Plant-based hygiene products are rapidly moving mainstream even as the category itself remains vaguely defined, with consumers increasingly buying into wellness and skin-health messaging rather than sustainability alone.

Across menstrual care, baby diapers and adult incontinence, plant-based positioning has become an increasingly prominent feature of product development and marketing strategies. Brands now routinely spotlight cotton top sheets, plant-derived ingredients and “made without” claims aimed at consumers seeking products perceived as safer, gentler or more transparent. 

Liying Qian, global insight manager – Tissue and Hygiene at Euromonitor International, says that wellness and health remain front and center for consumers considering natural or plant-based products, with demand driven by both physical benefits like skin health and psychological factors such as mental well-being.

Consumers are also drawn to products with ingredients and claims they can more easily understand and intuitively interpret, Qian adds, and plant-based positioning helps solve that piece of the puzzle, connecting a product ingredient with something that consumers are familiar with.

Euromonitor uses the “natural” claim as a proxy to measure the growth and size of the plant-based category, and while it remains a relatively small segment of the overall absorbent hygiene industry, Qian says it’s growing steadily. Over the 2020–2024 period, the natural segment outpaced the broader category by a significant margin.

Yet even measuring the category is complicated, with no clear consensus on what counts as “plant-based” and different shades of the term still under debate. “‘Natural’ claims, too, have come under scrutiny, with questions over what is truly natural and whether consumers can trust the claim,” she says.

Despite an unclear consensus on what plant-based really is, manufacturers and brands across hygiene categories continue to see strong consumer interest.

Isabelle Vermeersch, innovation manager at Ontex, a manufacturer of absorbent hygiene products, says interest in bio-based materials is clearly increasing, but it is not yet translating into significant market growth. “The say-do gap remains evident: consumers say they want more natural materials, but ultimately choose based on reliable performance, price and softness,” she says.

In today’s macroeconomic context, these expectations are still most consistently met by products using fossil-based nonwovens at a more accessible price point, Vermeersch explains. At the same time, years of product lightweighting, primarily through reducing bio-based fluff pulp, have increased the relative share of fossil-based plastics in hygiene products. “If we want to drive real change, we need to move beyond the idea that products must be either fully bio-based or high-performing and affordable,” she continues. “In reality, progress comes from combining both.” 

Ontex’s strategy combines credible and affordable bio-based innovations with actions that deliver measurable impact, such as increasing recycled content and advancing scalable circular systems. “This is what enables us to deliver solutions that are not only desirable and affordable, but also meaningfully more sustainable,” Vermeersch says.

The company has long used organic‑certified cotton across several categories—from cotton tampons to ultratowels and pantyliners with cotton nonwovens, and baby diapers with cotton‑enhanced nonwovens in its premium and eco ranges, according to Bart Jansen, expert innovation and sustainability at Ontex. “It’s a material consumers trust and value, and today 97% of the cotton we source is certified organic (GOTS),” he says.

The company is also exploring several other types of bio‑based materials, mainly for feminine care, but Jansen says introducing newer bio-based materials beyond cotton remains challenging due to limited supply chains, inconsistent quality and uncertain consumer familiarity.

In 2025, Ontex introduced bioSAP in Moltex Pure & Nature baby diapers. This new material replaces virgin fossil-based plastic SAP in the core absorbent component, helping lower the carbon footprint of the product while maintaining performance. 

SAP (superabsorbent polymer) is essential to diaper performance yet is traditionally made from fossil-based plastic. It is also one of the most carbon-intensive components in hygiene products. The bioSAP now being introduced has a 15% to 25% lower carbon footprint than conventional SAP, with a promising outlook as the technology continues to evolve. 

Ontex’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions are largely driven by raw materials, which account for approximately 80% of the total footprint across sourcing, production and end-of-life waste treatment. Materials such as SAP and plastic synthetic nonwovens represent about half of these emissions.

The shift to bioSAP is an important step toward Ontex achieving its SBTi-validated target to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030. While it is initially rolled out to selected products under the Moltex Pure & Nature brand, Ontex’s baby diaper brand available in retailers and online across Europe, the development also lays the groundwork for broader application. This includes future products and offerings for retail partners.

The conventional SAP available in the market is currently not recyclable or industrially compostable. However, Ontex views biodegradable SAP as a key enabler for multiple circular solutions in the future. The company continues to monitor innovations in this area closely, while remaining realistic about current limitations.

“Consumers today want sustainable products that don’t compromise on affordability, quality, or comfort,” says Laurent Nielly, CEO of Ontex. “By taking this step now, we’re laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs.”

Hygiene and health company Essity is also exploring bio-based superabsorbents. Earlier this year, the company announced it is participating in PROTEUS, a flagship project supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) and its members. The project pioneers the development of bio-based superabsorbents derived from sustainably harvested brown macroalgae. As part of this initiative, Essity evaluates new bio-based raw materials for use in products such as baby diapers, feminine care and incontinence products, aiming to reduce the reliance on fossil-based plastics and minimize environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.

Essity, through its collaboration in the PROTEUS project, is evaluating algae-based raw materials, specifically from Laminaria hyperborea, an underutilized European brown macroalgae, a sustainable and renewable alternative for absorbent hygiene and medical products.

