BekaertDeslee: Leading the way in sustainability

Interview with Ruben Puype, Sustainability Director at BekaertDeslee

Tackling climate challenges
At Interzum, BekaertDeslee is unveiling its climate ambitions, aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Goals include cutting scope 1 and 2 emissions by 64% and scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030. “We’re focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and eco-design,” says Ruben. Progress is already visible: energy efficiency has improved by 25-30%, renewable electricity use is at 30%, and recycled content in products has reached 6%. Collaboration with suppliers and transparency in product composition is key. The company’s Carbon Compare Tool helps measure and communicate sustainability impacts.

Transitioning from linear to circular systems
The traditional make-use-waste model is unsustainable, especially as consumption rises. Europeans consume an average of 26 kg of textiles per year, but less than 1% is recycled into new products. The company is committed to driving the shift toward a circular economy. “Using recycled or renewable materials and creating fully recyclable products come with challenges,” explains Ruben Puype. “There’s a lack of mattress collection and sorting facilities, complex textile compositions, and the need for high-purity feedstock. Additionally, Europe has lost much of its yarn production capacity, which now largely comes from Asia.” Ruben emphasizes that brands and retailers play a critical role by leading mattress design and promoting eco-design principles. “Collaboration is essential to achieving a circular economy,” he adds.

Innovation is key to BekaertDeslee’s efforts. “Our R&D team has tested recycling technologies with production waste, turning it into new yarns for mattress textiles. We’re also exploring ways to recycle returned mattress textiles and support customers with their sustainability goals,” says Ruben. The company ensures transparency through customer relationships, sustainability reports, and GRS compliance, with collaboration central to its circular ambitions.

“We aim to be a trusted and preferred partner in providing sustainable textile solutions and take full responsibility for our actions.” – Ruben Puype, Sustainability Director at BekaertDeslee

Sustainability in practice and looking ahead
For BekaertDeslee, sustainability is an ongoing journey of balancing long-term ambitions with actionable goals. As it updates its strategy and integrates it into daily operations, the company is setting clear 2030 targets under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). “Recent projects highlight our commitment to climate and circularity,” says Ruben, citing textile-to-textile recycling trials, recyclability assessments, and alternatives like replacing elastane with recyclable materials and using polyester zippers.

“Now is the time to join forces to create a positive impact. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and together with brands, retailers and customers, we can drive meaningful change.” – Ruben Puype, Sustainability Director at BekaertDeslee