On December 11th, BASF announced a revolutionary breakthrough in the recycling of absorbent hygiene products, achieved through a collaboration with Essity, a globally renowned hygiene products company, and the Vienna University of Technology.
This gasification pilot project demonstrates that used diapers and other absorbent hygiene products can be completely converted into valuable raw materials for the manufacture of new chemical products, without the need for complex pre-treatment. The resulting mixed gas, containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, can be used as a raw material in chemical production, enabling the circular utilization of carbon elements.
This achievement was made possible by the innovative gasification technology developed by BASF and the Vienna University of Technology. The gasification process converts solid waste into gas at temperatures above 600°C. Through this process, diaper waste is harmlessly treated and transformed into high-quality raw materials that meet the standards of virgin resources.
This breakthrough not only solves a major waste disposal problem but also opens up new possibilities for a circular economy in the chemical and hygiene industries. This scalable solution has the potential to reshape urban waste management systems, help customers achieve their sustainability goals, and provide an innovative treatment method for diaper waste.
BASF is a leading global producer of superabsorbent polymers. As a key partner in the global hygiene products industry, BASF is committed to developing and producing a variety of superabsorbent polymers for use in hygiene products, which are widely used in baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products.
