Image Credit: dmitryag/123rf.com
A startup in Austin, Texas, is tackling the significant environmental issue of disposable diaper waste with an innovative product that combines biodegradable materials and fungi. Hiro Technologies has developed the MycoDigestible Diaper, which includes a packet of plastic-eating fungi designed to break down the diaper after use.
The Environmental Protection Agency reported that approximately four million tons of disposable diapers were sent to U.S. landfills in 2018, where they can take centuries to decompose. Hiro Technologies aims to change this by using fungi, which have a natural ability to decompose complex materials. The MycoDigestible Diaper is activated by moisture, including the contents of the diaper, allowing the fungi to begin breaking down the plastic components over time.
Research has identified over a hundred species of fungi capable of digesting plastic, with Pestalotiopsis microspora being a key player in this initiative. Discovered in the Ecuadorian rainforest, this fungus can thrive in oxygen-poor environments like landfills and survive on polyurethane, making it well-suited for the task of breaking down synthetic materials.
Hiro Technologies has begun offering the MycoDigestible Diapers online in weekly bundles priced at $35. While initial interest from consumers and investors is promising, the company is currently focused on studying how effective the fungi are in various real-world conditions. Plans are in place to extend this fungal treatment to other high-waste products, including adult diapers and feminine care items.
This innovative approach represents a potential shift in how disposable products are managed, aligning convenience with sustainability. Hiro Technologies’ efforts highlight the creative solutions needed to address plastic pollution and reduce the waste footprint associated with everyday household items.
Check out the original article here: Source link
