AHPs (Absorbent Hygiene Products) represent 3–4% of municipal solid waste on average, and are generally incinerated or landfilled. The project implemented a patented technology for recycling post-consumer AHP waste, such as baby diapers, feminine pads and products for incontinence.
The RECALL project brought to the market an economic and environmentally friendly solution for AHP consumers, municipalities, operators in the field of waste management and recycling, and AHP producers. It realized the first application of a recently proven new recycling process for post-consumer AHP waste. It includes separate AHP waste collection and recycling without combustion. Valuable secondary raw materials are recovered including high-quality cellulose, specialty plastics and super absorbent polymers.
The project was led by AHP manufacturer Fater SPA and waste management company Contarina and received funding between 2012–2015. After the EU funding period, the beneficiary was exceptionally successful in spreading the solution with many LoI signed and recycling plants planned. A follow-up project under the Horizon 2020 programme is being implemented, focusing on further valorisation: conversion of the recovered cellulose into building blocks and polymers, and transforming secondary raw materials into final products.
Product available globally
- Project locations
- Italy
- Project website
- FaterSmart