How is PlanetSorb different? Our polymer stands out because of its combination of performance and biodegradability.

End-users, and retailers want sustainable alternatives and are no longer accepting greenwashing, as the importance of sustainability has grown exponentially in the 3 years. Procurement officers for retailers now have ESG goals they need to fulfil. The big players are unable to move quickly to address this need, and are attempting to use existing infrastructure to produce "sustainable alternatives", like their "biomass balanced superabsorbent polymers". This means in addition to crude oil, BASF & LG use biomethane to produce their SAPs, which slightly lowers their carbon impact, but the polymers still break down into microplastics.

A nappy comprises 14 different parts, with 13 traditionally made from fossil-based materials and the pulp fluff from cellulose. The superabsorbent polymer (SAP), 40% of the nappy's weight, absorbs and holds liquid under pressure but is made from polluting polyacrylic acid. Some eco-friendly brands claim to be sustainable, but are only 78-80% biodegradable and leak microplastics as they still include fossil-based SAP and biobased plastics.

Most recently highlighted at European Nonwovens Industry Association (EDANA) Innovation conference June 2023, biodegradation is the most feasible route to eliminate waste from single use hygiene products. Recycling and chemical recycling requires centralized waste management infrastructure, which even in countries with robust networks would double the price per nappy/diaper.

Home compostability is the most rigorous standard for biodegradability, ensuring the material breaks down at room temperature in uncontrolled, natural environments in under 180 days. We don’t recommend tossing used hygiene products in your home compost. If the products are improperly disposed of, they will not break down and leak microplastics into the environment.