“Continuous innovation is essential to improve people’s hygiene, health and well-being and to contribute to a more sustainable and circular society,” says Anke Renz, vice president research & development, Essity. “We actively collaborate with established suppliers and start-ups to access, develop and implement innovative and sustainable materials for our current and future products.” 

The initiative supports the sustainable production of bio-based ingredients from Laminaria hyperborea, helping meet increasing demand in areas like hygiene and health. Thanks to state-of-the-art, formaldehyde-free technology, the process can use almost the entire algae biomass, far more than the roughly 15% currently utilized in the industry. Operations are further optimized with a hybrid electric vessel, which lowers emissions and reduces environmental impact.

Efforts to replace fossil-based absorbent materials are also extending beyond large hygiene manufacturers. Elea & Lili, a deep-tech startup originating from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, is commercializing a cellulose-based alternative designed to replace fossil-based superabsorbent polymers in disposable diapers at an industrial scale, without compromising performance.

Elea & Lili has raised €2.5 million in seed funding to industrialize its patented Cellulose Super Absorbent (CSA)—a microplastic-free, biodegradable alternative to conventional superabsorbent polymers. VTT has transferred the underlying technology and IP to the newly established company.

The company’s first commercial applications target disposable diapers and agriculture, which both currently depend on fossil-based absorbent materials that generate long-lasting plastic waste and microplastic pollution. It is working with leading cellulose and biomaterials companies to scale CSA from pilot to industrial production. These partnerships support the company’s ambition to build a new global material category. 

The funding was led by Lifeline Ventures and will accelerate pilot production, industrial partnerships, regulatory validation and first commercial launches in the U.S. and Europe.  

CSA, made from cellulose, is biodegradable and microplastic-free, compatible with existing diaper production lines, and demonstrates absorption performance comparable to conventional SAP. The material has undergone safety and skin compatibility testing in accordance with relevant ISO standards. 

In agriculture, superabsorbent polymers are widely used to retain water and improve nutrient efficiency. The fossil-based polymers in current products are mixed directly into the soil, resulting in permanent plastics ending up in farmland. From 2028 onwards, EU regulation will restrict the use of fossil-based plastic components that persist in soil. CSA provides a biodegradable solution for water retention, reduced irrigation demand, improved nutrient delivery and regenerative agriculture solutions—without leaving persistent plastic residues in soil.

“Hygiene and agriculture are equally strategic entry points for us,” says Tatu Miettinen, CEO and co-founder. “In both markets, absorbent materials are mission-critical components – and today they are fossil-based. We are replacing them with a scalable biomaterial.” 

Inertia, a South Korean femtech company, is already using a patented, plant-derived alternative to the synthetic SAP typically used in feminine pad cores.

Founded in 2021 by female scientists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Inertia set out to address what it saw as a longstanding limitation in disposable period care: while visible materials evolved, the absorbent core remained largely unchanged. Instead of reformulating only the surface layer, the company engineered a bio-based core designed to replace the synthetic interior widely used across the category.

This resulted in the launch of Prism Pads, which use Inertia’s Labocell core technology, a cellulose-based absorbent matrix engineered to manage menstrual flow while remaining lightweight, breathable and flexible.

“Although many products today emphasize natural materials, in reality, most sanitary pads only use organic cotton in the top cover layer, while the internal absorbent core still relies heavily on synthetic polymers and conventional pulp-based structures,” says Inertia co-founder and CEO Hyoyi Kim.

When developing Prism Pads, Inertia sought to rethink both material transparency and absorbent performance from the ground up. As a result, Kim says the pads were designed using organic cotton nonwoven materials across multiple structural components, including the cover and wings, ensuring that the parts that directly touch the body are made from natural fibers.

At the same time, the brand developed Labocell technology to improve fluid absorption and distribution within the absorbent core. Within the absorbent layer, organic cotton is combined with the Labocell material, creating a structure that balances natural fiber comfort with advanced absorption performance.

“Our goal was to create a product that goes beyond surface-level material claims and instead integrates both natural materials and new absorbent technology into the overall design of the pad,” she says.

Developed by Inertia’s research team, Labocell is based on a cellulose-derived polymer hydrogel matrix. While many conventional absorbent cores rely on SAP particles or fiber-based pulp structures, Labocell works through a different mechanism.

“When liquid enters the absorbent layer, it diffuses into the porous hydrogel matrix and becomes trapped within the crosslinked three-dimensional network of the polymer, allowing the material to hold fluid efficiently without relying on particulate SAP,” Kim explains.

The organic cotton provides a soft, breathable structural layer, while Labocell enhances the pad’s ability to absorb and distribute fluid within the core. “As a result, the absorption performance of the pad is driven primarily by the hydrogel matrix inside the core rather than a traditional nonwoven fiber absorbent structure,” she adds. “This approach allows us to combine natural fiber materials with advanced absorbent technology in a single structure.”

From a functional standpoint, Labocell serves the same fundamental purpose as SAP: absorbing and retaining fluid within the absorbent core of the product. However, Kim says most conventional SAP materials have historically been optimized for distilled water absorption, which differs significantly from menstrual fluid in terms of viscosity, cellular content and flow behavior.

