Amidst the global surge in consumerism, it's crucial to remember that we have the power to choose. We don't need to buy everything we see advertised on TV or social media. Climate activists consistently stress the importance of recycling in safeguarding our environment. Opting for second-hand items from vintage shops or markets is a powerful way to curb our contribution to the production of excessive plastic waste.

Japan is once again leading the way in recycling. Not only are they known for being at the forefront of technology, but they are also determined to be at the top of the recycling game. In April 2024, Unicharm, a company based in the southwestern Kagoshima prefecture, introduced nappies made from recycled materials for both children and adults and made them available for regular sale.

If the idea of using recycled nappies makes you uneasy, take comfort in the fact that the company responsible for producing them has implemented a rigorous purification process before selling them in stores. This type of recycling is referred to as "horizontal" because the finished products are identical to the original nappies rather than being transformed into other items.

The recycling process begins with the dehydration of used disposable nappies. The nappies are then shredded into smaller pieces and washed to remove any impurities. Next, the materials are separated and subjected to a unique ozone treatment to sterilize, bleach, and deodorize the products. This guarantees that the material is returned to a safe and sanitary state. A pack of 42 baby nappies costs 1,078 yen (approximately PLN 26), making them an affordable and eco-friendly option for parents.

"We would like to transform a resource-intensive standard to a cyclical one. We have received approval from experts concerning the hygiene" of the diapers, said Tsutomu Kido, senior executive officer of Unicharm, in an interview with the Mainichi.

Source: Gazeta Wyborcza