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Weekly Recap: Essity Partners to Develop Bio-Based Superabsorbents, Zuiko Completing R&D Center & More

The most-viewed news on our site for the week ended March 7, 2026

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By: Tara Olivo

Associate Editor at Nonwovens Industry

weekly recap

Here’s your weekly recap—the most-viewed news stories on our site for the week ended March 7, 2026.

Essity is participating in PROTEUS, a flagship project supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) and its members. The project pioneers the development of bio-based superabsorbents derived from sustainably harvested brown macroalgae. As part of this initiative, Essity evaluates new bio-based raw materials for use in products such as baby diapers, feminine care and incontinence products, aiming to reduce the reliance on fossil-based plastics and minimize environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.

Meanwhile, Zuiko’s investment in a research and development center at its facility in Naka, Japan is nearly complete. The center will feature new converting machine concepts and test other innovative processes. The site will also house specialized equipment for small-scale production of new experimental cotton spunlaced nonwovens.

Here are our top 3 most-viewed stories from the past week:

1. Essity Partners to Develop Bio-Based Superabsorbents

2. Zuiko Completing R&D Center

3. Freestyle Diaper Brand Secures Funding

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