COTTON WOOD: A REGIONAL COMPANY ENGAGED IN AN EXEMPLARY CIRCULAR ECONOMY INITIATIVE
Located in Payré near Poitiers, Cotton Wood is specialized in the manufacture of decorative products and furniture. It is one of the leading French companies for the manufacture of cushions, beanbags and pouffes. These products are filled by the Vivonnes ESAT (a centre providing care through employment) by a team of 25 disabled workers mainly using expanded polystyrene.
In 2000, to overcome difficulties in sourcing new crushed polystyrene, it started looking at the possibilities of using crushed recycled polystyrene. This now represents 20% of the company's procurements, which enables it to:
- secure its supply circuit and control purchasing costs;
- substantially reduce the environmental impact of its activities through a holistic approach;
- participate in structuring and developing a local EPS recycling industry via the company Poitou Polystyrène, which it controls.
Cotton Wood won the ORPLAST call for projects launched by ADEME in 2016.
"Cotton Wood perfectly illustrates the opportunities and key success factors of the circular economy. It has managed to grow while reducing its environmental impact and opening up a new local recycled expanded polystyrene industry. It creates a real competitive advantage while making its products and activities meaningful. That’s why I am delighted to meet its directors and staff, and get to know its products and production method”.
Source: ADEME