Labocell was engineered to perform effectively under the conditions of menstrual blood absorption. “Cellulose-based absorbent systems have long been explored as potential alternatives to SAP,” Kim explains. “In practice, however, their commercialization has been limited due to relatively low gel strength and higher material costs, which make it difficult to achieve both structural stability and manufacturing feasibility in hygiene products.”

Inertia’s research focused on overcoming these limitations by designing a cellulose-based absorbent structure optimized for menstrual fluid. Through this approach, the scientists were able to achieve practical absorption and retention performance while maintaining product stability and manufacturability.

Inertia has already established a significant commercial presence in its home market and is now entering the U.S. Since launching in South Korea, the brand has sold more than 10 million pads and established a strong retail and e-commerce presence. The company saw the U.S. as a natural next step for international expansion.

“In recent years, consumers in the U.S. have shown increasing interest in material transparency, product safety and innovation in feminine care products,” Kim says. “Many consumers are paying closer attention to what materials are used in products that come into direct contact with the body.”

Product Expansions

Brands across the absorbent hygiene market are continuing to expand plant-based product offerings with a growing focus on comfort, skin health and lifestyle-specific needs.

In February, Kimberly-Clark’s Kotex brand unveiled a completely reimagined lineup of pads and liners. Each new Kotex pad is powered by Gravity Core technology, which rapidly pulls blood to the bottom of the pad, to help women feel clean, dry and protected. Gravity Core is a part of the brand’s 5X System with LeakShield, which delivers breathability, odor control, dryness, fit and reliable leak protection.

Among the new offerings are Kotex Bamboo Ultra Thin Pads, featuring an ultra-soft viscose top layer made from organically grown bamboo. Providing comfort while maintaining protection, Kotex Bamboo is dermatologist tested, made without fragrance and free of synthetic pesticides, and is available in Regular, Heavy and Night Defense Ultra Thin pads, as well as liners.

According to the Kimberly-Clark team, bamboo viscose is known for being soft, breathable and silky, which is why it’s seen in clothing and personal care products, like Kotex. 

The multinational hygiene producer says the category continues to evolve as innovation and consumer expectations shift, and plant-based materials are part of that broader evolution. The company is seeing ongoing exploration across the industry as brands look at different ways to reimagine absorbent products, from materials to manufacturing approaches.

In April, Cora expanded its lineup with two new products. Its Applicator-Free Tampon offers first-of-its-kind, sleek, pocket-sized protection made from 100% organic cotton. The smooth outer layer made from organic cotton enhances comfort, while a rounded tip allows for easier insertion. Additionally, a W-style design expands width-wise to provide reliable leak protection.

Cora also introduced the Less-is-More Thong Liner, which offers discreet, flexible protection for daily use, light days, or backup support. While thong liners are a top-performing category, clean ingredient options have been limited until now, the company says.

The liner features a thong-friendly silhouette, edge-to-edge adhesive with stay-put wings and a 100% organic cotton topsheet for breathable comfort. A quick-absorbing core helps keep users feeling fresh throughout the day. Made without chlorine, fragrance, or dyes, it is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.

Cohen says both innovations came directly from listening to the brand’s community. “Both launches reflect what we’ve always believed; innovation in this category should serve real people, not just check a box,” she says.

Rif care also recently launched a plant-based thong panty liner. The brand’s liner uses a breathable blend of organic hemp and organic cotton fibers, which naturally resist odor and bacteria while keeping the body dry throughout the day.

Ideal for everyday wear, workouts, or for extra protection while wearing a thong, the liners help maintain balance without trapping heat or moisture, resulting in a cleaner, more natural way to care for the body.

The non-toxic and fragrance-free liners are made without petroleum-based plastic films, dyes, or synthetic fragrances, and are packaged in biodegradable plant-based packing and wrappers.

Rif care uses bioplastics to replace petroleum-based plastic films that are used in liners to prevent leakage. “We love seeing how sugars and other plant fibers can now be processed into materials that perform like plastic,” says Val Emanuel, Rif care’s founder and CEO.

In fact, she says Rif care conducted a test in the Amazon rainforest showing how the PLA materials used for the backsheet and wrappers can break down within 90 days without compromising leak protection while they are worn.

“There have been biodegradable and flushable pads on the market before, but many of the reviews said they broke apart in your underwear,” she says. “We could not compromise on our leak-proof promise by doing something like that. Nothing is perfect, but using plant-based materials is definitely an upgrade from petroleum-based plastic.”

Another period care brand, tween- and teen-focused brand Pinkie, has launched its first-ever organic cotton tampons, available in two multi-pack varieties. Offered in light, regular and super absorbencies, the 100% organic cotton tampons provide up to eight hours of leak protection.

Featuring smooth, slim, full-length BPA-free applicators with an anti-slip textured grip for easy insertion, the tampons are toxin-free (no rayon, chlorine, dyes, or fragrance), gentle for sensitive skin and have been extensively tested, both gynecologically and dermatologically.

