RetourMatras opens the first global disassembly site for circular mattresses
Circular Mattresses — A milestone for the Bedding Industry
At the beginning of October, RetourMatras officially opened the world’s first dedicated disassembly site for circular mattresses in Lelystad (NL). The state-of-the-art technology used at this facility was originally developed by Royal Auping and is now being transferred to RetourMatras. By making this innovation accessible to the entire bedding industry, the initiative marks an important step forward in Europe’s transition towards a fully circular mattress value chain.
The opening ceremony was attended by Loek Knijff, Senior Policy Officer at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and responsible for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, together with Jan-Joost Bosman (CEO, Royal Auping) and Chico van Hemert (Managing Director, RetourMatras).
Auping technology enabling industry-wide circularity
Auping has been producing and selling circular mattresses since 2020. In 2024, the company inaugurated a new factory in Deventer, where only circular mattresses are manufactured thanks to a highly automated robotic production line. This demonstrates that circular production can be efficient, scalable and commercially viable.
By transferring its proprietary disassembly technology to RetourMatras, Auping is now making large-scale dismantling of used circular mattresses possible. The Lelystad site is the first facility worldwide to focus exclusively on disassembling circular mattresses into reusable raw materials—preserving their value and enabling true closed-loop recycling.
Driving the circular transition together
According to Chico van Hemert, Managing Director of RetourMatras, the collaboration represents a decisive shift in mattress recycling:
“Mattresses no longer need to be incinerated. They can be reused, recycled and turned into valuable materials. Alongside our existing mattress recycling operations, Auping’s disassembly solution is now operational in Lelystad — making this technology accessible to the entire bedding industry.”
This accessibility is key: by offering the technology to the full sector, including competing manufacturers, both organisations aim to accelerate the circular transition and build a waste-free, future-proof mattress industry.
Auping CEO Jan-Joost Bosman emphasises this shared responsibility:
“For years we have been a frontrunner in circular mattress innovation. By sharing our technology, we enable the transition to a sustainable, waste-free sector and contribute to the liveability of our planet for future generations.”
About RetourMatras
RetourMatras Group recycles end-of-life mattresses into new raw and secondary materials, supporting municipalities, manufacturers and retailers in reducing waste and CO₂ emissions. The company operates across the Netherlands, Belgium, England and France, with further expansion underway. Supported by Ingka Investments (IKEA), Renewi and Ikano Industry, RetourMatras now offers the sector the next step in circular mattress recycling through the latest Auping disassembly technology.
About Auping
With over 135 years of expertise, Auping delivers innovative, durable and high-quality sleep solutions. From its circular factory in Deventer, Auping produces beds and mattresses that combine comfort, design and sustainability. As a certified B Corp since 2020, the company aims for a fully circular product range by 2030.