Properties of Fluff Pulp and Handsheet Recycled from Paper Diaper

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the reusability of the fluff pulp recycled from paper diaper. To do this, the physical and optical properties of each handsheet made from these fluff pulp sample as well as the properties of the fiber recycled from paper diaper were analyzed and compared with those of non-recycled diaper fluff pulp samples and conventional pulp samples. These comparisons show that the characteristics of fiber such as length, width, curl, kink of the pulp recycled from paper diaper were similar to those of non-recycled diaper fluff pulp as well as to those of commercial pulp. The fine content of recycled diaper fluff pulp was lower than that of other pulp samples, while the ash content of the former was higher than that of the latter. Furthermore, it was also found that the bulk of handsheets made from the recycled fluff pulp was higher than that of other pulp samples, while the formation of the former was worse than that of the latter. The mechanical properties of the handsheet sample made from the recycled diaper fluff pulp was higher than those of the unused diaper fluff pulp and was lower that those of commercial fluff pulp and softwood tissue pulp handsheet. But, it was higher than that of hardwood tissue pulp handsheet. The optical properties of recycled diaper fluff pulp handsheet was lower than those of each handsheet samples made from other pulps due to its low fine content.

Evaluation of a Disposable-Diaper Collection Trial in Korea through Comparison with an Absorbent-Hygiene-Product Collection Trial in Scotland

“…Research indicates that over 90% of parents use disposable diapers since they are comfortable, hygienic, cost-effective and convenient (2017) [1]. According to a life-cycle assessment of disposable diapers for babies and toddlers aged between 0 and two years, 5.87 diapers are used per child every day, which are sent to landfills or incinerators [1][2][3]. Out of the 240,000 tons of used diapers generated each year in Korea, 141,000 tons (58%) are produced at daycare centers [2,4].…”

“…According to a life-cycle assessment of disposable diapers for babies and toddlers aged between 0 and two years, 5.87 diapers are used per child every day, which are sent to landfills or incinerators [1][2][3]. Out of the 240,000 tons of used diapers generated each year in Korea, 141,000 tons (58%) are produced at daycare centers [2,4]. The percentage contribution of diapers to the overall weight of trash in general grew gradually to 2.1% in 2002 and is expected to reach 3.6% in 2020 [1,3,5].…”