Japan launches world’s first toilet paper made from recycled diapers

Japan launches world’s first toilet paper made from recycled diapers
Japan launches world’s first toilet paper made from recycled diapers

In an innovative step to protect the environment and declining “paper supplies,” Japan launched the world’s first eco-friendly toilet paper made from used diapers.

According to KNews, in an initiative to protect the environment, a team of Japan’s governmental and private firms made the world's first toilet paper made from materials including used diapers, “Shibushi Osaki Roll.”

The Shibushi and Osaki in Kagoshima Prefecture worked with the private firms on the project. The two municipalities with joint waste management systems started separating disposable diapers in April 2024 from other trash, and between April and September, they collected 98 metric tonnes of hygiene items and turned them into toilet paper.

During the initial two months of the production, 30,000 rolls were created, which are currently sold at a pittance of just $2.70 per dozen.

A Japanese newspaper, the Mainichi, quoted Satoshi Yoshida from Poppy Paper’s sales department saying, “This initiative could help diversify the ways to secure raw materials, especially as used paper supplies are expected to decline with the rise of paperless systems and a shrinking population.”

The recycling process involves three significant steps: sterilising, deodorising, and bleaching using the technology provided by Tokyo-based hygiene product maker Unicharm Corp.

Moreover, a spokesperson for the Osaki Municipal Government’s SDGs Promotion Council, Takumi Obo, urged, “Please support this eco-friendly product, which aims to promote a sustainable society by reusing local resources.”

The recycled toilet paper is currently available at the seven stores in Kyushu’s Kagoshima Prefecture's Osumi region and southern Miyazaki Prefecture.

Related
Read more : World

New Mexico ‘dangerous’ flash flooding kills 2, sweeps away house

New Mexico ‘dangerous’ flash flooding kills 2, sweeps away house
New Mexico hit with record-breaking rainfall, flash flooding traps dozens in homes, vehicles

South Korea returns 6 North Koreans rescued at sea in ‘humanitarian stance’

South Korea returns 6 North Koreans rescued at sea in ‘humanitarian stance’
Seoul sends six non-defectors to North Korea after their ‘strong desire’ to return home

Guatemala shaken by series of earthquakes, authorities urge evacuations

Guatemala shaken by series of earthquakes, authorities urge evacuations
Guatemala earthquakes trigger landslides, causing injuries and widespread damage

New Mexico hit with flash flood warning as water sweeps away three people

New Mexico hit with flash flood warning as water sweeps away three people
A search operation for a father and two children is underway in Ruidoso after they were swept away in floodwater

AI impersonator uses Marco Rubio Deepfake to target senior officials

AI impersonator uses Marco Rubio Deepfake to target senior officials
Senior officials were tricked by fake voice and text messages on Signal, raising concern for AI in politics

Marseille airport shuts down as wildfire approaches French city

Marseille airport shuts down as wildfire approaches French city
The French authorities have issued warrants for residents to stay indoors amid the horrific wildfire

UK issues heat health alert with temperatures set to hit 33C

UK issues heat health alert with temperatures set to hit 33C
The last two weekends of June were already extremely hot which was also the hottest June ever recorded in England

Bayeux Tapestry returns to UK after 900 years in historic swap deal with France

Bayeux Tapestry returns to UK after 900 years in historic swap deal with France
The Bayeux Tapestry shows how the Anglo-Saxons lost power and the Normans took control of England