July 22, 2025 14:12

A new demonstration plant for the full recycling of absorbent hygiene products (AHPs)—including diapers, incontinence pads and sanitary napkins—was inaugurated Tuesday at the i-Foria Engineering Center in Spresiano, northeastern Italy.
The goal is to recover the main components of these products—plastic and cellulose-based superabsorbent polymer (SAP)—for reuse.

The process begins with autoclave sterilization of incoming waste, using protocols similar to those applied to surgical medical devices. After drying, the sterilized material moves through a mechanical treatment system, where a series of separators extract both cellulose fiber with SAP and various plastic fractions.

The demo  facility aims to scale up the proprietary recycling technology developed by Italian startup i-Foria to full industrial level. A large-scale plant is already in advanced development in Capannori, Tuscany, funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Two additional tenders are underway for further installations.

According to the company, discussions are ongoing with international partners in the waste management, consumer goods and hygiene sectors.

Globally, about 30 million metric tons of AHP waste are generated annually—8.5 million tons in Europe alone, and roughly 900,000 tons in Italy, enough to fill three landfills each year.

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