In recent decades, sustainability has evolved from a marginal concept to a central principle in environmental policy and design, yet it remains conceptually ambiguous despite the numerous definitions proposed by i nstitutions, NGOs, a nd i nternational agendas. In this context, Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) represent a critical waste stream due to their volume, management costs, and embedded raw materials, while also constituting a promising field for circular economy strategies, given the availability of dedicated recycling technologies. In Italy, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) is funding innovative facilities to create a national network capable of ensuring the “true circularity” of AHP, avoiding their disposal in landfills or incineration. A market survey conducted by Legambiente and Mizzouri (2025) on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for diapers reveals a low awareness of the end-of-life options for AHP and existing recycling pathways, alongside a strong willingness to pay more when transparent and reliable supply chains are guaranteed. This research, developed within the framework of the Doctoral Program, constitutes the research work presented here. Conducted as part of the International PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Perugia in collaboration with Gesenu S.p.A., it focuses on the new AHP facility in Ponte Rio (PG), designed for a capacity of 5,000 t/year and funded by the NRRP. The study analyzes national and international AHP collection systems, identifies accessible configurations for different user groups, and examines the role of municipalities as intermediaries between the facility, citizens, and producers. Moreover, it investigates the treatment process and the recovery of Secondary Raw Materials (SRM), exploring product concepts derived from recycled plastics and cellulose. The objective of the research is to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social validity of the facility and to propose a replicable circular economy model based on responsible design, inclusive services, and active citizen participation.
Smart Materials From Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) Waste: A Model of Inclusive Circular Economy
Benedetta Terenzi
;Giovanna Binetti
2026
Abstract
In recent decades, sustainability has evolved from a marginal concept to a central principle in environmental policy and design, yet it remains conceptually ambiguous despite the numerous definitions proposed by i nstitutions, NGOs, a nd i nternational agendas. In this context, Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) represent a critical waste stream due to their volume, management costs, and embedded raw materials, while also constituting a promising field for circular economy strategies, given the availability of dedicated recycling technologies. In Italy, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) is funding innovative facilities to create a national network capable of ensuring the “true circularity” of AHP, avoiding their disposal in landfills or incineration. A market survey conducted by Legambiente and Mizzouri (2025) on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for diapers reveals a low awareness of the end-of-life options for AHP and existing recycling pathways, alongside a strong willingness to pay more when transparent and reliable supply chains are guaranteed. This research, developed within the framework of the Doctoral Program, constitutes the research work presented here. Conducted as part of the International PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Perugia in collaboration with Gesenu S.p.A., it focuses on the new AHP facility in Ponte Rio (PG), designed for a capacity of 5,000 t/year and funded by the NRRP. The study analyzes national and international AHP collection systems, identifies accessible configurations for different user groups, and examines the role of municipalities as intermediaries between the facility, citizens, and producers. Moreover, it investigates the treatment process and the recovery of Secondary Raw Materials (SRM), exploring product concepts derived from recycled plastics and cellulose. The objective of the research is to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social validity of the facility and to propose a replicable circular economy model based on responsible design, inclusive services, and active citizen participation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
