How a beer-making process is used to make cleaner disposable diapers

Disposable diapers are notorious for their environmental impact, with approximately 300,000 being discarded every minute, according to the World Economic Forum. These products can take centuries to decompose, contributing to a staggering $60 billion industry. While compostable alternatives made from materials like wood pulp or bamboo exist, they often face criticism for limited availability and reduced absorbency compared to conventional diapers. Although cloth diapers are gaining traction among environmentally conscious parents, they still account for only about 20% of the U.S. market. Enter ZymoChem, a company tackling the diaper dilemma from a novel perspective. CEO Harshal Chokhawala highlights that 60% to 80% of a standard diaper comprises fossil-based plastics, with super absorbent polymer (SAP) constituting half of that. ZymoChem has developed a bio-based, biodegradable version of SAP that boasts a low carbon footprint. The innovative process behind this new absorbent material mirrors beer production, utilizing fermentation to transform renewable corn-sourced sugar into eco-friendly substances. Chokhawala states, "We are now nearing cost parity with fossil fuel-based manufacturing of super absorbents." Unlike companies that sell their own eco-friendly diaper brands, ZymoChem's drop-in absorbents can be seamlessly integrated into existing diaper products. Currently, ZymoChem does not have a market-ready diaper product, but investor Lindy Fishburne from Breakout Ventures sees significant potential in their scalable model. She notes, "By harnessing biology, we can establish a circular economy and a supply chain that is no longer reliant on petrochemicals. This opens up new avenues for manufacturing and supply chain security." The company has attracted a total of $35 million in funding from notable investors including Toyota Ventures, GS Futures, KDT Ventures, Cavallo Ventures, and Lululemon. The partnership with Lululemon underscores the versatility of ZymoChem's bio-based materials, which can be applied not only in diaper production but also in other hygiene products and bio-based nylon. Lululemon has announced plans to incorporate these materials into their leggings, which have traditionally been produced using petroleum-derived substances.