Frequently asked questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions about RetourMat, mattress recycling, rejuvenation and our circular solutions.
Recycling
What happens to a mattress when it is recycled?
Mattresses are broken down into their individual material streams, including foam, textiles and steel. These materials are then processed so they can be used again wherever possible, helping keep valuable resources in circulation and reducing waste.
What types of mattresses can you recycle?
We process a wide range of mattress types from retailers, manufacturers, hospitality businesses, local authorities and other organisations. If you have a specific mattress type or waste stream, contact our team and we can advise on the most appropriate solution.
Do your UK operations send mattresses to landfill?
No. Our UK operations divert 100% of the mattresses we process from landfill. We focus on recovering as much value as possible from each mattress through recycling and material recovery.
What happens to the materials recovered from mattresses?
Recovered materials are separated into individual streams and supplied for further processing and manufacturing. In the UK, 92% of the materials we recover are returned to UK manufacturing.
Can RetourMat arrange mattress collections?
Yes. We work with businesses to develop collection and logistics solutions based on their volumes, locations and requirements. Contact us to discuss the most suitable approach for your organisation.
Rejuvenation
What is mattress rejuvenation?
Rejuvenation extends the useful life of mattresses that are suitable for reuse. Rather than automatically recycling a mattress, we assess whether it can be professionally processed and returned to use.
How do you decide whether a mattress can be rejuvenated?
Mattresses are assessed against defined criteria to determine whether they are suitable for rejuvenation. Those that meet the required standards can be processed for reuse, while mattresses that aren’t suitable can be directed to recycling.
Why rejuvenate a mattress rather than recycle it?
Keeping an existing product in use for longer can preserve more of the value and resources already invested in it. That’s why our approach prioritises extending a mattress’s useful life where appropriate, before recycling it when it genuinely reaches the end of its life.
Is rejuvenation suitable for every mattress?
No. Not every mattress is suitable for rejuvenation. Mattresses that don’t meet the required criteria can instead enter our recycling process so their component materials can be recovered.
Working with RetourMat
Who does RetourMat work with?
We work with organisations across the mattress lifecycle, including manufacturers, retailers, hospitality businesses, local authorities and other organisations looking for more circular ways to manage mattresses and their materials.
Does RetourMat operate across Europe?
Yes. RetourMat brings together specialist mattress recycling, rejuvenation and circular material expertise across Europe, operating as one European company with a shared mission.
Can you provide information about the impact of our mattress recycling?
Yes. We can provide customers with data and reporting to help demonstrate the impact of their mattress recycling activity and support their sustainability reporting.
Can RetourMat create a bespoke solution for our business?
Yes. Different organisations have different volumes, logistics and sustainability objectives. Our team can work with you to develop a solution around your individual requirements.
How do I start working with RetourMat?
Simply contact our team and tell us a little about your requirements, including the type and approximate volume of mattresses you need to manage. We’ll discuss the most appropriate recycling, rejuvenation or circular solution for your organisation.
Contact us to discuss the possibilities.
Contact us without obligation and discover how our expertise and experience can add value.
Prefer direct contact?
Call: 01254 205 155