◆A research group led by Professor Hideaki Ichiura of the Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, has received the "Asahi Shimbun Award (Special Prize)" at the National Invention Awards for their invention, "Technology for Regenerating High-Purity Pulp from Used Disposable Diapers."
Release Date:
At the 2025 National Invention Awards (sponsored by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation), the invention "Technology for Regenerating High-Purity Pulp from Used Disposable Diapers (Patent No. 6290475)," jointly filed by Unicharm Corporation and Kochi University, received the "Asahi Shimbun Award," one of the special awards. This marks Kochi University's first award at the National Invention Awards.
The National Invention Awards, established in 1919, is a long-established awards system aimed at contributing to the advancement of science and technology and the development of industry in Japan. Every year, it receives a grant from the Imperial Family and recognizes outstanding inventions of great social significance. This year, the invention in question was selected from among many candidates, and was particularly highly praised for the originality of its technology and its contribution to reducing environmental impact.
This invention is a technology that efficiently decomposes the superabsorbent polymer in used disposable diapers by treating them with ozone, and recycles the pulp in a highly pure and reusable state. This recycled pulp is used as a raw material for new disposable diapers, realizing "horizontal recycling," and has been recognized for its high environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions and effectively utilizing forest resources.
Disposable diapers manufactured through horizontal recycling are currently sold at select Aeon Kyushu stores and Uni-Charm Direct Shops.
A research group led by Professor Ichiura of this university was responsible for the basic research in this invention, contributing to the establishment of a recycling process using ozone treatment technology and the scientific verification of its effectiveness. The research results on this invention have been published in the following paper.
■ Related papers
Journal of Cleaner Production , Vol. 276, 123350 (2020)
DOI:
■ About the awards ceremony
The awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at The Okura Tokyo, with Her Imperial Highness Princess Hanako in attendance.
■ Reference Links
• List of National Invention Award Recipients (Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation):