Recticel Group closes the loop on PIR circularity with industrial scale recycled polyol plant

Recticel Group closes the loop on PIR circularity with industrial-scale recycled polyol plant

Recticel Group announces the opening of its new industrial-scale recycled polyol plant in Wevelgem (Belgium). This milestone marks a significant step in the Group’s sustainability roadmap and a decisive move toward circularity in the insulation boards, manufactured by Recticel Insulation.

Engineering PIR circularity

The newly commissioned facility has been developed as part of Recticel Group’s broader strategy, whereby post-industrial PIR (polyisocyanurate) waste is converted into high-quality recycled polyol. Recticel Group is the first PIR producer to invest in a recycled polyol reactor at this industrial scale. In a closed-loop recycling process the PIR offcuts and production trimmings are converted into reusable raw material for the manufacturing of new insulation boards.

This innovative approach helps reduce waste, lowers dependence on virgin raw materials, and significantly decreases greenhouse gas emissions, further supporting more sustainable construction solutions.

Combining industrial performance with lower emissions

Designed for continuous industrial operation, the plant will initially recycle up to 4,000 tonnes of PIR waste annually, producing approximately 6,000 tonnes of recycled polyol. This scale allows to replace up to one-third of the virgin polyol in the PIR insulation boards with recycled content, while maintaining the same high product performance standards customers expect.

The recycled polyol produced is expected to deliver approximately 40% lower carbon emissions compared to virgin polyol.

Building the foundation for future circular projects

Beyond recycling its own PIR waste streams, the plant lays the groundwork for future circular economy initiatives across the insulation value chain, including:

• Increasing recycled content across the product portfolio;
• Exploring potential take-back programs;
• Further reducing waste throughout production and distribution processes.

“Circularity is not a slogan for us, it is a design principle,” says Ward Dhaese, Innovation Manager at Recticel Insulation. “With advanced technology we demonstrate how high-performance insulation materials can be engineered for multiple lifecycles, moving our industry away from linear production models.”

Find out more about sustainability and circularity at The Next Life polyol | Recticel Insulation

PRESS RELEASE

Occasional information
Brussels, 13 May 2026 – 07:00 CET

About the Recticel Group

Recticel Group is a leading insulation company with headquarters in Belgium and operations in eight countries across Europa and the US. It offers smart insulation solutions that advance a carbon-free economy and a better quality of life.

Our Insulation Boards division provides high performance insulation solutions to meet the growing demand for energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. The insulation boards are marketed by Recticel Insulation, our vacuum insulated panels by Turvac, and our bespoke solutions for tapered and flat roofs by Gradient.

Our Insulated Panels division specialises in premium quality products for the building envelope sector. Trimo enables the highest aesthetic standards and extends architectural capabilities with its mineral wool insulated panels and modular space solutions. Conventional mineral wool and PIR insulated panels are manufactured by Rex Panels & Profiles. Our recently acquired Miclar and Kuras focus on downstream services for the insulated panels market.

Within our Acoustic Solutions division, Soundcoat provides highly specialised acoustic engineering capabilities for the aerospace and aviation market, as well as for OEMs and the heavy-duty and transport industries.

At the end of 2025, Recticel Group employed 1,311 people and achieved sales of EUR 655.1 million.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved Recticel Group’s near-term targets for the reduction of Scope 1, 2 & 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (from base year 2021) and net-zero targets for 2050. The Group is on the CDP A List for Climate Change and holds an EcoVadis Silver medal.

Recticel Group is listed on Euronext in Brussels (Euronext: RECT - Reuters: RECT.BR - Bloomberg: RECT:BB).

Financial calendar

• Annual General Meeting 26.05.2026 (10:00 AM CET)
  Invitation and supporting documents available on www.recticel.com
• First half year results 2026 28.08.2026 (07:00 AM CET)
• Third quarter trading update 2026 29.10.2026 (07:00 AM CET)

Media & Investor Relations

Jan Vergote
Executive Chairman
vergote.jan@recticel.com
+32 2 775 18 01

Investor Relations

Bart Van den Eede
Chief Financial & Legal Officer
vandeneede.bart@recticel.com
+32 2 775 18 01

Recticel NV
Bourgetlaan 42 avenue du Bourget
1130 Brussels
Belgium

This press release is available in English and Dutch on www.recticel.com.