Conference Speakers

Synergy of Components - Upstream Advancements Offering Downstream Sustainability Opportunities

Enhancing the sustainability of a disposable absorbent hygiene product ('AHP') is a key focus area due to the inherent complexity found in the form and function of such items as baby diapers, compounded by the sheer number of baby diapers consumed each year. This presentation will look at how a change in a single component of a diaper, specifically the closure or fastener tape, results in an interesting ripple effect through the overall diaper design. By modifying the performance of the fastener and using certain commercially available lightweight nonwoven fabrics in the backsheet, a closure system is created that removes the need for sourcing and building in specific landing zones structures for the overall diaper. This change in design not only results in a material reduction of the components of the diaper, but there is also the subsequent reduction in the impact on resources resulting from production, logistics, and manufacturing complexity. It has also been found that by allowing for the entire available backsheet surface area to be the engagement area, fit and function of the diaper itself can be improved for an increased variance in baby body shapes. We will explore these findings in AHP evolution related to a component change, the opportunities for other components and the next steps towards realizing a "less from more" design philosophy."