Founded in 2022, Pinkie first launched with organic, appropriately-sized pads for tweens and teens. Pinkie co-founder Sana Clegg says that teen and pre-teen consumers have fundamentally different needs from adult users because they are at the very beginning of their menstruation journey — physically, emotionally and behaviorally. 

“Younger girls are typically smaller in body size, more active throughout the day and often experiencing lighter or more unpredictable flows, which means adult-sized pads can feel bulky, uncomfortable and intimidating,” she explains. “Fit and comfort matter significantly more at this stage because a poor product experience can directly impact confidence at school, sports participation, sleepovers and other everyday activities.”

The brand expanded into tampons because it wanted to continue growing with its customers throughout their menstrual journey. “As girls become more comfortable managing their periods, many begin exploring tampons during their early teen years — particularly around ages 12–15 — driven by sports, swimming, convenience and increased confidence managing menstruation independently,” Clegg says. “We knew that if we wanted to keep her within the Pinkie ecosystem as she matured, we needed to create tampons that delivered the same level of trust, safety and thoughtful design as our pads.”

At the same time, Pinkie was hearing consistent demand directly from its community. Parents, caregivers and tweens and teens across its social channels, website and blogs were actively asking for Pinkie tampons, she adds. 

Pinkie tampons are also supported with educational resources designed to help younger users feel informed and confident as they transition into new stages of their menstrual journey. An informational pamphlet is included inside each box, featuring easy-to-understand language for first-time tampon users, tips and FAQs, along with links to instructional videos. Including this ensures users feel comfortable and educated to take on using tampons, the brand says.

Pinkie Organic Tampons are available in a Light + Regular Multipack 36-count and a Regular + Super Multipack 36-count. 

In baby care, plant-based positioning continues to center heavily around skin sensitivity and ingredient safety.

Pura recently introduced a new newborn diaper size designed to deliver softness, comfort and a secure fit for the earliest days of life. The diapers are enhanced with organic cotton and feature an umbilical cord cutout and wetness indicator. They are also totally chlorine-free and made without fragrance, lotion, parabens, phthalates or natural rubber latex.

The brand is seeing strong and growing demand for plant-based baby diapers from parents who are becoming far more conscious about what touches their baby’s skin. “Consumers today are increasingly aware of skin health and the importance of using products that are clean, gentle and responsibly made,” says Matt Moreland, Pura sustainability director. “Babies’ skin is much more delicate than adults’, and many parents are surprised to learn that some traditional baby care products still contain chemicals that were introduced decades ago and have since been linked by scientists to allergies and skin irritation.”

Pura’s diapers are designed to meet Environmental Working Group (EWG) standards and are currently going through the verification process.

Moreland says parents are actively seeking products that are completely chlorine free, toxin-free and made with plant-based and naturally derived materials wherever possible. Pura’s products are specifically designed for sensitive, newborn, allergy-prone and eczema-prone skin, and every product is vetted to meet strict safety standards backed by science, he adds. “While environmental impact absolutely matters to modern parents, we find that baby health and skin safety remain the number one priority. Most parents appreciate brands that are making responsible choices for the planet, but only if performance and safety come first.”

The brand believes the market for clean and conscious hygiene products will continue to grow significantly over the next few years as consumers become more educated about ingredients, sustainability and product safety. “GenZ parents in particular are increasingly looking for brands that align with their values around health, transparency and environmental responsibility,” Moreland explains. “We expect to see continued demand for products that combine strong performance with cleaner ingredients and greater transparency around sourcing and manufacturing. Certifications and third-party validation will also become increasingly important as parents seek reassurance that products are genuinely safe and responsibly made.”

Expanding the Algaeverse

Germany-based Vyld, which develops seaweed-based absorbent hygiene products, recently expanded its so-called “Algaeverse” with a pilot project for menstrual pads made with seaweed fibers. The company previously developed the Kelpon, which it describes as the world’s first tampon made from seaweed, as well as Vyndel, a compostable diaper insert.

The diaper project emerged in part from a desire to move away from conventional petroleum-based hygiene materials, the company says.

“Baby diapers still contain highly unsustainable materials, from plastic leak guards and elastics to petroleum-based superabsorbent polymers in the core,” says Melanie Schichan, co-founder of Vyld. “We wanted to challenge that status quo and develop an option that can work without those harmful, fossil-based components.”

Schichan says the diaper project was also an important step toward developing nonwovens. “After developing and patenting the Kelpon, we wanted to understand how seaweed-based materials could perform in products like diapers, which are far more complex due to their multi-layered construction,“ she explains. “We were able to develop a nonwoven suitable for diapers relatively quickly, and based on its material properties, we defined it as the core of the diaper insert, in our case the Vyndel.“

The Vyndel project generated important learnings for the company, and it has now translated that knowledge around nonwovens into new ideas for developing seaweed-based panty liners and menstrual pads. “Developing a diaper insert forced us to understand absorbent products as engineered, multi-layer systems,” Schichan says.

While working on the Vyndel project, Vyld learned what seaweed can contribute within a nonwoven structure, where its advantages are strongest, and what kind of challenges can emerge depending on which layer the material sits in.

