Japan's World-Leading Absorbent Material Technology
Absorbent Material Industry
Japanese material manufacturers have established global market dominance in the development of ultra-thin high-absorbent materials and new materials with superior comfort. Sumitomo Seika, Unicharm, Asahi Kasei, and Nippon Paper Crecia are driving the global market through innovative technological developments.
Sumitomo Seika is known as Japan's second-largest SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) manufacturer. In addition to producing high-performance SAP, the company has developed the world's first technology for recycling used SAP. The company aims to operate a demonstration facility from May 2026, targeting the recycling of 5,000 tonnes annually (equivalent to approximately 47 million products).
Unicharm has developed proprietary non-woven fabric technology and established a groundbreaking recycling system. Working with local authorities in Kagoshima Prefecture, the company has built a horizontal recycling system that recovers and reuses pulp from used products. This innovative technology has attracted international attention.
Asahi Kasei's "Benlese" is a regenerated cellulose fibre produced using proprietary spinning technology. This material is used in a wide range of applications from medical protective equipment to cosmetic products. Nippon Paper Crecia utilises ultra-fine fibre technology for its "Scottie Fine" brand, offering products ranging from medical applications to consumer goods.
These technological innovations are making significant contributions to reducing environmental impact. According to Japan's Ministry of the Environment predictions, used hygiene products are expected to reach 6.4% (2.38 million tonnes) of general waste by fiscal year 2030. In response, the Ministry of the Environment has launched a project to promote the recycling of used paper nappies, with the goal of implementing recycling in 100 local authorities by fiscal year 2030.
The structure design of absorbent materials continues to evolve through Japanese companies' development of high-functional materials and environmentally conscious technologies. Sumitomo Seika and Unicharm's recycling technologies reduce environmental impact whilst maintaining high-performance multilayer structures. Additionally, fibre technology innovations by Asahi Kasei and Nippon Paper Crecia have improved the functionality of each layer, realising multilayer structures that combine high performance with environmental considerations.
What are Absorbent Materials?
Absorbent materials are functional materials that effectively absorb and retain liquids. Modern absorbent materials comprise multiple functional layers, with each layer fulfilling a specific role.
One of the key components is Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). SAP can absorb 50 to 100 times its own weight in moisture, and its chemically designed network structure prevents backflow of the absorbed moisture.
The next important element is natural pulp fibre. Pulp manufactured from wood possesses high absorbency and breathability, enhancing the comfort of the product.
Furthermore, non-woven fabrics are also essential components. Non-woven fabrics manufactured through special production methods control the permeability and diffusion of liquids. The surface layer is treated with both water-repellent and hydrophilic finishes to achieve rapid absorption and a dry surface feel.
These materials are used in various fields:
Daily necessities: Paper nappies, sanitary products
Medical supplies: Surgical gauze, wound dressings
Industrial applications: Industrial absorbents, agricultural water-retention materials
In the medical field, in addition to high absorption performance, hygiene and safety are prioritised, requiring more highly functional materials.
Recent technological developments focus on the following three points:
Improving absorption performance
Reducing environmental impact (developing biodegradable materials, establishing recycling technologies)
Improving user experience (making products thinner, enhancing flexibility)
The global market shows different developments depending on the region:
Advanced country markets: Environmentally friendly materials are mainstream
Nordic countries: Active development of recycling technologies
Emerging markets: Expanding demand for basic hygiene materials, requiring cost-efficient product development
Japanese companies have received global recognition for their development of ultra-thin high-absorbent materials and new materials with superior comfort, providing innovative products across a wide range of fields from medical to general consumer use.
Advanced Absorbent Materials: From Basic Science to Modern Innovation
Absorbent materials are special materials that effectively absorb and retain liquids. Modern absorbent materials consist of four functional layers.
Structure and Function of Each Layer:
The topmost layer is the surface material. It uses specially processed non-woven fabric to provide a comfortable feel against the skin and rapid liquid permeability. This layer combines water-repellent and hydrophilic treatments. As a result, the surface remains dry to the touch whilst enabling efficient absorption.
