Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking published an account of the EU-funded EMBRACED project’s results on April 7, 2025. The project examined recovery of resources from used absorbent hygiene products, including adult diapers and incontinence pads.
The funding body describes a pre-treatment process separating cellulose, plastics and absorbent polymer, followed by a biorefinery approach to producing materials such as bio-based products, fertilisers and bioplastics. It also discusses Italian funding for additional biorefineries and subsequent technology development.
The article is a report on project results and expansion plans, rather than the start of a new project in 2025. Funding for additional facilities does not establish that all proposed plants were already operating. Environmental and economic benefits described by the funding body and project representatives should be distinguished from an independently reviewed comparison of local treatment options.