It also made the company realize how much room there is to experiment across nonwoven technologies. “Depending on the process, you can engineer very different properties, which means seaweed can potentially play a role in different layers of a product,” she explains.

Additionally, Schichan says one key finding emerged consistently: seaweed should be in contact with the skin. “It is simply incredibly pleasant to wear, and that comfort is a key part of performance in menstrual care.”

Since the end of last year, supported by a grant for industrial research by the IBB, Vyld has been taking a closer look at pad applications and is now working towards a product concept that includes at least three layers made from seaweed.

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Efforts to remove plastics from wipes and adopt cleaner, environmentally friendly formulations continue to gain momentum in the home care segment, driven by a combination of evolving regulations, retailer requirements and consumer demand for more sustainable products.

“The increasing focus on sustainability remains one of the strongest trends influencing the household wipes market,”according to Ann Halstead, director of marketing & retail sales at Kleen Test Products (KTP), a wet wipes manufacturer. “Although many consumers are looking for this attribute in their cleaning products, the trend is really being pushed by the increasing regulatory environment around sustainability.”

“Many states are enacting regulations to reduce packaging overall, reduce plastics in packaging and increase the use of packages that are easily recycled or reused,” she explains. “Beyond the package, the formulas are coming under scrutiny for the chemicals, with many states and retailers developing ‘banned chemical’ lists.”

She also notes there’s a push for recyclable, compostable and/or flushable substrates. “While progress is being made on all of these fronts, it is a challenging task as consumers still want the products to work effectively to keep their homes clean and their families safe from germs and bacteria.”

That push toward alternative substrates is being accelerated by regulatory action around the world, particularly in the U.K., where governments are moving to eliminate plastic-containing wet wipes from the market.

Earlier this year, the Scottish government announced the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic will be banned beginning August 11, 2027, joining other U.K. nations, Wales, Northern Ireland and England, in an effort to protect the environment and marine waters. The measures will include exemptions for medical and industrial uses as well as business-to-business sales.

The U.K. first announced plans to phase out plastic-containing wet wipes in 2024, arguing the move would help reduce plastic and microplastic pollution and reduce the volume of microplastics entering wastewater treatment sites when wrongly flushed.

“These policies are all proof of the progress we are making towards protecting our environment and creating a more circular economy,” says climate action secretary Gillian Martin. “In addition, we will continue to call on the U.K. Government to address issues such as misleading claims on product packaging, which can lead to incorrect disposal of items such as wet wipes.”

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Sustainable Innovations

Recent investments in nonwovens manufacturing lines designed to produce eco-friendly and plant-based substrates underscore the industry’s growing focus on sustainable wipes materials.

Kruger, a Canadian tissue manufacturer, announced in May that it will be entering the nonwovens market with an Andritz Wetlace hybrid line at its Wayagamack mill in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada. The line will produce plastic-free, chemical-free materials for sustainable wipes and is the first of its kind in Canada. Production is scheduled to start in 2028.

Meanwhile, at INDEX 26 last month, Chinese nonwovens manufacturer Wangjin Holdings announced plans to install a Trützschler Pulp X Spunlace nonwovens production line. The company said the investment will support its expansion into the high-end eco-friendly wipes segment in response to industry trends.

Similar investments in recent years are helping expand the availability of plant-based and biodegradable substrates, which brands are increasingly incorporating into new wipes products aimed at reducing environmental impact while maintaining performance.

In March, wipes brand Biom expanded its product line to include disinfecting wipes made with a 100% plant-based, biodegradable material. The wipes use a plant-derived citric acid as the active ingredient and are formulated without bleach, quats, ammonia, parabens, or phthalates. According to the company, the wipes are effective against 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, when used as directed.

The product reflects a broader set of formulation constraints in the disinfecting category. “When we started digging into the disinfecting category, what surprised us most was how much consumers simply aren’t told,” says Will Gahagan, founder and CEO at Biom. “These products meet regulatory standards, but most still rely on quaternary ammonium compounds as their active ingredient—chemicals that have faced growing scientific scrutiny around potential health impacts. At the same time, virtually every major wipe brand uses plastic fibers like polyester in the wipe itself. For something used daily around our families, that disconnect felt hard to ignore.”

Biom’s approach required working within stricter material requirements. The substrate is 100% viscose, which presents formulation challenges because many disinfecting chemistries are typically developed for more durable synthetic fibers. “The large majority of disinfecting chemistries in the consumer wipe market today were formulated around polyester-based substrates because they’re more durable and easier to manufacture at scale,” Gahagan says. “Many disinfecting actives can actually weaken or break down plant-based fibers over time.”

As a result, the company says developing a plastic-free disinfecting wipe required significant formulation work, testing and collaboration with manufacturing partners willing to innovate alongside the brand.

The disinfecting wipes join Biom’s existing range, which includes all-purpose wipes, hand sanitizing wipes made with plant-based alcohol and aloe and flushable wipes.

Beyond the substrate itself, Biom has also focused on reducing packaging waste. The wipes are packaged in flexible film rather than traditional rigid canisters, which the company says reduces plastic use compared with standard formats in the cleaning wipes category. They are designed for use with Biom’s refillable dispenser and are available in Alpine Mint and Fresh Citrus scent variants.

