What’s the time? It’s Diaper-time! So let’s make them sustainable

The industry newsdiaper is so SAFturated with jet fuel stories, you might have forgotten that renewable chemicals exist, and that some of them do super-absorbent things. And it’s good news that super-duper absorbents are in the news, for those of you around the world who have friends currently soiling themselves as their political leaders of choice have fallen into electoral disaster.

From California comes news that ZymoChem has launched what is billed as “the world’s first scalable, 100% bio-based, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer.” Yep, the key component in disposable, absorbent hygiene products such as infant diapers, which form a $145 billion global market, and of course there’s those 300,000 diapers that arrive at landfills around the world, every minute.

Branded BAYSE, it’s a rop-in replacement for traditional, fossil fuel-based SAPs, and get ready for the really good news. ZymoChem’s proprietary technology platform enables the production of BAYSE at a cost which is competitive with traditional SAPs. 

So, even better than a SAF, or even a biobased SAP, here we have a SAMP. That is., sustainability at market prices. 

Worth pointing out, ZymoChem’s BAYSE has additional applications in industries such as agriculture, cosmetics, and water treatment, where which BAYSE provides as a high-performance, microplastic-free alternative.

Small wonder that ZymoChem co-founder and CEO Harshal Chokhawala is doing a little victory dance this week.  “With BAYSE™, we are tackling one of the world’s most wasteful items head-on, offering a sustainable solution that does not compromise on performance or affordability,” he says, with justifiable enthusiasm.

About the tech

ZymoChem’s proprietary Carbon Conserving (C2) microbes convert renewable feedstocks into bio-based materials without compromising price, performance, scale, or sustainability, while radically minimizing CO2 loss during the production phase.  More about it here.

Cap raise and next steps

The company recently raised $21 million in Series A funding to accelerate the commercialization of BAYSE. And of, course, we’ll be looking forward to sharing news of partners placing orders for the new polymer.

Avantium and the mattress market

Meanwhile, we have more good news to share in renchams, this one is all about the partners. 

Avantium has landed a strategic collaboration with Auping, Monosuisse and Antex to  develop PEF-based yarns, to be used in mattresses for Auping. This collaboration demonstrates the broad potential of fibers and yarns made from Avantium’s PEF across different application areas, supporting the introduction of PEF to the everyday life of consumers.

The partnership details

Monosuisse will specialize in monofilament PEF yarns, while Antex will supply multifilament PEF yarns. Auping will test the design and manufacturing of mattresses utilizing the PEF-based fabric.  Avantium will spearhead the development, production, supply and recycling of PEF.

Reaction from the stakeholders

Geert Doorslag, Researcher at Auping, comments: “The environmental features of PEF-based fabrics are unique and very promising to meet our sustainability and circularity goals. We look forward to work together with Avantium, Antex and Monosuisse to further develop circular Auping mattresses made from PEF-based yarns.”

Bineke Posthumus, Director Business Development of Avantium, adds: “By leveraging Avantium’s breakthrough technology and the collective expertise of our partners, we are poised to transform the textile landscape.”

The Bottom Line

So, as was said on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, What time it it? It’s Diaper time., But it’s time to go to the mattresses, too, apparently. And, good news, sustainable options are on the way for valuable home products.

Also, shows the way for companies that want traction.

1. Create a polymer that performs in a big market at a competitive price.
2. Use collaborations to take powerful polymers and create powerful markets.
3. Rinse and repeat.