BICO is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality mattresses and bed systems. The company belongs to the international Hilding Anders Group and places great emphasis on quality, comfort, and innovation. Hilding Anders Switzerland is committed to sustainability by using environmentally friendly production processes and recyclable materials. They are also part of the recently founded Mattress Alliance, which is committed to promoting the circular economy of mattresses.
As part of the Reffnet case, which we processed for BICO, to identify potential improvements in resource utilization within BICO in Schänis SG, all material flows were identified and a material flow analysis was created. In addition, the waste streams were evaluated in detail.
To reduce resource consumption for the production of mattresses, there are several approaches that go hand in hand:
- The use of secondary materials: Mattresses are designed in such a way that it is possible to use secondary materials.
- Design for recycling: Mattresses are designed so that they can be easily recycled at the end of their life.
- Use of renewable raw materials: No fossil fuels are used in the production of mattress components; only renewable raw materials are used.
- Reduction of waste production: Solutions based on the principle of reduce, reuse, recycle should be found for the waste generated during production.
Not all materials used in mattresses can be recycled or manufactured from secondary materials. After examining suitability and the current situation, the use of secondary foam in particular showed very high savings potential. In addition, the production of covers made of pure polyester also offers great potential. This is mainly because these covers can be recycled more easily than covers made of various textiles. In terms of waste, recycling textile waste into acoustic panels or internally into filling material proved to be very promising.
This case clearly shows how environmental impacts can be reduced right from the product design stage and how the course can be set for the product and its materials to enter the recycling loop.
Photo Credits: Rocco Cristofaro, bico