December 02, 2025
【Sustainable Japan Excellence Award】Unicharm Corporation
President & CEO
Our company provides daily necessities — primarily disposable diapers and sanitary products — supporting hygienic and safe lifestyles. In this sense, our business itself aligns with the SDGs, and the SDGs embody our corporate purpose. However, the disposal of used diapers has become a pressing global challenge, projected to account for around 7% of Japan’s waste by 2030.
In response, since 2015 we have been promoting horizontal recycling of used disposable diapers as part of our vision for a circular society. This initiative, named RefF (Recycle for the Future), reflects our commitment to building a future without waste. Utilizing patented ozone-based technology, we have succeeded not only in recycling pulp — the main material — but also in regenerating plastics and superabsorbent polymers, achieving both hygiene and quality standards.
Through partnerships with local governments and communities, we have established a sustainable collection and reuse system. This project goes beyond reducing environmental impact — it also aims to solve social challenges through co-creation with local stakeholders, generating new and unique value.
We view this award as recognition of both our philosophy and our actions. Moving forward, we will accelerate technological innovation and social implementation in collaboration with partners in Japan and abroad, sharing our Japan-born sustainable model with the world. Encouraged by this honor, we remain committed to contributing to a sustainable future with as many people as possible.
Reason for the award:
Unicharm has demonstrated groundbreaking technology and results in the pursuit of a circular economy, becoming the first company in the world to commercialize horizontal recycling of used diapers. In 2015, it launched the cross-functional project RefF (Recycle for the Future) and the following year began pilot trials in collaboration with the city of Shibushi in Kagoshima Prefecture. By 2018, the town of Osaki also joined, enabling the establishment of a collection process with municipalities and moving the project toward social implementation.
Unlike the conventional practice of incineration or landfill, Unicharm’s unique ozone-based treatment technology allows for the complete recycling of all materials in used diapers. In 2022, the company commercialized adult incontinence products made from recycled pulp, and to date has recycled 5.46 million diapers. Full recycling is scheduled to be achieved by 2025. Looking ahead, Unicharm aims to expand the initiative to 10 municipalities across Japan by 2030, with ambitions for global deployment.
By linking technological innovation to practical implementation, Unicharm has created a pioneering model that not only addresses Japan’s waste challenges but also offers a significant contribution to solving a global environmental issue. Its leadership in circular business practices carries high international relevance and impact.
