Japan: Launch of Toilet Paper Made from Used Diapers
Japan continues to amaze with creative thinking in new product inventions. This time: toilet paper made from, believe it or not, used diapers.
In Japan, a country known for its innovation and environmental awareness, a unique method has been developed for recycling used diapers to produce toilet paper. The process offers a creative solution to a severe ecological problem: diaper waste makes up a significant portion of household waste in many countries, and in Japan, it occupies a large part due to the aging population and the increased demand for adult diapers.
Against this backdrop, Japanese companies have developed a unique technology that breaks down the used diapers and recycles the materials.
Here are the main steps of the process:
- Collection and Sorting: Used diapers are collected from designated collection points, such as health centers and nursing homes.
- Sterilization and Cleaning: The diapers undergo a high-temperature sterilization process to remove bacteria and odors.
- Fiber Breakdown: After sterilization, the diapers are broken down into fibers, with organic materials removed and residues washed and shredded.
- Processing into a New Product: The clean fibers are used as raw material for producing toilet paper.
What are the environmental and economic benefits of such toilet paper?
- Waste Reduction: The process reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills or incineration, contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and prevents resource wastage.
- Raw Material Savings: Producing recycled toilet paper reduces the need for tree felling - a polluting process that requires a lot of water and energy.
- Community Awareness: The project promotes awareness of recycling and efficient use of resources.
One of the prominent projects belongs to Daio Paper Corporation, which has begun implementing the technology commercially. The toilet paper produced by this process is already marketed in Japan and enjoys demand due to its high quality and environmental aspects. There's no doubt that the Japanese model serves as an inspiration for other countries worldwide, which are trying to adopt an innovative approach to utilizing existing resources.
