PRODIP - Protein based bio-superabsorbants in dipers

Purpose and goal

The primary goal of the project was to develop renewable and biodegradable superabsorbents, in order to contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals and increase competitiveness. "Problöja" developed biodegradable superabsorbents with good absorbency for water and saline solutions and with fast absorption capacity for blood compared to petroleum-based commercial superabsorbents. Furthermore, the Problöja superabsorbents are completely degradable and leave a lower CO2 footprint than the commercial alternatives.

Expected results and effects

Problöja resulted in biodegradable superabsorbents with a low CO2 footprint, good absorption capacity for water and saline solutions, and fast absorption capacity for blood. The results enable the development of a pilot plant that can be further developed into a full-scale plant for the production of sustainable absorbent / superabsorbent materials for different areas of use. The project enables a transition from environmentally harmful superabsorbents to SUSAPs. Patents protect the results and ensure a turnover for conversion.

Planned approach and implementation

The project focused on a number of biological protein-rich starting materials, selected in collaboration with Lantmännen. These were later limited to the two most interesting, wheat gluten and potato protein, both side streams from starch production. Functionalization of the proteins was evaluated and superabsorbent materials were produced from the functionalized protein-rich side streams. The materials were evaluated by the academic partners, SLU and KTH, as well as by Essity. The most interesting options resulted in SUSAPs.