Unicharm Corp., a major Japanese hygiene products maker, has recently introduced the world’s first horizontally recycled disposable diapers at shopping centers in the southwest region of the country. The company partnered with two local governments in Kagoshima Prefecture to develop a process for recycling the diapers, which involves using ozone to eliminate bacteria and odors from the used products. Initially, Unicharm began producing recycled adult diapers in 2022, which were distributed to hospitals and care homes for the elderly. The company aims to shift from a resource-intensive model to a more sustainable one.
Experts have approved the hygiene standards of the recycled diapers, and Tsutomu Kido, the senior executive officer of Unicharm Corp., stated that they hope to make a positive impact on the environment through their innovative approach. The cost of a packet of 42 recycled diapers for children is slightly higher than the price of their regular disposable ones at 1,078 yen ($7). However, Unicharm is pioneering in the field of recycling hygiene products and hopes to continue making strides towards sustainability in the future.
