Core Advancement: Wood Pulp-PLA Composite Absorption Core Achieves Scaling Production Validation

A key advancement has emerged in the upstream materials sector for sanitary napkins. A leading domestic nonwoven supplier announced that its developed "Wood Pulp-Polylactic Acid (PLA) Dual-component Biodegradable Absorption Core" has completed pilot-scale testing and passed comprehensive performance and safety evaluations by a third-party institution. This marks a significant step with commercial production potential on the sustainable path to replacing traditional petroleum-based polymer absorption materials (such as SAP).

Technical Details: Performance Parameters and Process Breakthrough

The breakthrough of this material lies in its substantial enhancement of environmental degradability while meeting core performance requirements. Specific parameters and evidence are as follows:

• Material Composition & Degradability: The core is composed of 40% natural wood pulp fiber and 60% bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) fiber, manufactured via hot-air bonding process. According to compostability testing under the GB/T 3923.1-2013 standard, the material achieves a biodegradation rate exceeding 90% within 180 days under industrial composting conditions (58±2°C, humidity 50%-60%), meeting the basic requirements for compostable material certification.

• Core Performance Parameters: In terms of absorption performance, the water absorption ratio of this composite core material is stabilized at 12-15 times its weight (g/g), approaching the lower range of traditional SAP materials. Its liquid rewet is controlled at ≤0.5g (using industry-standard "simulated menstrual blood" test fluid, 80ml test volume), satisfying the basic reliability requirements for "absorption and retention" in daily and overnight sanitary napkins.

• Process Compatibility: The material is supplied in roll form with a basis weight range of 120-200 gsm. It is compatible with the cutting, folding, and laminating processes of mainstream sanitary napkin production lines without requiring large-scale line modifications. The tensile strength at hot-air bonding points is ≥1.5N/15mm, ensuring processing stability during high-speed production.

Industry Impact: Providing a Clear Path for Compliance and Innovation for Brands

The immediate value of this development is that it provides sanitary napkin brands with a solution backed by clear technical parameters and supply chain support to address increasingly stringent environmental regulations and consumer demand for sustainability.