This week marks the launch of Planet Smart, a company focused on reducing the plastic crisis related to disposable hygiene products. Planet Smart has introduced a scalable, patent-pending biodegradable super absorbent polymer (bioSAP) called PlanetSorb. This bioSAP biodegrades naturally within months, even in landfills, without leaving harmful residues or microplastics.
This new category of bioSAP will help brands meet new global environmental regulations and rising consumer demand for more eco-friendly, disposable hygiene products, such as diapers and menstrual pads. Disposable diapers are significant plastic polluters, generating nearly 40 million tons of waste annually. A single diaper can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to the growing threat of microplastics in the environment.
Gerald Perry Marin, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Planet Smart recognized the opportunity to tackle the non-biodegradable, fossil-based super absorbent polymers (SAPs) that degrade into microplastics. He emphasized the industry’s need for eco-friendly SAPs that maintain product performance.
PlanetSorb provides reliable liquid absorbency compared to traditional SAPs used in hygiene products today. Alan S. Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Tenx-Innovation, remarked that major industry players have not adequately addressed the need for sustainable products. He praised Planet Smart’s holistic approach, which offers a scalable solution without compromising performance.
Planet Smart created PlanetSorb using existing manufacturing processes and raw materials. This approach allows for rapid production of eco-friendly hygiene products, meeting the increasing demand from brands and customers.
Sara Jones, Senior Director at General Inception VC, expressed confidence in Planet Smart’s business model. She noted their focus on capital efficiency and market demand aligns with General Inception’s vision.
Driven by a mission to eliminate plastic waste, Planet Smart aims to lead the disposable hygiene industry toward a more sustainable future and has already secured several commercial partners.
