New Hydrogel Developed at University of Waterloo Makes Personal Hygiene Products Greener

Diapers, pads could be different thanks to UW scientist's hydrogel

A new hydrogel from UW can absorb more than 1,000 per cent of its own weight in water, and is fully biodegradable, and Canadian-made.

New hydrogel developed at University of Waterloo makes personal hygiene products greener

A new hydrogel is making personal hygiene products greener thanks to a plant-based material developed by University of Waterloo researchers.

Natural hydrogel can make personal hygiene products greener

A natural, superabsorbent material developed at the University of Waterloo could dramatically reduce the environmental impact of personal hygiene products like diapers, menstrual pads and tampons.

New ’hydrogel’ makes personal hygiene products greener

8.01.2026 - A natural, superabsorbent material developed at the University of Waterloo could dramatically reduce the environmental impact of personal hygiene products like diapers, menstrual pads and tampons. Unlike synthetic absorbent materials in commercial hygiene products, which are expected to take centuries to break down, the new hydrogel degrades harmlessly in soil within three months.