A joint appeal has been issued to German politicians and environmental authorities, urging the introduction of better recycling conditions for mattresses. The proposal highlights the lack of an effective national recycling system and calls for regulatory action to align Germany with neighbouring countries already operating successful models.
The Mattress Industry Association, the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), and Ikea Germany co-authored an open letter addressed to around 50 political and environmental figures. They are advocating for the establishment of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system to manage used mattresses. Similar systems in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands have proven effective, according to the letter.
The call aligns with the European Waste Framework Directive, which enables member states to implement national EPR frameworks. Currently, most discarded mattresses in Germany are incinerated. The signatories argue that a regulatory structure would allow for up to 80% of materials to be reused or recycled, helping to reduce waste and preserve resources.
Martin Auerbach, Managing Director of the Mattress Industry Association, stated that the organisation has already begun working on a domestic solution through its initiative Matratzen Recycling Deutschland. However, he emphasised the need for national political backing to ensure long-term viability and planning security.
NABU's federal director, Ingo Ammermann, stressed the urgency of the issue, saying that Germany must seize the opportunity to move from incineration to sustainable recycling. Ikea echoed the sentiment, underscoring the importance of a coordinated effort among manufacturers, retailers, and importers to create a truly circular system for mattress disposal.
Source: www.moebelmarkt.de