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 of the country. These diapers are created with a unique concept called “horizontal recycling,” where used products are transformed into their original item. The company collaborated with two local governments in Kagoshima Prefecture to recycle the diapers using a specially designed process that eliminates bacteria and odors.
In 2022, Unicharm began manufacturing recycled adult diapers and initially provided them to hospitals and care homes for the elderly. Tsutomu Kido, senior executive officer of Unicharm, expressed the company’s commitment to transforming a resource-intensive standard into a cyclical one. The recycled diapers have been approved by experts for their hygiene. A packet of 42 diapers for children costs 1,078 yen ($7), slightly more expensive than Unicharm’s regular disposable ones.
Unicharm has also started providing horizontal recycling services for other products such as plastic bottles and packaging materials. This move is part of the company’s efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability in Japan. With its innovative approach to waste management, Unicharm is set to become a leader in sustainable hygiene products in the country.