Potential of biopolymers and recycled synthetic fibres to create sustainable nonwovens for absorbent hygiene products (AHPs)

23 pages, published in Issue 119, March 2021   Report price: Euro 470.00; US$ 615.00

Disposable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs)—such as baby diapers, feminine care (femcare) products, and products for coping with adult incontinence (AI)—are convenient and contribute to healthy living. As a result, they enjoy huge popularity among consumers. However, they are manufactured largely from spunmelt nonwovens produced from polymers derived from petroleum, and their manufacturing, use and disposal have an unfavourable environmental footprint. An estimated 1.5 bn diapers are disposed of each day, and most of the waste is either incinerated or sent to landfill as the recycling of AHPs is extremely difficult. It is not surprising, therefore, that AHP post-consumer waste is a major environmental problem, and the industry is facing restrictions and legislation such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive in the EU. To overcome the impact of legislation, manufacturers of AHPs are exploring the use of biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and bio-based polyester, polyamide and polypropylene. However, global production of biopolymers amounted to only 2.1 mn tons in 2020 and so manufacturers of AHPs have to battle with plastic packaging producers for whatever capacity is available. This report discusses the market for AHPs and the environmental and legislative challenges facing the industry. Also, it examines challenges associated with recycling AHPs, it reviews the latest developments in biopolymers, and it analyses the scope for using them in the manufacture of AHPs.

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (119) now	Subscribe

Technical Textile Markets provides intelligence, analysis and insight on the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries.

What's in it? Each issue contains data and expert analysis on key industry topics, including: automotive technical textiles; biopolymers; chemical protective textiles; circularity; composites; e-textiles; environmental sustainability; filter media; flame resistant fabrics; glass fibre; graphene; Industry 4.0; insulation; medical textiles; military textiles; nonwoven specialities; personal protective equipment (PPE); synthetic fibre; and wearable technology. A single issue of Technical Textile Markets includes: an editorial think-piece on a topical issue from an industry expert a report on the latest product developments and innovations a profile of the world's top producers of nonwovens a main feature on a new or established market a round-up of the latest business news statistical data and analysis of fibre and fabric production in a key geographical market An annual subscription to Technical Textile Markets is a cost-effective way to keep informed about trends and developments in the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. Subscriptions are available in printed and/or digital formats. Printed and digital subscribers receive each issue in printed format in addition to a digital PDF file, which is available immediately on publication. Subscribers also receive a complementary digital subscription to Technical Textiles Business Update, delivered directly by email once a month. This free supplement contains essential information on business news and the latest product developments. Like all Textiles Intelligence publications, Technical Textile Markets is a reliable source of independently sourced business information, and it does not carry advertising. This is what our customers say: "The quality of your reports is very high" (The British Textile Technology Group (BTTG))