Nonwoven Applications in Hygiene Products

Hygiene products (35% of nonwoven market, $15 billion annually): Baby diapers—multiple nonwoven components (topsheet: spunbond or through-air bonded hydrophobic layer touching skin 15-20 GSM, acquisition layer: airlaid or hydroentangled rapidly moving fluid into core 30-50 GSM, distribution layer: airlaid spreading fluid 40-80 GSM, core wrap: tissue or nonwoven containing SAP superabsorbent polymer + pulp, backsheet: PE film or breathable film-nonwoven laminate preventing leakage 20-30 GSM, leg cuffs: spunbond elastic barriers, waistband: elastic nonwoven composite), total nonwoven content 80-120 GSM per diaper. Feminine hygiene—sanitary pads (topsheet perforated spunbond 18-25 GSM, absorbent core airlaid with SAP 100-200 GSM, backsheet laminate 25-30 GSM), tampons (cover nonwoven preventing fiber shedding), panty liners (thinner constructions 50-100 GSM total). Adult incontinence—similar to diapers but larger, higher absorbency (500-1,500 mL capacity), growing market (aging population). Wet wipes—spunlace dominant technology (soft, strong-wet, absorbent, 40-80 GSM), types include baby wipes, facial wipes, disinfecting wipes, makeup removal wipes (global consumption 300+ billion wipes annually). Performance requirements: softness (no skin irritation), rapid fluid acquisition (<3 seconds), high absorbency (200-500g for diapers), rewet prevention (<0.5g rewet for diapers), breathability (preventing diaper rash), and cost ($0.05-0.30 per diaper, nonwovens 20-30% of cost).