Essity participates in the European PROTEUS project on bio-based superabsorbents

Essity is participating in PROTEUS, a flagship European Union project supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), focused on developing bio-based superabsorbents derived from sustainably harvested brown macroalgae.

The project evaluates new renewable raw materials for potential use in products such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and incontinence solutions, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil-based materials and minimize environmental impact throughout the product life cycle.

 

Superabsorbents play a key role in fluid absorption in hygiene and health products. Currently, these materials are mainly produced from fossil-based resources. Within the PROTEUS framework, Essity is assessing algae-based raw materials, particularly Laminaria hyperborea, an underutilized European brown macroalga, as a sustainable and renewable alternative for hygienic and medical applications.

Participation in this initiative aligns with the company’s innovation strategy, focused on developing bio-based technologies that contribute to waste reduction and a more circular economy.

The initiative also supports the sustainable production of bio-based ingredients through an advanced, formaldehyde-free process that enables the use of nearly the entire algae biomass, exceeding the proportion currently utilized by the industry, while optimizing operations to reduce emissions and environmental impact.