ mattresses are then sent to one of the 8 dismantling (and recycling) sites in the country, where the materials are separated, sorted and either recycling on sire or sold to other recyclers. |
On top of this, only clean and dry mattresses can be recycled; mattresses that are not dry or not clean should be considered as residual waste and must be incinerated. Assuming clean and dry mattresses, recycling of up to 90% of the mattresses’ weight is possible in practice, thus leading to a very small residue that must be incinerated[2].
This economic imbalance strengthens the case for EPR schemes. By requiring producers to contribute financially to the end-of-life management of mattresses, EPR frameworks help distribute costs across the value chain and enable the development of structured systems for collection, dismantling, and recycling. While mattress recyclers can and do operate outside EPR schemes, such schemes can provide critical early-stage support, particularly in building infrastructure and offsetting the costs of recycling materials with limited market value. EPR schemes also encourage product design improvements, support research into recycling innovation, and reduce the financial burden on public waste systems. Without them, scaling mattress recycling to meet circular economy targets would likely be slower, less coordinated, and more dependent on fluctuating market conditions.
EPR schemes for batteries, end-of-life vehicles, electric and electronic equipment, and packaging are implemented across the EU – because they are mandated by EU law. For mattresses, that is still not the case. While reasons vary, this is primarily due to different (national) legislative frameworks, unequal recycling infrastructure, and diverse waste management practices. Nevertheless, a common ground could be sought under the forthcoming Circular Economy Act to be published in 2026. An indicative timeline for adoption has been set at 2029[3].
Country-by-Country Overview
That being said, several national initiatives are already in place, each with its specific characteristics. EPR schemes for mattresses are currently operational in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and, more recently, Spain (Ecocolchon). The latter will not be included in the below analysis due to a lack of publicly available data. In parallel, several other European countries are actively working towards the introduction of mattress-specific EPR legislation: in Portugal, legislation is already in place that mandates the creation of EPR schemes for mattresses and furniture, and the industry is also taking initiatives to creates such schemes in Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria, albeit in the absence of a compulsory legal framework for the moment.
The following section examines the already existing approaches adopted by the selected countries, highlighting the implementation and outcomes of their respective systems.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands covers a total area of approximately 41,545 km², of which about 33,481 km² is land. The country has a population exceeding 18 million inhabitants. This yields a population density of approximately 533 people per square kilometre.
- In operation: A mattress-specific EPR scheme has been fully operational since 2021 and has been legally binding since 2022.
- Governing body: The Mattress Recycling Netherlands (MRN) Foundation.
- Origins: Started as an industry-led programme, a foundation consisting of five Dutch mattress manufacturers and importers (IKEA B.V., Beter Bed Holding N.V., Koninklijke Auping B.V., Swiss Sense B.V., and Hilding Anders Netherlands B.V.) that make up 86% of the market share, took the initiative to collectively manage mattress recycling.
- Volumes: The average weight of a mattress, across all types, is 18kg, with an average lifespan of 13 years. Approximately 1.5 million mattresses are discarded each year, of which 1.2 million are household mattresses[4]
- Current status: Approximately 65% of the EoL mattresses are collected. Of those, 75% are considered to be in suitable condition for recycling, while the remaining 25% are deemed non-recyclable due to factors such as contamination, wetness, infestation, or complex construction.
- Objective: 75% recycling rate of mattresses by 2028[5], with up to 90% of collected weight converted into useful recyclates.
- Financing model: Mattress manufacturers and importers are obliged to pay a disposal and recycling fee on all mattresses of approximately €10.50 per mattress [2]. To achieve 2028 recycling rates, it is estimated that the fee needs to be increased to €12.50. This fee is not separately presented on the bill for consumers.
- Leading industry actor: RetourMatras is operating automated and manual disassembly systems, with four mechanical and one chemical recycling plants for flexible polyurethane foam in the Netherlands. In 2022, the company recycled nearly 1.5 million mattresses, saving 114 million kgs of CO2-eq and providing the market with nearly 20,000 tonnes of recycled material.
Belgium
Belgium spans a total land area of approximately 30,494 km². Its population stands at about 11.83 million people. This corresponds to an average population density of roughly 385 inhabitants per square kilometre.
- In operation: Active since January 2021.
- Governing body: Valumat, a non-profit Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) designated to manage the collection, recycling, and reporting obligations for mattresses in Belgium.
- Origins: Initiated following Belgian legislation requiring producers and importers to take responsibility for end-of-life mattresses. It includes compliance from large e-commerce platforms and covers various collection channels such as municipal recycling parks (Recyparks), thrift shops, and retailer take-back programmes.
