What is Japan's new diaper recycling pilot project?

Japan has launched a pilot project where used diapers are recycled to create new ones, reusing materials like pulp and super-absorbent polymer.

Why is Japan focusing on diaper recycling?

The project addresses the increasing waste generated by adult diapers, driven by Japan's aging population, and aims to reduce landfill burden.

How are the diapers recycled in Japan?

The recycling process involves shredding used diapers, washing them, and then sterilizing the materials to recover pulp, plastic, and super-absorbent polymer.

Home / Environment / Japan Turns Dirty Diapers into New Ones

Japan Turns Dirty Diapers into New Ones

25 Mar

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Summary

Pilot project reuses main ingredient from soiled diapers to make new ones.
Japan faces increasing waste from adult diapers due to aging population.
Recycling process involves shredding, washing, and sterilizing materials.

Japan is piloting a revolutionary recycling project that converts used diapers into new ones, addressing a significant waste challenge. As the nation's population ages, the demand for adult diapers is rising, contributing to landfill burdens. Unicharm's initiative, tested in Shibushi and Osaki municipalities, shreds, washes, and sterilizes used diapers to recover pulp, plastic, and super-absorbent polymer (SAP).

Currently, recycled materials are used for products like toilet paper, but the breakthrough allows pulp to be made into new diapers. By 2028, Unicharm aims to recycle plastic and SAP for new diaper production. This project seeks to make recycled products economically viable and socially the norm, especially given Japan's generally low waste recycling rate compared to other developed nations. The national government aims for at least 100 municipalities to begin diaper recycling discussions or actions by 2030.

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