- 14 Mar 2002
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The innovations of a greying society: in a groundbreaking move, Unicharm, a Japanese firm based in Kagoshima, has launched the world's first "horizontally" recycled diapers. "Horizontal" refers to recycling these diapers back into their original form rather than repurposing them into different products.
Kido Tsutomu of Unicharm
These recycled nappies have been used in hospitals and nursing care facilities in Kagoshima since they were developed in 2022. Now, they are available for general sale, including those for children, which cost slightly more than regular disposable nappies. Unicharm has employed sterilization, bleaching, and deodorizing technology involving ozone to ensure that the recycled nappies are free from unpleasant smells and bacteria. According to Kido Tsutomu, a senior executive officer at Unicharm, they have received approval from experts concerning hygiene. Customers who have used these products reported that they were comfortable and felt no different from regular diapers.
As Japan's demographics shift, demand for children's nappies has plummeted, while sales for older adults continue to rise. Last month, Oji Holdings, a manufacturer of paper products, announced that it would stop making children's nappies later this year and instead focus on boosting the production of sanitary products for older people. This innovative approach by Unicharm reflects the changing needs of an ageing society.
Kido Tsutomu of Unicharm
These recycled nappies have been used in hospitals and nursing care facilities in Kagoshima since they were developed in 2022. Now, they are available for general sale, including those for children, which cost slightly more than regular disposable nappies. Unicharm has employed sterilization, bleaching, and deodorizing technology involving ozone to ensure that the recycled nappies are free from unpleasant smells and bacteria. According to Kido Tsutomu, a senior executive officer at Unicharm, they have received approval from experts concerning hygiene. Customers who have used these products reported that they were comfortable and felt no different from regular diapers.
As Japan's demographics shift, demand for children's nappies has plummeted, while sales for older adults continue to rise. Last month, Oji Holdings, a manufacturer of paper products, announced that it would stop making children's nappies later this year and instead focus on boosting the production of sanitary products for older people. This innovative approach by Unicharm reflects the changing needs of an ageing society.
‘Horizontally’ recycled nappies go on sale in Japan in world first
Product made from used nappies will go on sale in shopping centres after sterilisation, bleaching, and deodorising
World's 1st recycled diapers go on sale at stores in southwest Japan - The Mainichi
KUMAMOTO (Kyodo) -- A major Japanese hygiene products maker began selling the world's first