Understanding Substances of Interest and Their Impact on Disposable Hygiene

Today’s consumers want to know what is in the products they buy. This includes the disposable hygiene products they use for baby care, feminine care, and adult incontinence. As public attention to product safety has increased, so has the scrutiny of governments, organisations, and associations. This has led to regulations and requirements for products becoming more complicated. 

Concerns over substances found in consumer products are not new. Lead in toys, Bisphenol A (BPA) in cans and plastics, and Glyphosate in foods have gained attention in recent years. These and other substances may be referred to as Substances of Interest (SOIs). The term has been used more broadly since being adopted by EDANA, the international association for the nonwovens and related industries, including disposable hygiene.  

Baby diapers, feminine hygiene, and the media

Since January 2017, SOIs in disposable hygiene have been the topic of a variety of published articles. This is especially true with articles reporting their presence in baby diapers and feminine care products. Traditional and new media outlets have provided avenues for discussion. Through them, non-governmental organisations, investigators, and consumers can easily share ideas, knowledge, and information about SOIs. 

However, not all of the information shared is complete or accurate. This can generate concerns based on the mere reported presence of an SOI. Consumer sentiment and product sales can be affected, regardless of scientific findings regarding risk assessment. 

Bostik’s experts understand the science of SOIs

At Bostik, we recognise that expert knowledge is both crucial and invaluable. We are active members in an international task force on SOIs created by EDANA. Its purpose is to generate a multifaceted industry response that would represent the entire supply chain. Through our participation, we share in—and add to—EDANA’s extensive knowledge of SOIs and the European market.

We have also assembled our own SOI expert group, including representatives from our Regulatory, Research & Development, and Analytical teams. This group focuses on expanding our understanding of SOIs through:

• Studying the nature and origin of SOIs in disposable hygiene adhesives
• Learning applicable analytical methods and developing detection methods
• Sharing knowledge and best practices globally

 Governmental regulations: keeping you informed and prepared  

As your adhesive supplier, we are here to support you regarding SOIs, especially as they relate to adhesives. This includes our up-to-date knowledge on the proposed restrictions and the process to obtain product registration in the European Union (EU). Our teams have prepared or can assist as needed with documentation for our adhesives and their source materials.

We have also worked to develop a variety of articles and other materials on the topic of SOIs. Our goal: to assist you with building your own knowledge of this important and complex topic.

Keep Reading

Build your SOI vocabulary with our Glossary of Terms for SOIs in Disposable Hygiene.

Expand your understanding of SOIs and risk assessment in our article, Presence ≠ Exposure | Exposure ≠ Risk.

CODE: SOI-21A01