Used baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence products are challenging to recycle due to their compound materials including superabsorbent polymers (SAP), nonwoven fabrics, bio waste and other components like pharmaceutical residue. The new innovative technology uses a mixed-waste gasification reactor to process the used products, which are transformed into gas suitable for chemical production. Early findings suggest the method could play a vital role in circularity within the value chain, offering a scalable solution to one of the industry’s most persistent waste challenges.
“Our industry is constantly exploring how we can transform from a linear to a circular economy by focusing on recycling after use. This calls for creative thinking, new business models and partnerships to develop new solutions where less goes to waste. This approach is vital to reduce the environmental impact and offer strong economic, social, and environmental benefits”, says Tuomas Yrjölä, President Global Marketing & Innovation at Essity.
Gasification is a process used to convert solids like waste into gas. This is achieved by exposing the feedstock waste material to high temperatures, over 800°C, without combustion. It results in a mixture of several gases including carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which can be used as raw material in chemical production.
Essity constantly strives to develop smarter products to enable a more sustainable consumption during use. As an example, in 15 years, Essity has improved the carbon footprint of its TENA pants products by 38% and of its baby diapers by over 31%.