Diapers are composed of PE film - either perforated or plain, along with PP non-woven to absorb fluid. The main problem with this composition is that all the material is non-biodegradable, particularly since a diaper has a short life. It gets back into the recycling system, within a maximum time period of 2 months after it is manufactured, and only a few hours after it is put into use. The acrylic acid that is presently used as an absorbent takes almost 5900 years for degradation. The global diaper market is huge and with increasing volumes the recycling amount is mounting.

Scientists from an Israeli company have now developed a new polymer that bio degrades within 2 months of use. The company claims that its unique new polymer, a macromolecular compound called ethylene-bis-stearamide (EBS), is not only as absorbent as its rival acrylic acid, but it is also cheaper, more readily available, and safer for both humans and the environment. Furthermore it gets degraded with in 2 months after its usage. EBS consists of two main ingredients, gelatin and stearine - a petroleum product. Both these compounds are environmentally friendly and they also dissolve in water.

Development of the EBS polymer has already been completed, and the only company in the world making biodegradable absorbent powder suitable for use in diapers, is now preparing for production. The company plans to begin by building a small production line in Israel that will produce 5 tons of EBS polymers a month for use in 70,000 diapers. This plant, which will cost about US$2.5 million to build, could generate sales of US$10 million in the first year.

The potential of the polymer does not stop at diapers, and coul also be used for a new super-absorbent bandage for wounds, particularly wounds such as burns, ulcers or pressure wounds which excrete a great deal of liquid or blood.
These bandages normally have to be changed every couple of hours. EBS will absorb the liquids and slow down the rate at which you need to change bandages. Instead of every couple of hours, patients will only need bandages changed every two to three days, enabling them to be discharged from the hospital in the meantime. In addition, the bandage will remain damp so that it will not stick to the wound. Another major advantage is that healing compounds, like antibiotics or collagen, can be added to the polymer to speed up the healing process. This is now being tested.

A third area now being explored is water storage for agriculture. As drought, and water shortages affect an increasing number of areas around the world, it is becoming increasingly imperative to use water wisely. A special polymer derivative that can be incorporated into the top 5-10 cms of topsoil to hold water and prevent it from evaporating or disappearing into the ground is being developed. Some 60-80% of water used in irrigation is lost in the conventional way and this new material system can help maintain the water in the earth. Once the polymer reaches maximum retention capacity, and even if there is a sudden rainstorm, the rest of the water will seep down into the ground.
Tests show that plants can absorb the EBS-impregnated water and the polymer has been developed to degrade gradually over one season.