Sustainable material innovation is also extending beyond wipes and into adjacent household cleaning products.

Yuhan-Kimberly, a joint venture between Korea’s Yuhan Corporation and U.S. based Kimberly-Clark, has developed the world’s first biodegradable and reusable nonwoven paper towel made with amorphous PHA. 

Now available in South Korea, the Kleenex Biodegradable Reusable Dishtowel features CJ Biomaterials’ proprietary PHACT A1000P technology. 

While Yuhan-Kimberly’s Kleenex reusable dishtowels have long offered hygiene and convenience advantages over traditional dishcloths, earlier versions relied on polypropylene (PP)-based nonwoven materials, according to the company. This created a gap between product performance and sustainability expectations, as the materials were still perceived as single-use plastics from an environmental standpoint. In 2022, Yuhan-Kimberly formed the Green Action Alliance with CJ CheilJedang to accelerate the development of biodegradable materials that could meet both performance and sustainability requirements. 

With the recent commercialization of PHA-based materials at a quality level suitable for mass production, Yuhan-Kimberly says it has reached a point where it can confidently bring this innovation to market.

PHACT A1000P is derived from sustainably grown, plant-based raw materials, including sugarcane. It is a soft, rubbery, biobased material that can replace conventional plastics while breaking down naturally in compost and environmental conditions. 

Yuhan-Kimberly combined PHACT A1000P with other plant-derived materials, including cellulose and polylactic acid (PLA), into high-performance spunbond nonwovens produced by Eugene Hanil Synthetic Fiber Co., Ltd. to create a paper towel that is 100% biobased and will not produce persistent microplastics.

The new paper towels can be washed and used multiple times before disposal and are used in homes and restaurants throughout Korea. Developing its new towel, Yuhan-Kimberly was seeking raw materials that could bind cellulose fibers into a soft and strong spunbond nonwoven but would also pass testing for persistent microplastics developed by KOTITI Testing & Research Institute, the first internationally accredited testing and inspection institute for textile products in Korea. As a polymer produced through fermentation, CJ Biomaterials’ PHACT A1000P is certified as biodegradable and performs well as a binder for cellulose fibers.

Yuhan-Kimberly had previously tested towels using PLA alone as a binder, but mechanical performance limitations created significant challenges. Incorporating PHACT PHA largely eliminated those issues while allowing Yuhan-Kimberly to maintain its existing manufacturing process and production speeds, resulting in a finished product with enhanced softness and durability that passed KOTITI testing for persistent microplastics.

The ability to run the material on existing spunbond production lines was also critical to commercialization. According to Yuhan-Kimberly, compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure ensures continuity and scalability. It allows the company to introduce more sustainable materials without requiring significant capital investment or disruptions to production. This is critical not only for the successful commercialization of this product, but also for the long-term viability of sustainable transitions across the company’s portfolio. Maintaining current production speeds was equally important to ensure cost competitiveness and supply stability. Additionally, this compatibility opens up opportunities to explore the application of these biodegradable materials across other nonwoven products, accelerating broader adoption of sustainable solutions.

Formulation Trends

As innovation reshapes wipe substrates, brands are also rethinking formulations to balance cleaning efficacy with consumer expectations around health, wellness and safety.

Liying Qian, global insight manager – Tissue and Hygiene at Euromonitor International, believes chemical phobia remains deeply entrenched in everyday cleaning, including in home care wipes. “This is reflected in how fast the products move from a chemical-forward, chemical-first approach into more skin health and wellness positioning,” she says.

“Efficacy remains critical in household wipes, including cleaning performance and disinfecting power, but companies are balancing those claims with messaging around health, wellness and safety, Qian adds. “The winning formula is powerful enough to disinfect while still being gentle enough for the home and the person using it.”

Halstead of KTP agrees, noting that formulations are evolving to reduce harsher chemicals in favor of more natural and less destructive chemicals, driven by both consumer demand and regulatory requirements. “The balancing act here is to reduce the negative impact on people and the environment while at the same time maintaining the cleaning efficacy of the product,” she adds.

Qian says household wipes brands are increasingly incorporating gentler ingredients and calming scents to align with broader consumer wellness expectations. While efficacy, safety and performance remain essential, companies are also positioning products as a way to reduce stress and create a more pleasant cleaning experience.

Lysol, for example, is combining its disinfecting power with fragrances that bring a sense of freshness into the home. Its Brand New Day Collection of scented cleaning products was recently expanded with the Lysol Lavender & Cotton Blossom scent. This fragrance is available across a range of Lysol products designed to disinfect or clean every room in the home, killing 99.9% of germs while leaving behind a refreshing scent.

“As consumer preferences evolve, we recognize the growing demand for Lysol products that provide Lysol’s trusted disinfection while leaving behind a refreshing fragrance,” says Isabel Vera Hernandez, senior associate, Reckitt R&D Operations.

The line, which includes Disinfecting Wipes, captures the scents of a lavender field, blending notes of lavender, jasmine and violet with subtle hints of apple and green pear. Sandalwood and white musk are reminiscent of cozy cotton blossoms, rounding out the scent for a refreshing yet soothing finish.

