PERS ON A L H YGIENE
INNOVATING WITH FABRIC
New fabric innovations in the diaper and sanitary towel market are ensuring local producers compete internationally. THANDO PATO speaks to local manufacturers
core foundation to produce starch. We are currently in the final such products. Often stages of product development with cotton-like synthetics are a leading retailer in South Africa,” used instead; however, says Russell. proper cotton provides South Africa’s panty liner the best quality.” SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION market was worth more than Parker says that sustainability R400-million in 2018, with is important to the sector COTTONING ON expected growth of in terms of product and While cotton may be 9–10 per cent per year. production. “With the rise of a key ingredient, it is at Source: Engineering News environmentalism, there is a drive least 50 per cent more for conservation and eco-friendly expensive to use in diapers, A LOT TO ABSORB harvesting as well as eco-friendly says Russell. This is why some As manufacturers compete with one another methods of production. But in the manufacturers may opt to use they need to consider these customer end, to ensure a level of quality or build, alternatives that offer the same preferences, which is why local manufacturers certain materials are non-negotiable in the properties as cotton. have responded to international trends in the production process. Parker says that the COVID-19 pandemic production of their products. Mark Russell, “However, facilities are always trying to has had an impact on prices and availability CEO of National Pride says: “National Pride has improve production methods, without affecting of all raw materials used in the production already responded to customers’ preferences the quality of the product, and innovating in of diapers and sanitary towels. “The recent by introducing breathable fabrics in our terms of carbon footprint, and more digitalised lockdown resulted in a loss of cultivation as well Cuddlers range of diapers and pants. We are and efficient methods of production.” as production. There was a sharp increase in very proud of this, given that we are the only the price of raw materials for the production of South African brand found in all major incontinence and sanitary products.” retailers and wholesalers.” ENTERING THE PPE SPACE In light of this cost discrepancy, Raaes Parker, marketing and communications Given National Pride’s expertise manufacturers around the globe have manager at The Nappy Warehouse, says in manufacturing using nonwoven innovated and found alternative materials that that organic cotton and fluff are important materials and, as an essential service offer the same properties as cotton, but at a components in achieving the goal of breathable provider, it was able to convert one of lower cost. “National Pride currently has the and absorbent products. “Organic cotton as its existing diaper machines to produce capability to utilise both sustainable disposable well as fluff is an important component of all three-ply surgical masks certified to diaper raw materials made from bamboo incontinence and sanitary products, as this SANS 1866-1 specifications for the and biodegradable materials made from corn material provides breathability, comfort and the country’s healthcare workers. “We already had all the required technical skills and manufacturing expertise,” says Russell, “and we were also able to create employment for an – RAAES PARKER, additional 30 South Africans.” MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, THE NAPPY WAREHOUSE
FAST FACT
“THE RECENT LOCKDOWN RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CULTIVATION AS WELL AS PRODUCTION. THERE WAS A SHARP INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF RAW MATERIALS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INCONTINENCE AND SANITARY PRODUCTS.” 52
IMAGES: ISTOCK.COM, SUPPLIED
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bsorbent, kind to the skin and odour-controlling are just some of the qualities that customers across the globe require of disposable diapers and sanitary towels. Interestingly, when most of us hear “disposable diapers”, we think of babies and toddlers, but a large part of the global market for diapers is adult diapers used in cases of incontinence and immobility, especially among the elderly.
MANUFAC TURING
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2021/03/24 10:25 AM
