HIRO Technologies, a North American start-up, has developed a disposable baby diaper that utilises fungi to accelerate decomposition. Branded as the world’s first “Mycodigestible” diaper, the product is designed to address the environmental impact of conventional diapers by enabling their breakdown in landfill conditions through the use of specially selected fungal species.

Environmental Context
Disposable diapers are a significant contributor to plastic waste globally. Each child may use up to 6,000 diapers before reaching childhood, and most commercially available options contain a combination of bleached cellulose and petroleum-based plastics. These materials can take several centuries to decompose, often resulting in the accumulation of microplastics in soil and water systems.

HIRO Technologies proposes an alternative that reduces environmental persistence. The HIRO Diaper is made using unbleached cotton and softwood fluff pulp from sustainably managed forests. It is free from chlorine bleaching and designed to be gentle on the skin, while reducing the use of fossil-derived materials.

Mycodigestible Innovation
A key element of the design is the integration of a fungal activation pouch, included with each diaper. This pouch contains a shelf-stable fungal formulation that becomes active in landfill-like conditions. Once activated—typically around two weeks after disposal—the fungi begin to colonise and digest components of the diaper, including nonwoven plastic layers.

Laboratory tests conducted by the company demonstrate visible fungal biomass and enzymatic activity after 12 days, with noticeable breakdown of treated diaper samples after 21 days. Untreated diapers remained largely intact in the same timeframe. The fungi used are naturally occurring species known for their ability to metabolise complex carbon-based polymers.

Implications for Design and Material Development
The technology has potential relevance for product designers and packaging professionals interested in biodegradable, bio-based, and fungi-enabled materials. It demonstrates a practical use case for applying biological decomposition strategies to synthetic materials, particularly in sectors reliant on single-use items.

While the initial application is focused on diapers, the underlying Mycodigestible technology may be adapted for other disposable products containing nonwoven plastics, such as hygiene products, food packaging, or lightweight shipping materials. The approach aligns with principles of circular design, where biological agents are used to return materials to natural cycles.

Research and Development Background
The concept was developed by HIRO Technologies founders Miki Agrawal and Tero Isokauppila. The team includes specialists in mycology, materials science, and engineering. Over four years of R&D resulted in the patented fungal delivery system and the final diaper composition. In 2024, the product received the Hygienix Innovation Award, recognising its material-based contribution to the hygiene and nonwovens industry.

Broader Considerations
Although long-term field testing data are not yet widely available, early results indicate that Mycodigestible materials may offer a viable approach to reducing landfill waste associated with synthetic fibres. The project contributes to a growing field of biodesign and regenerative materials, where living organisms are integrated into product end-of-life scenarios.

Source & Images: HIRO Technologies