Sustainable Adhesives in Personal Hygiene Products

Sustainability has a greater focus over the past few years. Whether in politics, lifestyle or purchasing decisions - sustainability is playing an increasing role for consumers:

• 89% of consumers care personally about protecting the planet*

• 64% of consumers feel they can make a difference in the world with their choices*

• 83% of consumers would always pick the brand which had a better record of sustainability*

We all benefit from a more sustainable production process: our customers, consumers, and the environment alike. And there are several areas in which the production processes offer potential for improvement:

• Carbon footprint: Optimization and reduction of both energy usage and CO2 emissions are crucial to move towards more sustainable operations
• Resource efficiency: "More with less" and a conscious use of the world's limited resources are key aspects
• Waste reduction: First target is to reduce waste in production processes. Thereafter a second life for the waste generated should be a clear mission.

No matter whether production of baby diapers, femcare or adult incontinence products: The choice of the right adhesives can have a significant positive impact on processes and production conditions!

^{*Source: J. Walter Thompson Intelligence: The New Sustainability: Regeneration 2018}

Personal Hygiene Adhesives: A Minor Detail Makes the Difference

Personal hygiene products, like a baby diaper, consist of a variety of different substrates and materials. Fluff, SAP and Plastic make up a total of around 95%, adhesives only 5%.

Even so adhesives are just a minor part of a diaper or other hygiene product, they are crucial to the overall construction and design of a sustainable hygiene product. This is because adhesives make the properties of all other materials function together. The more diverse substrates are used, the more complex are the demands on the bonding mechanism to keep the different types of materials together. It is clear sustainable substrates and materials must deliver on the primarily tasks – ensuring security, softness, absorption and comfort. Adhesives are in that respect the hidden champions, making it all possible!

Sustainable Materials Overview in Personal Hygiene Products

There are a variety of sustainable materials that can be used for a more sustainable hygiene product.

One big topic is to incorporate bio-based derived materials in the substrates for hygiene products:

• Cotton
• Viscose / Bamboo
• Tissue / Cellulose

Bio-based plastic also offers many benefits. In most cases, bio-based plastic has the same attributes as fossil-based plastic, but with a significantly better eco-balance.

Finally, also bio-based adhesives are an option to increase the usage of sustainable materials in the end products. Natural raw materials such as rosin esters and terpenes have been around for a long time in hot melt adhesives, however with limitations in odor and color.

Now this field has been expanded with a newly developed range: TECHNOMELT DM ECO, bio-based adhesives with around 70% bio-based content. These adhesives combine bio-based content with maximum performance and clear improvement in purity – one step ahead for more sustainability.

To learn more about sustainable materials or are looking for support for your personal hygiene production, please get in contact with us!