Demonstration Plant for Diaper Recycling in Italy
On 21 July, 2025, in Spresiano (Italy), a new recycling center powered by i-Foria’s patented technology was opened. The plant is dedicated to the recycling of Absorbent Hygiene Product (AHP) waste.
As reported, diapers and sanitary napkins accounts for approximately four percent of municipal solid waste. It is estimated that in Italy, every year, three landfills are created, filled, and closed to treat waste from AHP, which amounts to 900,000 tons per year (Europe: about 8,500,000 tons/year). The Spresiano demonstration plant, with a processing capacity of 100 kilograms per batch, would serve as a pivotal testbed for scaling up this transformative solution. The new plant would realize “a full recovery of high-quality secondary raw materials, including plastics and absorbent cellulose, to be reused in new manufacturing processes”, the information provided by agency Revolve said. Funded by the ICARUS project, the plant would also validate the recycling and upcycling of cellulosic materials recovered from urban wastewater treatment plants operated by Acciona Agua. “These materials are destined for high-value applications in the construction, chemical, and technological sectors. The project will explore AI-powered digital platforms to optimize operations and ensure consistent quality of the recovered resources.”
It is planned that the Spresiano facility will continue to refine the AHP recycling process, with a focus on maximizing energy efficiency and enhancing the quality of recovered materials. “It will also be open to visits from stakeholders across the value chain, including waste management operators, industry partners, and potential investors exploring the adoption of this technology.”
i-foria.eu/en/ahp-recycling/, project-icarus.eu, acciona.com
(Published in GLOBAL RECYCLING Magazine 3/2025, Page 23, Photo: MSV, AI-generated)
