Beaulieu International Group innovates vinyl recycling for a sustainable future

Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) is pioneering efforts to enhance vinyl recycling, aiming for a more sustainable and circular future. Flexible vinyl is an exceptional material, known for its versatility, durability, reliability, and flexibility. However, integrating recycled content into flexible vinyl applications has proven to be challenging. To address this, the DISSOLV project was launched. This initiative aims to boost the use of recycled components in flexible vinyl by replacing virgin materials, such as PVC resin, polyester fibers, fillers, and plasticizers, with recycled alternatives.

Coordinating for success

“Recycling is of great importance for B.I.G. to take innovative and sustainable steps in the production of our Cushion Vinyl solutions," says Lara Misseeuw, Innovation Project Manager at B.I.G. "With B.I.G. serving as project coordinators, we have expressed our commitment to future recycling opportunities and have brought together various partners to form this consortium." The consortium brings together several industrial players, each contributing their expertise in PVC recycling. Chlo? Magherman, Innovation Project Engineer at B.I.G., explains: "Three companies will evaluate the process technology for incorporating rejuvenated PVC recyclate into new or existing applications. At Beaulieu, we focus on vinyl flooring, while SIOEN specializes in PVC-coated textiles, and Empire Carpets International works on flooring mats. INEOS Inovyn is developing new technology to separate PVC resin, polyester, and plasticizers from flexible vinyl waste. ExxonMobil Chemical Europe, an expert in plasticizer processing and flexible PVC formulation, is also a key participant. Additionally, research institutions and government bodies like Centexbel, Vlaio, and Catalisti are supporting the project."

Collaborative Efforts

For 36 months, all parties will collaborate intensively to advance flexible PVC recycling. "The cross-pollination of ideas and expertise is crucial," notes Lara Misseeuw. "Engaging everyone in the value chain is essential for working towards a sustainable future for PVC. At Beaulieu, we believe this collaborative approach is the right way forward to ensure we remain a world leader in our respective fields and continue to lead the way in recycling our solutions.”

Closing the Loop

INEOS Inovyn has developed an initial pilot line capable of separating PVC components. These different waste streams can now be tested by companies looking to utilize recycled PVC. "We are starting to test these waste streams in our production process and hope to have initial results by the end of the year", shares Lara Misseeuw. "Our ultimate goal is to convert post-consumer PVC floor waste collected by us into material that can be reused in our cushion vinyl production process. We want to close the loop as much as possible", concludes Chlo? Magherman.

Read our full press release at https://www.bintg.com/news/collaborating-innovate-vinyl-recycling-circular-future