Ecovia’s technology uses a microbial co-culture fermentation route for “cost effective production of biodegradable and non-toxic superabsorbent materials from renewable biomass resources.”
Developing superabsorbent cores for infant diapers, which the EPA says accounts for 2–3% of total garbage waste, is the main focus of the grant.
Ecovia says its biopolymers have higher absorbency, greater free swell, and faster lock-up compared to other biodegradable solutions such as starch grafts.