- Volumes: An estimated 1 million mattresses are discarded annually in Belgium, with an average weight of 17 kg and a lifespan of 11 years.
- Current status: Valumat reports that 60% of mattresses placed on the market are now being collected. This amounts to approximately 600,000 mattresses (around 10,000 tonnes) being collected or identified in bulky waste streams each year. Of this total, 5.9 Kt, or approximately 350,000 mattresses, are processed by dismantlers. About 10% are classified as “lost” due to hoarding or export for non-recycling uses, such as protecting second-hand cars during shipping.
- Objective: Valumat aims to reach an 80% collection rate, as set by the Flemish Government, and improve downstream recycling rates through better collection quality and dismantling efficiency.
- Financing model: Mattress producers and importers pay a mandatory environmental contribution per unit placed on the Belgian market, which supports the collection, dismantling, and treatment processes. The fee varies by mattress size and is adjusted annually by Valumat’s General Assembly, based on actual costs and market conditions.
- Leading industry actors: Major dismantlers include RetourMatras, Matras Recycling Europe (MRE), Veolia, and Secondly.
France
Metropolitan France – the European part excluding overseas territories – covers approximately 543,940 km² of land. Its population is estimated at 66.35 million inhabitants. This results in an average population density of around 122 people per square kilometre.
- In operation: A mattress and furniture EPR scheme has been operational in France since 2012
- Governing body: ÉcoMaison (formerly known as Eco-Mobilier), a state-approved, non-profit Producer Responsibility Organisation, manages and coordinates the collection, dismantling, recycling, and reporting of EoL mattresses, among other household goods.
- Origins: Launched in response to national legislation requiring producers and distributors to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of furniture and bedding products. The scheme includes large and small retailers, e-commerce platforms, and municipalities, integrating mattress collection with furniture waste streams.
- Volumes: Approximately 6 million mattresses are placed on the French market annually, with an estimated equal number of mattresses reaching EoL stage every year. Of these, around 4 million are collected each year, representing 72,000 tonnes. The average mattress weighs 18 kg and has a lifespan of 11–13 years.
- Current status: Since 2013, France has reduced the landfilling rate for mattresses in the country from 100% in 2012 to less than 4% today. Of the mattresses collected, around 50% are recycled, with the remainder sent to energy recovery due to contamination or inseparability. Around 8,700 tonnes of PU foam is currently recovered for recycling, while roughly 3,900 tonnes are classified as inseparable and incinerated.
- Objective: Improve collection rates (to reduce the estimated 2 million “missing” mattresses), enhance dry storage and segregation practices to increase recycling yields, and expand processing capacity as needed.
- Financing model: Funded through a visible eco‑participation fee applied at the point of sale, varying by mattress size. In the early years, fees ranged from €1.67 to €3.33 per unit. Incentives for recycled material use (up to €50/tonne for PU foam) have been in place since 2021.
- Leading industry actors: There are currently eight dedicated recycling sites for mattresses, operated by four main entities: RecycMatelas (4 sites), Secondly (2 units), Veolia (1 site), and Retour Matras (1 recently opened facility).
Challenges & Bottlenecks
As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for mattresses become more widespread across Europe, attention is shifting from implementation to optimisation. While the analysed countries have established robust collection systems, a number of persistent challenges hinder the efficiency and economic viability of mattress recycling. These include:
- Inconsistency between the number of mattresses placed on the market and those effectively discarded and captured by collection systems. Factors such as hoarding, informal disposal, and cross-border movements result in an estimated 10% of mattresses being “lost” from the system.
- The condition of collected mattresses also presents a major barrier. High moisture levels, often resulting from inadequate storage or transportation, render up to 50% of collected mattresses unsuitable for recycling. This is particularly problematic given that most recycling processes – especially for PU foam – require dry and uncontaminated inputs to be viable.
- The complexity of mattress design. A significant portion of material, particularly textile and foam composites, is found in inseparable fractions, making it difficult or impossible to process through standard mechanical methods. This has led to higher levels of energy recovery (incineration) rather than true material recycling.
- The market uptake of recycled PU foam remains limited. This is partly due to the downstream players’ reluctance to incorporate recycled content into new products (like mattresses and furniture). Certification schemes like CertiPUR™ could, in the future, help address these concerns and accelerate adoption by providing manufacturers and consumers with greater confidence in recycled materials.
