Initiating High-Value Recycling Pathways for Waste Diapers | Knowledge Hub | Circle Economy Foundation
imageimage
image
Business case
Initiating High-Value Recycling Pathways for Waste Diapers
0
0

Yi Chun Green Technology Co., Ltd. has developed a recycling technology for extracting recycled plastics, pulp and water-absorbent polymers from diapers, so that waste diapers can be reused with high value.

Problem

Taiwan produces at least 1,300 tons of discarded diapers a day, which is equivalent to the amount of garbage that the Beitou incinerator can burn in a day. Due to the high moisture content of diapers that have absorbed excrement, the incineration process causes incinerator temperatures to become unstable, easily causing cracks in the furnace wall, and shortening the service life of the incinerator. Meanwhile, an aging society has also driven up the demand for adult diapers, making diaper disposal a major challenge.

Solution

Diaper recycling

Yi Chun Green Technology Co., Ltd. is committed to the research and development of diaper recycling technology. To this end, the company has developed a patented technical process that can be used to extract recycled plastics, paper pulp, and recycled water-absorbent polymers (SAP) from discarded diapers. Wastewater and organic sludge are also treated during the recycling process and extracted as resources which, along with other parts of the recycled diapers, are made into products entirely comprising recycled materials for display in vertical gardens.

High value and diversified applications

Compared with traditional diaper recycling, meaning the diapers are used as fuel or filling materials, Yi Chun Green Technology’s approach has two advantages--high value and diversification. For instance, the company has successfully recycled and processed NG products and scraps from Kimberly Clark’s diaper factory into common display racks in commercial stores. This recycled plastic has been certified by the Plastics Research Center and can be used in mixed plastics such as plastic wood, pallets, or blown film products. The paper fiber extracted can replace white pulp for making paper and is used for fabricating non-skin-contact consumer paper such as industrial paper and cartons. Regenerated water-absorbing polymers can furthermore be used for industrial purposes such as water retention, chelating agents, etc.

Outcome

▪ Yi Chun’s annual diaper recycling capacity reaches 13,200 tons, producing 3,960 tons of recycled pulp, 1,118 tons of recycled water-absorbent polymers, and 2,112 tons of recycled plastics, which can all be used in non-skin- contact products.

Additional information

Partners: Plastics Industry Development Center

Relevant links