BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies and manufacturer of superabsorbent polymers (SAP), and Essity, a global leading hygiene and health company, joined forces together with the Technical University of Wien to revolutionize recycling of absorbent hygiene products (AHP). 

 

Used baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence products are challenging to recycle due to their compound materials including superabsorbent polymers (SAP), nonwoven fabrics, bio waste and other components like pharmaceutical residue. 

 

The new innovative technology uses a mixed-waste gasification reactor to process the used products, which are transformed into gas suitable for chemical production.

 

The groundbreaking gasification pilot project proves that used diapers and other absorbent hygiene products can be transformed into valuable raw materials for new chemical products – no complex pre-treatment required. The resulting gas mixture contains carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which can be used as feedstock in chemical production, keeping carbon in the loop. 

 

BASF and TU Wien’s innovative gasification technology enabled this result. Gasification is a process that converts solids like waste into gas at high temperatures above 600 °C. Thanks to this process, diaper waste is sanitized and converted into high-quality feedstock, matching the standards of virgin resources. 

 

“Our customers can rely on BASF as their trusted partner for innovative recycling solutions. We demonstrated the potential of recycling post-consumer absorbent hygiene products. BASF is committed to turning challenges into opportunities and leading the way towards a more sustainable future—together with our customers,” says Oliver Cullmann, Vice President Global Marketing & Strategy C3 Value Chain. 

 

This breakthrough not only tackles a major waste stream but also unlocks possibilities for circularity in the chemical and hygiene sectors, with early findings indicating that the method could play a vital role in circularity within the value chain by offering a scalable solution that has the potential to reshape municipal waste management, help customers achieve ambitious sustainability goals, and address one of the industry’s most persistent waste challenges, including diaper waste.

 

“Our industry is constantly exploring how we can transform from a linear to a circular economy by focusing on recycling after use. This calls for creative thinking, new business models and partnerships to develop new solutions where less goes to waste. This approach is vital to reduce the environmental impact and offer strong economic, social, and environmental benefits”, says Tuomas Yrjölä, President Global Marketing & Innovation at Essity.