Unicharm and Fuji Clean partner on dry method diaper recycling
The breakthrough is expected to facilitate the transformation of used diapers into new resources globally, supporting sustainability in both developed and emerging markets.
JAPAN – Unicharm Corporation has announced a significant innovation in diaper recycling by partnering with Fuji Clean Co., Ltd. of Kagawa Prefecture to develop a new “Dry Cleaning Method” for recycling used disposable diapers.
This collaboration aims to slash water usage by about 98%, reducing it to roughly 1/50th of conventional methods, making the recycling process far more sustainable and suitable for regions with limited water resources, as well as for future global expansion.
The new technology is inspired by the principles of dry cleaning, using reusable solvents combined with proprietary sterilization and bleaching techniques to hygienically clean, sterilize, and bleach used disposable diapers.
Unlike traditional water-intensive recycling methods, this approach dramatically reduces water consumption, addressing a significant barrier to widespread diaper recycling, especially in areas with poor water infrastructure or water shortages.
Unicharm and Fuji Clean will work together to develop and deploy the technology, starting at Fuji Clean’s experimental facility in 2026.
The full-scale resource-recycling plant is scheduled for construction in 2028, with operations set to begin in 2029.
The initiative will also involve establishing a local collection system for used disposable diapers in Ayagawa Town, Kagawa Prefecture, with Fuji Clean handling the collection logistics.
This initiative is part of Unicharm’s broader “RefF” (Recycle for the Future) project, which has previously achieved world-first results in horizontal diaper-to-diaper recycling using ozone treatment.
By minimizing water usage and enabling more efficient recycling, the Dry Cleaning Method is expected to promote circular economy models and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to responsible consumption and production.
The development of this technology marks Unicharm’s first diaper recycling project in Kagawa Prefecture and is seen as a significant step toward expanding recycling initiatives to 20 municipalities in Japan and eventually overseas.
Meanwhile, early this year, Unicharm Corporation and Toyota Tsusho Corporation teamed up to launch local production of sanitary napkins in Kenya.
This collaboration involves Toyota Tsusho’s group company, CFAO Kenya Limited, marking a significant milestone in addressing the low penetration of sanitary products in the region.
The initiative centers on the production and distribution of “SOFY Long Lasting” sanitary napkins, which began in January 2025.
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