Floor Care Upgrade

On the floor care side, Swiffer has updated Swiffer PowerMop pads with more scrubbing power and new features. The pads deliver a deeper clean and pass the white sock test by showing how much dirt other methods miss.

“People are looking for a deeper clean they can see and feel, and that’s exactly what the upgraded Swiffer PowerMop brings home,” says Dave Landers, vice president, North America Surface Care, Procter & Gamble. “These upgraded pads are our most advanced, built to pull up dirt you didn’t even realize was there.”

First introduced in 2023 as a product to deliver a mop-and-bucket clean in half the time, the updated Swiffer PowerMop now cleans even better. The PowerMop’s upgraded 3D mopping pads now include 10,000+ micro-scrubbing dots, delivering a five times deeper clean. These layers of micro-scrubbers help the PowerMop tackle tough, sticky messes that may have taken additional passes to clear. Additionally, a 30% larger 3D mop head with a 360° swivel for easy maneuverability ensures greater coverage and flexibility to clean tight spaces. The Swiffer PowerMop has also been reinforced to make the device stronger to unlock more scrubbing power.

“At Swiffer, we design our innovations around the everyday messes people encounter and how they clean them,” says Arianna Castro, Swiffer scientist at Procter & Gamble. “By studying how consumers clean and where the process can become difficult or time-consuming, we developed features like the 10,000+ micro-scrubbing dots, engineered to break apart tough messes so Swiffer PowerMop can deliver a superior deep clean while keeping cleaning simple and efficient.”

The post Sustainability Drives Innovation in Household Wipes appeared first on Nonwovens Industry.

Growing consumer demand for safer, more sustainable products is accelerating the adoption of natural fibers in absorbent hygiene products and wipes. Fibers such as cotton, wool, hemp and bamboo are increasingly being incorporated into diaper topsheets, absorbent cores and wipe substrates due to their ability to reduce humidity in the diaper environment and improve overall comfort.

At the same time, consumers are paying closer attention to product ingredient lists. As demand grows for formulations free from synthetic fragrances, lotions and petroleum-based materials, manufacturers are responding with products positioned around transparency, simplicity and naturally derived components. Natural fibers such as cotton, hemp and rayon provide an attractive alternative for brands seeking to deliver “clean” product offerings.

Sustainability remains another significant market driver. With billions of disposable diapers and wipes entering landfills each year, consumers are actively seeking products with improved environmental profiles. Renewable, plant-based fibers offer biodegradability advantages compared to traditional synthetic materials and help manufacturers meet evolving sustainability goals.

These fibers also align with regulatory developments across North America, Europe and other global markets, where policymakers are introducing legislation aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste and limiting the environmental impact of disposable consumer products. While diapers have largely remained outside the scope of most bans, flushable and non-flushable wipes have come under increasing scrutiny due to their plastic content and contribution to wastewater system blockages and environmental pollution.

As a result, manufacturers are investing in plastic-free and cellulose-based nonwoven technologies to comply with emerging regulations and prepare for future requirements. The shift is particularly evident in Europe, where directives targeting single-use plastics have accelerated the development of wipes made from renewable fibers and other biodegradable materials. Regulatory pressure is also encouraging greater transparency around product composition, recyclability and end-of-life performance.

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Cotton Continues to Shine

According to research recently conducted by Cotton Incorporated, cotton is present in less than a quarter of nonwoven tissue and hygiene products despite attributes such as softness and comfort that make it ideal for products that come into close contact with the skin.

In its report, Cotton in the Nonwoven Tissue & Hygiene Market, Cotton Incorporated offers insights into cotton’s role in the evolving hygiene market, which is valued at $118.5 billion globally. The report explores key trends shaping the industry, including growing interest in materials that support sustainability, skin wellness and product performance and identifies continued opportunities for cotton as brands respond to shifting consumer preferences and an increased focus on material transparency and product differentiation.

“Cotton represents a meaningful opportunity in nonwoven applications, particularly as companies look to differentiate on performance, comfort and material transparency,” notes Neil Demarse, director of new market development at Cotton Incorporated. “This report is designed to help bring greater visibility to where cotton can play a role in future product development.”

Among the brands choosing cotton over synthetic materials is tween- and teen-focused period care brand Pinkie, which has launched its first-ever organic cotton tampons, available in two multipack varieties. Offered in light, regular and super absorbencies, the 100% organic cotton tampons provide up to eight hours of leak protection.

The tampons are toxin-free—containing no rayon, chlorine, dyes or fragrance—gentle on sensitive skin and extensively tested both gynecologically and dermatologically.

Lewis Barnhardt, president and COO of purified cotton manufacturer Barnhardt Manufacturing, says the use of purified cotton in period products can promote skin health. The company has recently developed new products focused on unique fiber finishes. While Barnhardt is not yet ready to discuss the findings publicly, early data suggest there are benefits associated with the hydroentangling process that may support skin health in topsheet applications.

