LCA of Polyurethanes from Glycolysis of Waste Upholstery: a Sustainable Recycling Approach

Polyurethanes (PUs) are widely used materials with a broad spectrum of applications. Their versatility and ability to adapt to various needs arise from their segmented structure, which consists of both rigid and flexible segments, and the control of variables such as chemical composition, functionality, and the molecular weight of the reagents. However, PU foam waste accumulation, resulting from de-commissioning of aging vehicles, poses a significant environmental challenge. The need to reduce the ecological impact of PU foam waste has led to the exploration of sustainable solutions, such as chemical recycling, specifically glycolysis, which enables the recovery of polyols from PU foam waste for reuse in the production of new materials. Glycolysis is a chemical recycling process in which waste polyurethane materials are broken down using glycol-based agents. In this context, this study presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model to evaluate the environmental impact of polyurethanes derived from the glycolysis of PU waste. By adopting this methodology, the project aims to demonstrate that recycled PU foam waste use through glycolysis not only reduces waste but can also significantly contribute to a lower ecological footprint, promoting a more sustainable life cycle for the materials used in passenger transport seat cushions.