A Japanese diaper manufacturer, with a highly successful business in emerging markets like India and Indonesia, became the first diaper manufacturer globally to commercialize the recycling of diapers.
Diaper waste is a problem that has grown since the introduction of disposable diapers in the 1950s. In the US alone, 18 billion diapers end up in landfills yearly (healtheplanet.com). Diaper waste in landfills introduces human feces to the groundwater and releases ozone-depleting gases into the atmosphere. Traditional methods of incinerating diapers release greenhouse gases, impacting the environment.
The company`s recycling project which began in 2015, created a system that tackles these issues. Used disposable diapers are collected, washed, and separated; the pulp extracted is treated with a unique ozone treatment to kill bacteria in the excrement making it safe and hygienic as virgin pulp.
The company website reports it is also engaged in developing products that use recycled materials thereby reducing the need for raw materials and aims to launch 10 recycling facilities. Nearly 7 % of its energy comes from renewable sources and aims to achieve a 100 % target.
Using this innovative technological breakthrough, the company has become a sustainability and ESG (environmental, social & governance) performance model for other manufacturers in this sector.
