Unicharm Corporation has announced the development of an innovative new technology, the “Dry Washing Method,” as part of its “RefF (Recycle for the Future)” disposable diaper recycling project. This pioneering method is set to open the path for disposable diaper recycling globally, particularly in water-scarce regions.

The Potential of the “Dry Washing Method”

The main technological breakthrough is the dramatic reduction of water consumption. The Dry Washing Method reduces water usage during the washing process to approximately 1/50^th compared to conventional company methods.

Previously, recycling disposable diapers required large amounts of water, creating a significant barrier in regions with poor water infrastructure or shortages. The Dry Washing Method resolves this by applying the fundamental concept of dry cleaning. It utilizes reusable solvents alongside unique sterilization and bleaching technologies to achieve hygienic processing while enabling dramatic water conservation. This makes it possible to transform “used disposable diapers” into “new resources” worldwide.

History and Achievements of the “RefF” Project

The RefF project, which aims for horizontal recycling, began in 2010. Unicharm achieved a world first in 2019 by successfully generating “recycled pulp” of equivalent quality to unused products using ozone treatment technology. The company has also established and reused recycling technologies for plastics and super absorbent polymers in commercial products.

Future Roadmap and Expansion

Unicharm has outlined a clear timeline for the deployment of this new technology:
2026: Start of technology development
2028: Begin construction of a full-scale recycling plant
2029: Start of plant operations and full-scale collection in collaboration with neighboring municipalities

Unicharm plans to expand into overseas markets after establishing the technology in Japan, demonstrating leadership in solving global environmental issues.