23. Oct 2025
Pearl Group turns waste PET bottles into high-performance PU insulation
The Dubai-based company plans to reuse the equivalent of 420 million PET bottles per year for incorporation into its insulation systems.
Dubai’s Pearl Group has launched an initiative to upcycle post-consumer PET bottles for use in its polyurethane systems, marking a significant step toward circular production. The company is repurposing shredded PET bottles as feedstock in polyester synthesis, producing advanced insulation materials that combine strong mechanical performance with a reduced environmental footprint.
Once fully implemented, Pearl expects the programme to reuse the equivalent of 420 million PET bottles each year. The first commercial batch of the new materials has already been delivered, with full-scale rollout under way across Pearl’s global operations.
The project underscores Pearl’s strategy to align sustainability with innovation by transforming plastic waste into durable materials that improve building efficiency and reduce lifetime emissions. The company says the upcycled formulations enhance product properties such as flame retardancy and thermal insulation, contributing to lower energy use in construction and industrial applications.
“Buildings account for roughly 30% of global CO₂ emissions, and up to half of these emissions can be avoided through proper insulation,” said Leslie Gyertson, chief operating officer at Pearl Group. “By providing systems and solutions, such as sandwich panels, spray foam, and insulation boards, that enhance the energy efficiency of the built environment, we enable our customers to actively participate in mitigating climate change. Foam insulation that incorporates waste PET bottles achieves an even greater impact. It’s not just recycling — it’s upcycling.”
Martin Kruczinna, Pearl Group’s CEO, said: “At Pearl, we believe that becoming a global player comes with a global responsibility. Addressing climate change requires bold action, and we’re proud to be an agent of change in this space. Insulation plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and cutting CO₂ emissions, and by integrating recycled PET bottles into our systems, we are delivering tangible benefits without sacrificing quality. This initiative demonstrates how we can create innovative, commercially viable solutions that benefit our customers, communities, and the planet.”
Photo: Dubai's Museum of the Future [PU Magazine]