Recticel Insulation proudly announces the opening of its new industrial-scale recycled polyol plant in Wevelgem (Belgium), a major milestone in the company’s long-term sustainability strategy and a decisive step toward circularity in the insulation sector.
The new facility, developed as part of Recticel’s broader circularity ambition, enables the recycling of post-industrial PIR (polyisocyanurate) production waste into high-quality recycled polyol, a key raw material used to manufacture new PIR insulation boards.
Circular PIR technology
Recticel Insulation is the first PIR producer to invest at this scale in a recycled polyol reactor. This enables the company to convert PIR offcuts and production scrap from all its manufacturing sites back into usable polyol for new products.
This closed loop delivers a significant reduction in waste, dependence on raw materials, and greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing Recticel’s commitment to sustainable construction.
Industrial performance with a lower CO₂ footprint
The facility is designed to recycle up to 4,000 tonnes of PIR waste annually, contributing to a substantial reduction in the company’s environmental footprint. The recycled polyol produced is expected to deliver a 30–50% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with conventional virgin polyol.
This breakthrough will replace one third of the virgin polyol used in PIR boards with recycled polyol, without compromising product performance.
Strengthening Recticel’s leadership in Sustainable Innovation
“Circularity is not a slogan for us, it is a design principle,” says Ward Dhaese, e.g., Innovation Manager. “This new plant demonstrates how high-performance insulation materials can be engineered for repeated lifecycles, moving our industry away from linear production models.”
The initiative also aligns with Recticel’s rebranding and its renewed commitment to building trust, technical expertise, and long-term innovation across the construction value chain.
A foundation for future circular projects
Beyond recycling its own PIR waste streams, the plant creates the foundation for future circular initiatives, including:
•Higher recycled content across the product portfolio
•Potential take-back programs
•Significant waste reduction throughout the insulation value chain
The opening of the new facility marks the beginning of a new chapter in PIR circularity, one where advanced engineering, resource efficiency, and sustainability merge into one continuous loop.
Find out more about sustainability and circularity at Recticel Insulation.