- Balancing supply and demand for recyclates. As more countries implement EPR schemes and collection volumes increase, there is growing uncertainty about the capacity of downstream markets to absorb these materials. Therefore, market saturation is a real risk unless regulatory measures, such as mandatory recycled content requirements, are introduced to ensure sustained demand.
- Geographic and demographic variables. Urban centres often benefit from higher collection rates due to better infrastructure, while rural and remote areas can suffer from logistical and cost-related barriers. Regions with high tourist activity may also present atypical usage and disposal patterns, complicating uniform collection strategies.
Key Takeaways & Conclusion
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes have become essential tools in Europe’s efforts to scale up mattress recycling. In countries where EPR frameworks are fully operational (such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and France), mattress recycling rates are significantly higher, reaching 70% in some cases.
Beyond mattresses, flexible polyurethane foam used in furniture presents both a significant opportunity and an even greater challenge for recycling. The volumes involved are substantial, yet the diversity of materials and construction methods used in upholstered furniture makes dismantling and recycling far more complex. This underscores the critical importance of eco-design: products must be conceived from the outset to facilitate separation and material recovery. At the same time, the development of dedicated recycling infrastructure, supported where needed by EPR schemes, will be essential to unlocking the circular potential of these high-volume applications
A key advantage of EPR schemes is that they provide a level playing field and enable a strategic approach to waste management within a given territory:
- Companies that place products on the market (manufacturers, retailers, or online platforms) are legally required to join an EPR scheme. No actor is exempt, ensuring universal and consistent rules for both domestic and cross-border sellers.
- The funds collected through these schemes are used to contract local waste management operators, covering the costs of collection, transport, and recycling, when the intrinsic value of materials is low. This financial structure helps set up and sustain recycling activities that would otherwise be economically unviable.
- EPR schemes can also support research and development, for instance by funding innovation through calls for proposals. Numerous mattress recycling initiatives across Europe have already benefited from such grants.
- They can stimulate market uptake of recyclates through eco-contribution modulation. This is already practised in France, where reduced fees apply to mattresses containing recycled materials sourced from end-of-life products.
Nevertheless, economic trade-offs remain a challenge. Recycling of mattresses, particularly those containing complex, contaminated, or moist materials, incurs substantial costs. This highlights the need for well-designed policies, particularly when setting eco-fees, offering financial support for recycling infrastructure, and encouraging the design of products that are easier to recycle or made with recycled materials.
In conclusion, Europe’s experience with mattress recycling demonstrates that EPR frameworks are a critical enabler of circularity. However, their long-term success will depend on tackling a range of operational and structural challenges, from improving the condition of collected mattresses to stabilising markets for recyclates. Without such coordinated action, the full environmental and economic benefits of mattress recycling may remain unrealised.
References
[1] Municipality of Utrecht. ‘Beschrijving Monitoring en Bepaling CO2-Uitstoot Gemeente Utrecht’ [In Dutch]. April. Available online: https://data.utrecht.nl/dataset/co2-uitstoot-gemeente-utrecht (accessed on 8 December 2021); as per Faber, B.; Gradus, R. Recycling of Discarded Mattresses Through Extended Producer Responsibility: Is It More Cost-Effective than Incineration? Sustainability 2025, 17, 5542. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125542
[2] Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Kennisgeving van het Algemeen Verbindend Verklaren van de Overeenkomst Inzake de Afvalbeheerbijdrage voor Matrassen [Notification of the General Binding Declaration of the Agreement on the Waste Management Contribution for Mattresses]. Staatscourant 17 December 2021, Nr. 49806. Available online: https://mrn.nl/app/uploads/2021/1 2/AVV-Overeenkomst-Matrassen.pdf (accessed on 8 December 2021). (In Dutch)
[3] European Commission. Communication from the Commission: Ecodesign for Sustainable Products and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025–2030; COM (2025) 187 Final; European Commission: Brussels, Belgium, 2025. Available online: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/ legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0187.
[4] Narinx, M. Op weg naar een Circulaire Matrasketen. Verkenning van de Matrasketen en de Mogelijkheden voor het Sluiten van de Matrasketen in de Regio Utrecht-Amsterdam [Towards a Circular Mattress Chain. Exploration of the Mattress Chain and Possibilities for Closing the Mattress Chain in the Utrecht-Amsterdam Region]; Research Report; Utrecht Sustainability Institute: Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2016. (In Dutch)
[5] Faber, Bram, and Raymond Gradus. 2025. “Recycling of Discarded Mattresses Through Extended Producer Responsibility: Is It More Cost-Effective than Incineration?” Sustainability 17, no. 12: 5542. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125542