Recycle Redesign and Reuse through Renuva

Dow introduces Renuva™, a circular economy program in collaboration with the value-chain

HORGEN, SWITZERLAND – In efforts to lead the transition from linear to a circular economy of polyurethane materials at commercial scale, Dow has been actively seeking out and engaging value chain partners through its Renuva™ program. A key initiative under the Renuva™ program umbrella is the RENUVA™ Mattress project which sets out to recycle polyurethane foam from end-of-life mattresses, so as to prevent them from ending up in landfills.

Renuva™ is a global program and an ambitious sustainability initiative from Dow, attempting to breathe new life into used products and close challenging resource loops, by adopting an integrated approach and involving the whole value chain. With Redesign, Recycle, Reuse and Re-Manufacture as its core values, a key objective of Renuva™ is to optimize the use and reuse of resources and ultimately minimize the volume of waste going into landfills or incineration.

The RENUVA™ Mattress project will endeavor to bring the entire value chain together in a new business eco-system model with opportunity for partnerships between recycling companies, equipment and material manufacturers, brand owners and other stakeholders. As a first step, Dow has partnered with H&S Anlagentechnik to develop a commercially viable recycling method for polyurethane mattresses.

Dow’s leadership position in manufacturing of polyurethane materials gives us a unique opportunity through the Renuva™ program, to play a responsible role in supporting the development and implementation of a circular product’s lifecycle – from creation to use to re-use,” said Marcel Moeller, Global Sustainability Leader for Dow Polyurethanes. “While this program is a key component of Dow’s efforts to achieve our own 2025 sustainability goals - particularly advancement of the circular economy - the whole industry will benefit.”

Dow Polyurethanes
Dow Polyurethanes develops and delivers a broad portfolio of technologies and customized solutions to customers in a variety of industries under its DurableScience, ComfortScience and InsulationScience category brands. Applications range from industrial and infrastructure solutions, to consumer comfort solutions in flooring, furniture, bedding and footwear, to automotive solutions for vehicle interior, and energy-efficient insulation materials. The business manufactures and sells key chemical components as well as fully-formulated polyurethane systems for rigid, semi-rigid and flexible foams, and coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and composites. Dow is the world's largest producer of propylene oxide (PO), propylene glycol (PG), and polyether polyols, and is a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates, such as MDI. Striving to meet the specific needs of its customers in their local geographic regions, Dow Polyurethanes operates a global network of production sites and systems houses, as well as innovation and service centers. The business has an ongoing initiative to lead the industry in providing high-performance products that meet critical market needs and contribute to a more comfortable, healthier and resilient society. For more information, visit www.dowpolyurethanes.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines one of the broadest technology sets in the industry with asset integration, focused innovation and global scale to achieve profitable growth and become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company. Dow’s portfolio of performance materials, industrial intermediates and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for our customers in high-growth segments, such as packaging, infrastructure and consumer care. Dow operates 113 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 37,000 people. Dow delivered pro forma sales of approximately $50 billion in 2018. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.

For further information contact:

Neil Fernandes
+971 44537173

Meisoon Nasralla
+32 487 722 814

Porter Novelli
meisoon.nasralla@porternovelli.be