08. Jul 2026
KPX Chemical and Chinyang Polyurethane to build flexible PU foam recycling plant in Korea
KPX Chemical has secured exclusive Korean rights to H&S Anlagentechnik’s polyurethane recycling technology and plans to start commercial recycled polyol production in June 2027.
KPX Chemical and affiliate Chinyang Polyurethane are entering the flexible polyurethane foam recycling market in South Korea.
KPX Chemical said it had secured exclusive rights in Korea to patented recycling technology from Germany-based H&S Anlagentechnik and would establish a recycled polyol production system for flexible polyurethane foam.
The recycling plant will be built at a new industrial site owned by Chinyang Polyurethane in the Yongsan Industrial Complex in Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in June 2027.
The project is intended to convert flexible polyurethane foam scrap, which has traditionally been treated as waste, into recycled polyols for use in new flexible foam production.
According to KPX Chemical, the recycled polyols can replace up to 30% of virgin polyol in flexible foam production, with higher substitution rates possible in some applications. The company said the resulting products are expected to maintain mechanical properties and seating comfort equivalent to conventional polyurethane foam products.
KPX Chemical said it would become the first company in Asia to adopt H&S recycling technology for flexible polyurethane foam. The technology has already been commercially implemented and validated in European and Latin American markets.
The company said securing exclusive rights for Korea would give it a differentiated position in the domestic recycled polyol market.
The project will also create a vertically integrated recycling model within the group. Chinyang Polyurethane will supply post-industrial scrap generated during its manufacturing processes, while KPX Chemical will convert the material into recycled polyols.
The companies said this structure should reduce waste disposal costs and lower fossil-based raw material consumption, while supporting ESG initiatives and improving cost competitiveness.
KPX Chemical stated, “This project goes beyond a simple investment in recycling facilities. It represents the starting point for establishing a circular economy ecosystem within Korea’s polyurethane industry. We are creating a foundation for the stable supply of high-performance polyurethane materials while reducing environmental impact.”
The company added, “Starting with flexible foam recycling, we are also actively evaluating the introduction of recycled polyol technologies for rigid polyurethane foams used in LNG carriers, refrigerator insulation, and construction materials. Our goal is to build a globally competitive and sustainable polyurethane value chain and lead future markets.”
Chinyang Polyurethane commented, “The introduction of a chemical recycling process for waste polyurethane foam generated during both manufacturing and post-consumer use addresses one of the industry’s longstanding challenges. It will create new economic value, help customers proactively respond to ESG management requirements, and enhance the competitiveness of companies utilizing polyurethane materials.”
Mila Skokova, deputy head of sales at H&S Anlagentechnik, stated, “KPX Chemical and Chinyang Polyurethane are important partners in expanding the circular polyurethane market across Asia. We are delighted to contribute to the development of a more sustainable materials industry through this collaboration.”
H&S Anlagentechnik says its recycling reactors are designed for the chemical conversion of rigid and flexible polyurethane foam residues into high-quality polyol.
In a 2024 Europur project summary, H&S said its chemical recycling technology for flexible PU foam waste had been implemented on an industrial scale since its introduction in 2013. The first installation was at Ikano Industry in Poland, followed by Dow’s Renuva program in France in 2021 and RetourMatras in the Netherlands in 2023.
The same summary said each H&S recycling plant can convert 1,000 tons of foam waste annually into raw materials, equivalent to repurposing 200,000 mattresses, while preventing 1,000 tons of foam from going to landfill or incineration each year.