Unicharm Corporation (President & CEO: Mr. Takahisa Takahara) announced that it has partnered with Fuji Clean Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ayagawa Town, Ayauta District, Kagawa Prefecture; President: Mr. Taichiro Baba, hereinafter as “Fuji Clean”) to begin developing a new resource-recycling technology called the “Dry Cleaning Method” as part of the “RefF” project for recycling used disposable diapers. This technology is expected to reduce water usage by approximately 1/50* compared to conventional methods, enabling the creation of a circular recycling model suitable for regions with limited water resources and for future overseas expansion. In addition, we will work with local businesses in Ayagawa Town to establish a collection system for used disposable diapers**.

* Compared to our conventional method
** Collection will be carried out by Fuji Clean

Since 2010, our company has been working on resource-recycling technologies for used disposable diapers and promoting the horizontal recycling “RefF” project. In collaboration with municipalities such as Shibushi City and Osaki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture, we established collection systems and, in 2019, we became the first in the world*** to produce “recycled pulp” of equivalent quality to unused products using ozone treatment technology. We have also developed technologies to recycle plastics and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) for use in products.

However, conventional washing methods require large amounts of water, making equipment scale and processing costs dependent on regional infrastructure, which has been a challenge for expansion to other municipalities and overseas. Under our “Kyo-sei Life Vision 2035,” we aim to expand diaper recycling initiatives to 20 municipalities, which requires more efficient resource-recycling technologies.
To achieve this, we have partnered with Fuji Clean to develop the new “Dry Cleaning Method,” aiming to build a circular model for implementation in Japan and abroad. This marks our first diaper recycling initiative in Kagawa Prefecture.

***Regarding horizontal recycling technology (diaper to diaper) using ozone treatment technology (as of December 2020, based on Unicharm research)

Compared to the conventional “water-flow cleaning method,” this new resource-recycling technology reduces water usage by approximately 1/50. Inspired by the concept of dry cleaning, it uses a reusable solvent combined with proprietary sterilization and bleaching techniques to hygienically wash, sterilize, and bleach used disposable diapers. This technology enables the introduction of recycling processes even in regions with limited water resources and is expected to promote the widespread adoption of diaper recycling.

Since its founding in 1975, Fuji Clean has consistently engaged in the collection, transportation, intermediate treatment, and final disposal of industrial waste. In 2001, the company launched its recycling business, establishing dedicated facilities and actively promoting reuse and resource recovery tailored to the types and characteristics of waste.

・ 2026: Begin technology development of the “Dry Cleaning Method” at the experimental facility within the premises of Fuji Clean.

・ 2028: Construction of a full-scale resource-recycling plant.

・ 2029: Begin plant operations and officially start collection of used disposable diapers in collaboration with neighboring municipalities.

We believe that this initiative contributes to the following 17 goals of the "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015:

　　　 12．Responsible Consumption and Production　

We will continue to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by solving environmental and social issues through our business activities, including the provision of products and services.