UCL reported on July 23, 2026 that researchers had published a roadmap in Nature Sustainability for reducing waste from absorbent hygiene products, including adult incontinence products.
The researchers outline three approaches: reducing use and supporting reuse where appropriate, developing recycling that can operate at scale, and designing products that can safely break down in industrial composting or anaerobic digestion. They identify removal of pathogens and medicine residues, care pressures and affordability as issues that need attention.
The work sets out research and system changes, rather than announcing a new commercial diaper or a universally available treatment process. UCL notes that technical and regulatory barriers remain and that solutions must fit local infrastructure and the needs of people who depend on hygiene products.