Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Schemes for Mattresses

 

Driving Circularity in the Bedding Industry

What is EPR in the Mattress Sector?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach where manufacturers, importers, and retailers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of mattresses, from production to end-of-life management. This means companies are accountable not only for the design and sale of mattresses but also for their collection, recycling, and disposal once they reach the end of use.

EPR schemes are a key driver of the circular economy in the bedding industry, helping to reduce waste, increase recycling rates, and promote eco-friendly design.

Why EPR matters for mattresses

Mattresses are bulky, difficult to dispose of, and contain a mix of foam, textiles, steel springs, and chemicals. Without proper collection systems, many end up in landfills or incineration. EPR tackles this problem by:

  • Promoting recycling: ensuring valuable raw materials such as steel, textiles, and foam are recovered.

  • Reducing environmental impact: diverting bulky waste from landfills and lowering carbon emissions.

  • Encouraging eco-design: motivating producers to design mattresses that are easier to disassemble, recycle, and reuse.

  • Creating fair cost distribution: shifting waste management costs from municipalities to producers and consumers.

How EPR Schemes work for mattresses

  1. Producer Registration
    Mattress producers and importers must register with an approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).

  2. Eco-Contribution Fees
    Producers pay a fee per mattress placed on the market, funding collection, recycling, and awareness campaigns.

  3. Collection & Take-Back Systems
    Old mattresses are collected through:

    • Retailer take-back at delivery of a new mattress

    • Municipal collection points

    • Specialized recycling centers

  4. Sorting & Recycling
    Mattresses are dismantled to recover metals, textiles, and foams for reuse in new products or secondary raw materials.

EPR for mattresses in Europe

Several EU countries already operate mattress EPR schemes:

  • France: Pioneered mandatory EPR for mattresses in 2013, achieving high collection and recycling rates.

  • Belgium: Operates through Valumat, focusing on collection logistics and recycling infrastructure.

  • Netherlands: Implemented mattress EPR in 2021, with strong emphasis on circular economy targets.

  • Other Member States: Preparing legislation in line with the EU Waste Framework Directive and Circular Economy Action Plan.

The European Commission encourages harmonized approaches across Member States to ensure efficiency, transparency, and fair competition.

Future outlook for the Bedding Industry

EPR will continue to shape the mattress market by:

  • Increasing recycling rates across Europe

  • Supporting innovation in eco-friendly materials

  • Encouraging modular design for easier repair and recycling

  • Boosting consumer awareness of sustainable disposal options

For mattress producers, compliance with EPR is no longer optional – it is becoming a standard business practice in the European bedding industry.

EPR schemes for mattresses are essential to reduce environmental impact, recover valuable resources, and create a more circular bedding sector. For EBIA members, understanding and adapting to these regulations will be key to sustainable growth, market competitiveness, and regulatory compliance.