The second layer is the liquid distribution layer. This layer quickly disperses received liquid over a wide area. Special groove processing and uneven structures allow liquid to spread efficiently in the horizontal direction.
The third layer is the absorption layer, which forms the core of the product. It is made of a composite material containing Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). SAP can absorb 50 to 100 times its own weight in liquid. It also has the characteristic that once liquid is absorbed, it is difficult for it to return. This SAP technology has made products thinner and higher-performing.
The bottom layer is a waterproof film. It uses a breathable film with microscopic pores. This film prevents both stuffiness and liquid leakage.
Applications and Development:
This technology is used in many products. For example, paper nappies, sanitary products, medical pads, and care products. In particular, the ultra-thin high-absorption technology developed in Japan has world-class performance and is utilised in various fields.
Recent developments have added new goals. Environmental consideration is one of them. There is progress in the development of biodegradable materials and the use of renewable raw materials. Comfort for users is also emphasised. Work is being undertaken to improve overall user experience, including softness, feel against the skin, and appearance.
Innovation in Absorbent Materials by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
In the absorbent material industry, whilst large companies lead technological development, small and medium-sized enterprises within Japan are also contributing to the market by leveraging their unique technological capabilities. Particularly in the development of materials specialised for specific functions and new manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impact, the role played by small and medium-sized enterprises can be said to be extremely significant.
Eco-Friendly Absorbents Utilising Natural Materials
AMADAM INC ( https://amadam-jp.com) is advancing research and development of technology to produce fibre from bamboo. Through this technology, they are working on improving the quality of products utilising bamboo fibres.
Tokyo Zairyo Co., Ltd. ( https://www.tokyozairyo.co.jp/) is engaged in the sales and development of bamboo powder-plastic compound materials. This technology contributes to reducing environmental impact.
Ultra-Thin, High-Performance Non-Woven Fabric Development
LiveDo Corporation (https://livedo.jp) is a medical and hygiene product manufacturer with bases in Osaka City and Shikoku Chuo City, Ehime Prefecture. The company manufactures and sells adult nappies, care products, and medical devices.
The company's key technological innovation is the development of its proprietary pulp-free absorbent material. This technology sandwiches Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) between two sheets without using pulp. As a result, it achieves the same absorption performance as conventional nappies at less than half the thickness. This innovative technology has significantly reduced environmental impact and transport costs, winning the Director-General's Award from the Shikoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry at the 2023 Shikoku Regional Invention Awards.
The company developed the world's first pull-up adult diaper, "Haku Pants", in 1995. Currently, they offer approximately 90 types of products in seven sizes.
In 2022, they established an Innovation Centre in Tsurugi Town, Tokushima Prefecture, strengthening research and development of new materials and technologies. Recent developments include nappies using water-soluble polymer with high bio-based content and online sales of large-sized nappies for the American market.
Establishing Absorbent Material Recycling Technology
EF Polymer Inc. ( https://efpolymer.jp) is developing fully biodegradable super absorbent polymers made from agricultural waste. This technology contributes to the realisation of a circular society.
Outlook for Japan's Absorbent Material Industry
Japan's absorbent material industry continues to grow sustainably as both large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises advance technological innovation. A particularly noteworthy field of technological development is the creation of high-performance Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP). The utilisation of environmentally friendly natural materials is also progressing. Furthermore, manufacturing technology for ultra-thin, high-performance non-woven fabrics that enhance product comfort, and the establishment of recycling technologies that reduce environmental impact have become important areas.
These technological innovations are expanding into new fields in addition to conventional applications such as medical supplies, care products, and hygiene products for general consumers. They are particularly extending their range of applications as water retention materials in the agricultural field and as liquid management materials in the industrial field.
As for the future outlook of the industry, achieving both environmental consideration and improvement in product performance simultaneously has become an important challenge. In response to this challenge, Japanese companies continue to develop innovative technologies, and sustainable growth is expected in the future.