A Texas-based company, Hiro Technologies, has developed a pioneering diaper designed to tackle the massive environmental problem of disposable diaper waste. Their product, called MycoDigestible Diapers, contains specially formulated fungi that can break down the plastic components once activated by moisture and warmth in landfills. This is a significant breakthrough given that, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, millions of tons of diapers end up in landfills every year with little to no recycling or composting options.
The idea behind this technology is based on scientific research showing that certain fungi species, such as Pestalotiopsis microspora, have the natural ability to digest plastics like polyurethane. These fungi evolved to break down lignin in wood, which has a chemical structure similar to many plastics. While lab tests and some early trials have demonstrated the fungi’s potential to accelerate plastic degradation, large-scale, real-world proof of long-term effectiveness is still underway. Hiro Technologies is actively conducting further research to validate and optimize this eco-friendly solution and aims to apply it to other types of plastic waste beyond diapers. More