In Japan, a company called Unicharm has launched the world’s first horizontally recycled nappies in response to changing demands in the country’s ageing society. The company, based in Kagoshima prefecture, started selling adult and baby nappies this month in collaboration with local governments in Kyushu. These nappies are called “horizontal” because they are made from recycled items that are the same as the original product, rather than being transformed into something new.
Unicharm has used advanced sterilisation, bleaching, and deodorising technology involving ozone to ensure that the recycled nappies are free from unpleasant smells and bacteria. Experts have approved their hygiene standards. The recycled nappies have already been used in hospitals and nursing care facilities in Kagoshima since their development in 2022. Now, they are available for purchase to the general public, including children’s nappies which cost slightly more than regular disposable ones.
According to Unicharm, customers who have tried the recycled nappies found them comfortable and no different from regular diapers. With Japan’s demographics leading to a decline in demand for children’s nappies, the sales of diapers for older adults are expected to continue rising. Last month, Oji Holdings announced that they would halt production of children’s nappies due to a decrease in demand, focusing instead on manufacturing sanitary products for older individuals.
