Nippon Shokubai and LiveDo Corporation develop diaper recycling technology

Nippon Shokubai has partnered with Livedo to develop diaper recycling technology that reuses fluff pulp and other diaper raw materials into new diapers. Using technology developed by Japanese company Total Care Systems, they separate fluff pulp, plastic and highly absorbent resins from used diapers. Nippon Shokubai has been working with Total Care since 2005, but the early approach was to use plastic and SAP (super absorbent polymer) from used diapers to make fuel and use fluff pulp to make building materials. Nippon Shokubai and LiveDo Corporation continue to improve the process so that these materials can be used in the production of diapers.

To promote the recycling of used diapers, the two companies work with local governments, hospitals and welfare organizations to recycle used diapers. In addition, they made commercial plans to build a new diaper recycling plant. Nippon Shokubai plans to start producing fluff pulp at its Mishima plant in Shikoku Chuo, Japan from 2025 for absorbent sanitary products such as diapers, and to recycle fluff pulp from used diapers. Nippon Shokubai mixes recycled fluff with new fluff to make absorbent products such as diapers. Nippon Shokubai and LiveDo Corporation plan to recycle 6,000 tons of used diapers each year, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions about 1,940 tons per year.