Environmental protection is a theme that is very dear to CS

As a manufacturer of components in flexible foam, polyurethane gel and self-sealing integral polyurethane, CS is aware of the environmental problems related to the production and to the end of life of the products made with these synthetic polymers. At the moment there are no materials – synthetic or natural – capable of replacing the polyurethane polymers currently used, at an economic level and with comparable performance, and for their physical-mechanical characteristics, comfort and stylistic and material versatility. However, CS is working on several fronts to confirm its commitment to the environmental and industrial revolution that has been underway for years at a global level. The company would like to share some environmental policy strategies, communicating the actions it has taken with its customers, suppliers, collaborators and business partners. It is indeed aware that, precisely from the sharing of information, it is possible to give birth to new ideas, virtuous collaborations and medium-long term solutions.

Production of second-generation polyurethane foam

CS is investigating and experimenting with various solutions to finalise eco-sustainability projects aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels in the production of polyurethane products:

1

It has started a collaboration with a leading supplier of raw materials with which it is testing a new formulation. This formulation involves the use of a component produced with a percentage of vegetable oils that greatly reduces the chemical content deriving from fossil fuels in flexible foam products.

2

In the coming years, materials with even greater content of vegetable oils will be developed, further reducing the fossil footprint in the products.

3

CS is a partner of Dow Chemicals, a multinational company that has recently launched the RENUVATM programme and which represents an important European example of circular economy. With the RENUVATM programme, millions of old polyurethane mattresses are removed from landfills and converted into one of the main components of the finished product. As soon as they are available for the area and for the application in question, CS will start an experimental production of products made from RECYCLED polyol RENUVATM.

Manufacture of products with a high content of sustainable materials

CS has recently started a collaboration with a Venetian company, world leader in the research and production of sustainable materials produced with vegetable fibres no longer usable for animal or human nutrition or for other primary uses, and which can be incorporated into polymeric matrices of renewable origin, whether from recycling or virgin. This family of new biopolymers is at the centre of many new projects that CS is implementing thanks to the synergy between its Design and Technical Team and its customers who are more sensitive to environmental issues and more ready to share innovations related to the following focal points:

  • Reducing the plastic component in manufactured goods
  • Ennobling vegetable waste
  • Reusing plastic waste
  • Replacing fossil-derived polymers with biopolymers made from biomass
  • Establishing a collaborative platform between proactive companies in the circular economy
  • Accurately measuring the Carbon Footprint in order to provide our customers with an objective and certified element of comparison

Reducing our footprint on the environment

The European Commission is considering extending the scope of the Ecodesign Directive to as many synthetic products as possible. Keeping this perspective in mind, CS has started the design of some products that can ensure a simpler and safer disposal and that make it possible to separate the different components, making it easier and more virtuous to recycle them once they reach the end of their life.

Packaging recycling

By 2030, the European Union also wants to make it mandatory to circulate only reusable or recyclable packaging within its borders in a sustainable way.
To this end, CS has been collaborating for several years with some of its customers to reuse both cardboard packaging and packaging materials in general, using them for multiple supplies.

CS also undertakes to limit the use of packaging materials by preferring those that are recyclable.

Unsold and out-of-specification products: less waste more value

The reduction of waste in the production phase generates value for the company and for the environment. For this reason, CS has made considerable efforts to reduce waste during the various stages of production and finishing. Repairing small imperfections also helps to reduce waste. CS also collaborates with external partners to recover out-of-specification or unsold products.