PERSONAL HYGIENE

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

Absorbent, 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.

A LOT TO ABSORB

As manufacturers compete with one another they need to consider these customer preferences, which is why local manufacturers have responded to international trends in the production of their products. Mark Russell, CEO of National Pride says: “National Pride has already responded to customers’ preferences by introducing breathable fabrics in our Cuddlers range of diapers and pants. We are very proud of this, given that we are the only South African brand found in all major retailers and wholesalers.”

Raaes Parker, marketing and communications manager at The Nappy Warehouse, says that organic cotton and fluff are important components in achieving the goal of breathable and absorbent products. “Organic cotton as well as fluff is an important component of all incontinence and sanitary products, as this material provides breathability, comfort and the core foundation to produce such products. Often cotton-like synthetics are used instead; however, proper cotton provides the best quality.”

FAST FACT

starch. We are currently in the final stages of product development with a leading retailer in South Africa,” says Russell.

COTTONING ON

South Africa’s panty liner market was worth more than SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

R400-million in 2018, with Parker says that sustainability expected growth of is important to the sector While cotton may be 9–10 per cent per year. in terms of product and a key ingredient, it is at Source: Engineering News production. “With the rise of least 50 per cent more environmentalism, there is a drive expensive to use in diapers, for conservation and eco-friendly says Russell. This is why some harvesting as well as eco-friendly manufacturers may opt to use methods of production. But in the alternatives that offer the same end, to ensure a level of quality or build, properties as cotton. certain materials are non-negotiable in the Parker says that the COVID-19 pandemic production process. has had an impact on prices and availability “However, facilities are always trying to of all raw materials used in the production improve production methods, without affecting of diapers and sanitary towels. “The recent the quality of the product, and innovating in lockdown resulted in a loss of cultivation as well terms of carbon footprint, and more digitalised as production. There was a sharp increase in and efficient methods of production.” the price of raw materials for the production of incontinence and sanitary products.” In light of this cost discrepancy, ENTERING THE PPE SPACE manufacturers around the globe have Given National Pride’s expertise innovated and found alternative materials that in manufacturing using nonwoven offer the same properties as cotton, but at a materials and, as an essential service lower cost. “National Pride currently has the provider, it was able to convert one of capability to utilise both sustainable disposable its existing diaper machines to produce diaper raw materials made from bamboo three-ply surgical masks certified to and biodegradable materials made from corn SANS 1866-1 specifications for the country’s healthcare workers. “THE RECENT LOCKDOWN RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CULTIVATION AS WELL AS PRODUCTION. THERE WAS A SHARP INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF RAW MATERIALS “We already had all the required technical skills and manufacturing expertise,” says Russell, “and we were FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INCONTINENCE AND SANITARY PRODUCTS.” – RAAES PARKER, also able to create employment for an MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, THE NAPPY WAREHOUSE additional 30 South Africans.”