Turning diaper waste into new value: BASF, Essity and TU Wien pioneer circular solutions

• Breakthrough gasification pilot project proves recyclability of diaper waste and other absorbent hygiene products
• Post-consumer diaper waste turned into raw material for new chemical products, keeping carbon in the loop
• Potential for reducing municipal waste and creating circular products

Ludwigshafen, Germany – December 11, 2025 – BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies and manufacturer of superabsorbent polymers (SAP), and Essity, a global leading hygiene and health company, joined forces together with the Technical University of Wien to revolutionize recycling of absorbent hygiene products (AHP).

The groundbreaking gasification pilot project proves that used diapers and other absorbent hygiene products can be transformed into valuable raw materials for new chemical products – no complex pre-treatment required. The resulting gas mixture contains carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which can be used as feedstock in chemical production, keeping carbon in the loop.

BASF and TU Wien’s innovative gasification technology enabled this result. Gasification is a process that converts solids like waste into gas at high temperatures above 600 °C. Thanks to this process, diaper waste is sanitized and converted into high-quality feedstock, matching the standards of virgin resources.

This breakthrough not only tackles a major waste stream but also unlocks possibilities for circularity in the chemical and hygiene sectors. This scalable solution has the potential to reshape municipal waste management, helps our customers achieve ambitious sustainability goals and offers a solution to diaper waste.

BASF’s unique production network enables the use of recycled feedstocks, offering customers products that are both sustainable and high-performing.

“Our customers can rely on BASF as their trusted partner for innovative recycling solutions. We demonstrated the potential of recycling post-consumer absorbent hygiene products. BASF is committed to turning challenges into opportunities and leading the way towards a more sustainable future—together with our customers,” says Oliver Cullmann, Vice President Global Marketing & Strategy C3 Value Chain.

About BASF’s Hygiene Business

BASF is a leading producer of superabsorbent polymers globally. As a leading partner to the global Hygiene industry, BASF is developing and producing superabsorbent polymers used in various hygiene applications such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene articles. Further information at www.hygiene.basf.com.

BASF has a broad market access and a global production footprint for superabsorbent polymers. Operations are deeply integrated in BASF’s Verbund structures, enabling the company to leverage the full potential of its acrylics value chain.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
 

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