Sanitary napkin manufacturing process: a step by step complete guide

Raw material collection

The first step in the manufacturing process is the collection of raw materials. The raw materials used in the production of disposable sanitary napkins include cellulose pulp, rayon, cotton, and a combination of these materials. Moreover, adhesives and dyes are also required. To increase the absorptive capacity of pads, SAP (super absorbent polymer) is also added. This polymer can absorb large amounts of fluid and helps to keep the napkin dry for a longer period of time.

For organic sanitary pads pure cotton, bamboo fiber, banana fiber, and other natural fibers are used. These materials are sourced from suppliers and stored in the factory until they are needed. To make sure that these materials meet quality standards, they are typically tested by the quality control team before being used in production.

Fluff formation

The next step in the production process is fluff forming. The cellulose pulp is inserted into a machine where knives spinning at 3000 rpm shared the pulp into fine fluff. This fluff is mixed with the SAP powder in the desired ratio to increase the absorption capacity of the fluff. Fine fluff is also responsible for the comfort and good feeling on the skin. Besides adding SAP powder to the fluff, some manufacturers also add strips of SAP paper inside the absorbent core to enhance the efficiency of the menstrual pads.

Core building

The third step is the core building of the sanitary pad. The fine fluff mixed with SAP powder from the previous step is fed into a machine known as a core former. This machine shapes the layers of pads. Once the layers of the pad are shaped, the SAP paper strip is sandwiched between these layers in order to make the absorbent core more efficient. Moreover, the SAP paper strip helps to evenly distribute fluid throughout the core and prevents leaks.

After the absorbent core is made, it is fed into another machine. This machine covers the absorbent core with a layer of cotton or rayon fabric. This helps to make the absorbent core more durable and prevents it from tearing easily.

Top sheet making

The next step in production is top sheet making. The top sheet is the layer of fabric that comes into direct contact with the body. It is generally made from a soft material such as cotton or rayon to provide comfort to the user. The top sheet is also perforated to allow fluid to pass through it and be absorbed by the absorbent core.

The sanitary pads can be winged or wingless depending upon the design. The wings are generally made from a soft and comfortable fabric. They have adhesive material which helps to keep the napkin attached in the proper place. They help to keep the pad in place and prevent it from shifting during use.

Lamination

Once the top sheet is made, the outer layer that comes in contact with clothes is laminated with a layer of plastic or polyethylene. This helps to prevent fluid from leaking out of the sanitary napkin and from staining the clothes.

Wrapping and packing

The last step in the manufacturing process is wrapping and packing. In this step, the pads are wrapped in individual wrappers and then packed in boxes or packs. The individual wrapping helps to keep the pads clean and hygienic. The packing of napkins can be of different types i.e. striping pack and wrap easy packing. The wrapped and packed napkins are then sent to the stores where they are sold to the customers.

So these are the steps involved in the manufacturing process of a sanitary napkin. By following these steps, different types of the sanitary napkin can be manufactured such as winged pads, panty liners, thin pad, ultra-thin pad, etc. Now let’s move on to the quality control measures that are taken to ensure the quality of these hygiene products.