Up to 85% of a mattress's mass can be recycled, but nearly all discarded mattresses are sent to landfills or incineration.
In France, Envie 2E Lorraine is changing that narrative by giving mattress materials a second life. The social enterprise is part of the Fédération Envie network, which supports the collection, repair and resale of electrical and electronic equipment while offering job opportunities to people who face barriers in the labour market. Building on this mission, Envie 2E Lorraine has expanded into mattress treatment and recycling since 2014.
Envie 2E Lorraine partners with Ecomaison to collect mattresses throughout the northeast French region, Grand-Est. Ecomaison is the state-appointed eco-organisation under the French Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for furnishing: it plays a central role in organising and financing the collection, sorting, repair, reuse and recycling of household items and materials, including mattresses, across the country. These collected mattresses then undergo a multi-stage dismantling and recycling process at the Envie recycling plant, where key components including steel, polyurethane, latex foam, textiles and wood, are separated and grouped using a mix of manual work and machines. Envie also partners with Recyc-Matelas Europe (the RME Group), which further processes and reintegrates these materials into industry supply chains.
Envie's mattress activity goes beyond environmental impact: as of 2025, it has generated over 21 jobs for individuals who face barriers in the labour market, alongside four full-time managerial roles. Currently, participants are placed on a 24-month employment path, where they receive tailored training that builds on their existing skills and backgrounds, while gaining confidence and technical expertise. The objective is to equip them with the tools to pursue long-term employment.
Read more about Envie 2E Lorraine and their mattress activity in our report on Social Enterprises’ Role in Furniture and Mattress Circularity.
