Kerala-based Hygiene Laboratories has launched a patented product, Diaper Dissolver, designed to break down used diapers and sanitary pads, addressing a growing environmental concern in both urban and rural areas.
The product targets Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), or sodium polyacrylate, the substance that causes diapers and sanitary pads to swell when wet. This swelling is a major contributor to blocked drains, flooding, and long-term pollution. Improper disposal of these items in toilets, drains, or landfills has repeatedly led to drainage issues, water stagnation, and contamination of soil and water bodies.
Founded in 2006 in Chadayamangalam, Kollam, Hygiene Laboratories has a history of producing laundry products. Its founder, Imam Hassan, with over 20 years of experience in the chemical industry, said the innovation tackles the problem at its root: the swelling gel inside the absorbent core.
The biodegradable powder is mixed with water, and used diapers or sanitary pads are soaked for roughly 30 minutes. Afterward, the solution can be safely drained, and residual plastic components can be separated for responsible disposal. The product is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and suitable for homes, hospitals, and institutions.
Hygiene Laboratories plans to collaborate with local self-government bodies, municipal corporations, and the State Health and Sanitation Departments to run pilot projects in selected districts of Kerala.The initiative supports the goals of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, promoting scientific waste management, reducing open dumping, and improving sanitation infrastructure. Imam Hassan added that with government backing, Kerala could become a model state in managing diaper and sanitary pad waste, significantly reducing municipal waste and environmental impact.
