With the aging of society, demand is shifting from diapers for children to diapers for the elderly, and a Japanese company has begun selling the world’s first “horizontal” recycled diapers.
Unicharm, based in southwestern Kagoshima Prefecture, launched adult and infant diapers this month in shopping centers in Kyushu (one of Japan’s four main islands) in cooperation with local governments, the Mainichi Shimbun reported.
Refurbished products are described as “horizontal” because they are the same as the recycled product, rather than becoming another product.
Unicharm said it uses disinfection, bleaching and deodorizing technologies, including ozone, to ensure that recycled diapers do not develop unpleasant odors or bacteria.
According to the Mainichi Shimbun, Unicharm’s Managing Executive Officer Tsutomu Kido said, “We have received approval from experts regarding hygiene.”
Since recycled diapers were developed in 2022, they have been used in hospitals and nursing care facilities in Kagoshima Prefecture.
According to Unicharm, the products currently on sale include those for children, and the price is slightly higher than regular disposable diapers.
“Customers who have used these products say they are comfortable and just like regular products. [diapers]” said in a statement.
While demand for children’s diapers is plummeting due to Japan’s demographic trends, sales of diapers for the elderly are expected to continue increasing.
Paper products maker Oji Holdings announced last month that it would stop making children’s diapers later this year due to a sharp decline in demand, and instead increase production of sanitary products for the elderly.
