Italian Facility Recycled Diapers Into New Materials
New methods for processing used hygiene products may soon scale across Europe to help reduce global landfill waste.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Babies
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A recycling plant in Lovadina di Spresiano, Italy, began processing 10,000 metric tons of used absorbent hygiene products annually using pressurized steam technology. The process diverts waste by recovering cellulose, plastic, and polymers for reuse in manufacturing.
Why it matters
Scaling this infrastructure is crucial to addressing the millions of tons of diaper waste currently sent to landfills each year. While the technology is proven, expanding the collection systems required to gather used products remains the primary obstacle.
The process recovers 660 pounds of materials per metric ton of input, including 330 pounds of cellulose and 165 pounds each of plastic and polymer. This data reflects the output efficiency of the Lovadina di Spresiano facility compared to traditional disposal methods.
The players
Ghent recycling plant
A facility in Belgium that manages diaper waste for approximately 30,000 local children.
The details
The facility uses an autoclave that subjects used products to pressurized steam and water vapor, which sterilizes the load and loosens component parts. Once treated, a rotating cylinder separator splits the dried material into distinct streams for repurposing. Recovered cellulose is sold for paper and fabric production, while polymers and plastics are repurposed for floriculture, electric wire insulation, and urban furniture.
Timeline
2007: A recycling plant in Arnhem closed.
Midsummer 2025: A demonstration plant opened in Treviso.
2025: A recycling plant launched in Ghent, Belgium.
Health Landscape
This development represents a departure from traditional landfill-reliant disposal methods for absorbent hygiene products. It aligns with global initiatives to implement circular economic models for waste that has historically lacked a secondary life cycle.
While these industrial facilities currently operate at the municipal level, they highlight the increasing availability of sustainable disposal options for household waste. Families may find that local initiatives increasingly offer specialized collection for absorbent products as infrastructure expands.
The takeaway
Advancements in recycling technology allow for the recovery of valuable materials from absorbent hygiene products that were previously destined for landfills. Consider monitoring local waste management updates to see if specialized collection programs for these products become available in your area.
Further reading
For more on managing family waste and sustainability, visit our guide on Babies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ecoportal.
Live Poll
Should your community implement mandatory separate collection for used diapers to enable recycling?
