In a significant step towards sustainable plastic management and circular economy, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, has signed an MoU with Covestro (India) Private Limited to develop sustainable polyurethane upcycling solutions on 15 July 2025. The collaboration marks the start of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) research project focused on developing novel chemical upcycling technologies for Polyurethane (PU) waste, an urgent environmental challenge with limited current recycling solutions.

Polyurethane, a versatile class of polymers widely used in shoes, mattresses, furniture, adhesives, and automotive applications, poses unique end-of-life challenges due to its complex and often cross-linked structure. Traditional recycling approaches fall short in terms of efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. CSIR-NCL, with its expertise in polymer science and waste plastic deconstruction, has emerged as a frontrunner in addressing these issues.

Under this joint initiative, CSIR-NCL will explore both conventional and electrochemical strategies for PU depolymerisation, transforming waste polyurethane into valuable feedstock chemicals. The project aims to overcome the limitations of current PU recycling methods, which include high energy demands, property degradation, and limited applicability.

Dr Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL, said, “CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory is excited to partner with Covestro (India) in this ground-breaking initiative to develop novel chemical upcycling methods for polyurethane waste. The conventional and electrochemical strategies we’re developing address the critical limitations of current recycling technologies and align perfectly with our shared vision of a circular economy. This collaboration represents a significant step toward sustainable plastic management in India and globally, with the potential to transform polyurethane waste into valuable chemical resources.”

The partnership with Covestro (India), one of the global leaders in sustainable materials, brings together complementary strengths-CSIR-NCL’s cutting-edge scientific research and Covestro’s industrial vision and commitment to full circularity. This CSR-backed initiative builds on CSIR-NCL’s legacy of advancing chemical science and engineering innovations to address national and global sustainability challenges through impactful partnerships between industry and academia.