Why is recycling PU foam cans better than incinerating them?

Against the backdrop of global responsibility for the climate and environment, the topic of resource conservation is becoming increasingly important. In 2012, PE International AG, a company specializing in life cycle analyses, was therefore commissioned by PDR to conduct a study that identifies and compares the different recycling routes for PU foam cans.

In order to conserve valuable raw materials, the collection of recyclable materials, the efficient use of finite resources and high-quality material recycling must be optimized.

The recycling of PU foam cans, including their residual contents, is an example of how these goals can also be achieved with hazardous materials.

The life cycle assessment clearly proves that, from an ecological point of view, the PDR recycling system is clearly superior to conventional processes (material recycling of the packaging, but thermal recycling of the residual contents). Consistent material recycling of packaging material (plastic, tinplate, aluminum) and residual contents (prepolymer, propellant gases) achieves the greatest savings in energy and raw materials.