Adhesives Support Confidence for Absorbent Hygiene Users and Manufacturers

If you give consumers a reason to be confident in your absorbent hygiene products, they are likely to return to your brand again and again. That’s because confidence is one of five key consumer needs that drive trends and help to support positive user experiences. The right choice of adhesives can assist in a number of ways.

 

Reliable performance enhances confidence

Shoppers look for hygiene products that meet their expectations including those for absorption and leak control. If a product fails them, they may hesitate to use it again. As a manufacturer, you know this performance is accomplished through the use of a correctly designed—and durable—core system. Elastics also support the core by working to hold the insult inside the diaper. 

Fortunately, adhesives can help. For example, they:

• Secure core layers in place
• Maintain the integrity of the core system
• Stabilise SAP (superabsorbent polymer)
• Keep channels intact so insults are distributed correctly
• Affix elastic strands whilst allowing them to stretch and contract

But every adhesive isn’t created equal. No option works in every design or every application within the core. Choosing the right glue can enable optimal performance and core integrity, verified with testing from Bostik. You may also wish to consider third-party product testing. Any awarded seals of approval can help boost consumer confidence in choosing your product.

 

Softer substrates reduce noise for improved discretion 

Reducing the amount of sound that absorbent articles emit plays a major role in achieving greater discretion and enabling the user to wear your product with confidence. One method is the use of softer substrates.
Fibre choice has been technically proven to have an effect on noise reduction in the product. By using soft versus standard nonwovens, the bonding surface is decreased, creating less stiffness and internal friction. In other words, users experience less crinkling and rubbing.

Treatments can also be used to enhance softness and reduce sound. However, whilst noise reduction is an important consumer need, you can’t afford to sacrifice performance or structural integrity in the process. The adhesive you choose should bond well with natural fibres, fluffy substrates, treated materials, and more. 

 

Thinner cores help keep products out of sight 

Because the core is often the bulkiest part of the diaper or pad, product manufacturers may start here when looking to create a thinner article. This can lead to reducing or removing fluff. However, this tactic also creates a complication: Less fluff results in fewer fibres to hold the SAP in place. An adhesive may be needed to prevent SAP motivation.

Swapping to a newer design such as the precompound/compound core or channel core is another possibility. Both of these options can require the adhesive to take on additional roles or offer specific attributes to support performance.

 

Reducing product odour enhances user confidence

Though users of all absorbent hygiene products may be conscious of product odour, the fear of noticeable odour is top of mind for incontinent adults. Manufacturers can work to identify the various scent contributors with a product. However, testing for odour can be a complicated process, involving both mechanical methods and evaluation by trained odour panels. Bostik’s odour experts can evaluate products and help train your own internal odour panel.

 

Providing consumers with more peace of mind in purchasing decisions

Faced with an increasing number of products and factors to consider, shoppers are turning to certifications and endorsements to simplify the decision-making process. To stay competitive, you can consider pursuing certifications for your product. Bostik can support your pursuit of labels relating to consumer product testing, ecolabels, and more. Our experts can help you select appropriate adhesives in our line which have pre-approvals and documentation already on file.  

Each of these offers opportunities to deliver confidence in your products and, in turn, grow your brand. But Bostik also works to support your confidence as well.

 

A supplier that article producers can trust

As a manufacturer, you naturally seek to feel confident in your decisions—such as in choosing a supplier you can rely on. You may look for them to offer:

• Consistent adhesive performance
• Skilled technical support
• A reliable supply chain
• Improved productivity resulting from operational safety
• Sustainable manufacturing practices (including but not limited to sourcing and humanitarian concerns)
• Support and preapprovals for certifications and labels
• Expertise in absorbent hygiene and the adhesives that make them work
• A global network, with local knowledge and know-how