Environmental Initiatives in Automotive Design Strengthened

A new method for recycling polyurethane headliner scrap from dismantled automobiles at end-of-life will be presented at Polyurethanes Expo 2003. The Expo is scheduled for Oct. 1-3 in Orlando, Fla.

The recycling method handles headliner scrap comprising of adhesive, glass or natural fibers, textiles, paper and polyurethane rigid foam materials that are particularly difficult to recycle mechanically. It uses a modified rebond foam technique to first produce big buns which can be cut into slices and processed again to make valuable new parts.

"This technology opens an emerging, effective and economic route for recycling polyurethane rigid foams and composite headliners which until now have not been considered mechanically recyclable," says Dick Mericle, executive director of the Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry.

"The polyurethanes industry is actively pursuing new and innovative recycling and re-use avenues," says Mericle. "Recent efforts have helped start up a community mattress recycling facility in Oakland, Calif., that recycled over 50,000 mattresses in 2002 and is on pace to recycle over 60,000 mattresses in 2003. Due to the success of this operation, it is being used as a model for recycling centers in other cities."

For more information about API and Polyurethanes Expo 2003, contact Lisa Smith at 703-741-5656, or visit the API web site at

www.polyurethane.org.