A Kerala-based company, Hygiene Laboratories, has introduced a patented product called Diaper Dissolver to address the growing problem of diaper and sanitary pad waste in India. (A representative image)
Kerala-based Hygiene Laboratories has introduced a patented product designed to dissolve used diapers and sanitary pads, a growing environmental challenge across urban and rural India.
The product, branded as Diaper Dissolver, targets the Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), scientifically known as sodium polyacrylate, that causes diapers and sanitary pads to swell when exposed to water. This swelling is one of the primary reasons for drainage blockages, flooding, and long-term environmental pollution.
Improper disposal of diapers and sanitary pads into toilets, open drains, and landfills has led to repeated clogging of drainage systems, stagnation of water, and contamination of soil and water bodies.
Founded in 2006 at Poredom, Chadayamangalam, Kollam, Hygiene Laboratories has been manufacturing laundry products. Its founder, Imam Hassan, who brings over two decades of experience in the chemical industry, says the new innovation directly addresses the problem’s root cause.
“We have focused on what happens after use. The swelling gel inside diapers is the real cause of blockages and flooding. Our solution dissolves that absorbent core completely,” Imam Hassan said.
The Diaper Dissolver is a biodegradable powder that is mixed with water. Used diapers or sanitary pads are immersed in the solution for about 30 minutes, after which the solution can be safely drained, and the remaining plastic materials can be separated for responsible disposal. The product is designed to be eco-friendly, affordable, and easy to use, making it suitable for households, hospitals, and institutions.
The company plans to work closely with local self-government institutions, municipal corporations, and the State Health and Sanitation Departments to introduce pilot projects in selected districts of Kerala.
The initiative aligns closely with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which emphasises scientific waste management, the elimination of open dumping, and improved sanitation infrastructure.
Kerala can become a model state in scientifically addressing diaper and sanitary napkin waste. With support from the State and Central governments, this can significantly reduce municipal waste burden and environmental damage, Imam Hassan added.
Published on March 4, 2026