Diaper Performance And Material Trends 

As is readily observed in these advertising messages, leading diapers are prioritizing the softness, absorbency/leakage protection and body-hugging fit performance of their diapers. Nonwoven suppliers continue to be challenged to deliver cost competitive fabrics with the specific functional performance and aesthetic properties that are required for each type of nonwoven component in state-of-the-art diapers. Ultra soft and cushioning nonwovens with distinctive patterns are preferred for topsheet and backsheet components. Soft and effective fluid barrier nonwovens are required for leg cuffs. Higher fluid transport performance, resiliency through multiple wettings and soft, cushioning aesthetics are needed for acquisition/distribution sublayers. Low cost spunmelt nonwovens with superabsorbent containment properties are needed for lightweight core wrap. Soft and extensible nonwovens for elastic laminates are required for the stretch ear fasteners, side panels and waistbands that provide the body-hugging fit performance of diapers and diaper pants. In premium diapers, there is a global trend towards the use of bicomponent spunbonded or carded air-through bonded with bicomponent fiber to achieve ultra-softness combined with functional performance in lofty or apertured topsheets, higher performance carded acquisition/distribution layers and quilted cloth-like backsheet. Recent and expected expansions of global superabsorbent capacity provide diaper producers with opportunities to increase the superabsorbent compositions of diaper cores after a period of constrained availability of superabsorbent during the last quarter of 2012 and the first half of 2013. Consumers now expect good quality diapers to provide leakage protection for close to 12 hours. Optimized absorbent cores with improved performance in fluid acquisition/distribution materials are clear priorities for leading diaper manufacturers. Elastic fabrics are in their third generation of material and value optimization for diapers. Gentle stretch performance must endure at body temperatures for up to 12 hours to provide reliable body-hugging performance. This level of performance is crucial to leakage protection and comfort. The soft, cushioning aesthetics of the elastic laminate components also contribute significantly to consumers’ impressions of the quality levels of their diapers.