Technology Overview

Countries such as Thailand are facing societal challenges due to an aging population and poverty. This group often lacks access to disposable diapers and pads, which are expensive necessities as they are typically imported from abroad. These countries also face environmental issues such as landfill problems from disposal of such products as well as the incineration of agricultural waste, which is a major cause of CO2 gas and PM 2.5 dust.

The company has developed sustainable disposable absorbent products using raw materials from agricultural waste, such as cassava rhizomes and virgin rice straw, which are readily available in Thailand. The production techniques for the materials are also environmentally friendly, without using chemicals and electricity.

The company is seeking collaborators interested in licensing, joint technical development and investment.

Technology Features, Specifications and Advantages

A super liquid absorbing, biodegradable material is developed from plants (cassava rhizomes, rice straw pulp and corn) as a replacement of the difficult-to-degrade polymeric materials currently used in disposable products today. This also avoids the creation of harmful microplastics.

The material can help reduce odour, absorb pus, reduce infection and does not irritate the skin. Rice straw pulp and activated charcoal derived from cassava rhizomes provide water absorption and odour reduction properties respectively. Corn plant materials are used to further increase absorption.

The company uses a combination of chemical-free technologies to produce these materials. Rice straw virgin pulp is transformed to nanocellulose through environmentally friendly techniques. Activated charcoal is also produced from cassava rhizomes without chemicals and electricity. The non-woven method is used to manufacture disposable products. As the main raw materials are agricultural wastes available locally in Thailand, this absorbent material has a low production cost and can be sold at an affordable price.

Potential Applications

This absorbent material has been developed into an adult diaper that changes colour to observe urinary abnormalities. This enables patients to seek timely medical assistance and reduce mortality rates. The material can also be made into sanitary napkins, diapers and pads for baby, diaper and pad for pets, incontinence pads, etc.

Customer Benefit

• Cost savings of 35-40% as compared to other brands
• Abundance of natural raw materials
• Biodegradable
• Reduces plastic waste and use of cotton