Barnhardt’s High Q is whitened with peroxide, offering what the company describes as one of the safest natural fiber options for nonwovens consumers. High Q is free of substances of concern and has been used in consumer products for more than 100 years. Additionally, Barnhardt recently launched EnviroPur, a washed cotton that maintains its natural color while being free of substances of concern such as glyphosate, pesticides and herbicides commonly found in conventional raw cotton. EnviroPur is also naturally hydrophobic.

Pakistani cotton supplier Ihsan Sons has forward integrated into the production of Cotton Disposable Face Towels, available in both organic and conventional cotton. Designed for modern skincare and hygiene needs, these towels offer multiple benefits. They are ultra-soft and gentle on the skin, highly absorbent for effective cleansing, and hygienic because they are single-use, helping to prevent the bacterial buildup often associated with reusable cloth towels. Made from natural cotton fibers, the towels are breathable, lint-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

According to the company, Ihsan’s 100% organic cotton fibers and spunlaced nonwovens support eco-conscious consumers by providing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. These materials are designed to meet the evolving needs of the global nonwovens industry.

Hemp Continues to Grow

Since 2018, when hemp cultivation became legal in the U.S., processing advancements have made this natural fiber suitable for a range of nonwoven applications, from durable airlaid products such as grow mats and chicken coop liners to construction materials and, more recently, wipes and feminine care products.

IND Hemp, located in Fort Benton, MT, can process four tons of raw hemp straw per hour. Over the past seven years, the company has focused on establishing specifications for its hemp fibers and developing distinct fiber grades to better communicate the performance characteristics and applications of each.

IND Hemp’s three grades—Bronze, Gold and Platinum—range from a coarser hemp fiber ideal for airlaid materials to a more open fiber used in batt insulation, and finally to its highest-performing fiber grade based on European standards. In the Platinum grade, a biological process uses enzymes to break down the pectin that binds hemp fibers together, creating a softer, more fibrous material suitable for personal care applications and other end uses.

Most recently, IND Hemp has taken processing a step further through a mechanical refining process that “cottonizes” the hemp through washing and scouring. “This gets the fiber to the point where it acts, touches, feels and behaves enough like cotton that you can blend it with cotton,” says marketing and brand director Greg Gnecco. “Once you get to this step, you can spin it into textiles and use it in spunlace applications for products like wipes.”

IND Hemp recently partnered with the Nonwovens Institute at NC State and Southeast Nonwovens to conduct trials of hemp-based wipes for baby care and other applications.

Based in Wichita Falls, TX, another hemp supplier, Panda Biotech, can process 150 million pounds of industrial hemp annually across a variety of product categories. These include mechanically cottonized textile-grade hemp fiber, which has been successfully spun into 50/50 hemp-cotton yarns for denim, canvas and twill applications, as well as mechanically cottonized nonwoven-grade fiber used in needlepunch and airlaid products for acoustic and thermal insulation batting and as a replacement for fiberglass materials in construction and automotive applications. Additionally, Panda Biotech’s reprocessed short fiber is used in wet wipes and shows potential for other personal care and hygiene products within the cellulosic pulp sector.

Outside North America, Panda Biotech recently announced the launch of India’s first fully integrated hemp fiber-to-yarn supply chain ecosystem in partnership with Culturewell Trading LLP and its subsidiary, Culturewell Hemp Pvt. Ltd. Together, the companies have established the infrastructure needed to convert certified U.S.-grown hemp from mechanically cottonized fiber into finished yarn, including degumming and spinning capabilities that were previously unavailable in India.

The partnership positions both companies at the center of one of the most significant growth opportunities in the global textile supply chain. India is home to some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated textile manufacturing systems, supplying yarns, fabrics, denim, garments, technical textiles and home furnishings to leading global brands. As demand accelerates for traceable, sustainable raw materials, Indian mills are increasingly seeking reliable hemp fiber suppliers capable of delivering consistent quality at scale.

“India represents one of the most strategically important textile markets in the world,” says Panda Biotech president Dixie Carter. “The country’s mills and manufacturers are searching for high-quality natural fibers that can compete globally on consistency, performance, traceability and price. Through our partnership with Culturewell, we now have a trusted, experienced partner on the ground to accelerate adoption of American-grown hemp across India.”

By combining Panda Biotech’s premium mechanically processed hemp fiber with Culturewell’s market expertise and established distribution network, the companies aim to accelerate adoption of high-performance hemp materials throughout India’s textile sector. Every shipment is backed by OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and USDA BioPreferred certifications, reinforcing the partnership’s focus on traceability, quality and sustainability.

Products available through the Panda Biotech-Culturewell partnership include Textile-Grade Mechanically Cottonized Fiber, which is sustainably processed through mechanical cottonization without scouring or bleaching. The fiber can be blended with cotton or other cellulosic fibers and spun into coarse-count yarns. Mills have successfully produced yarn counts ranging from 6s to 30s for knitting applications. The fiber also has potential in nonwoven applications including thermal and acoustic insulation, vacuum-insulated panels, carpet backing and mattress ticking.

In addition, the companies offer Degummed Fiber, which has been scoured and either bleached or semi-bleached for use in knits and lightweight fabrics requiring medium- and fine-count yarns. This fiber can be blended with cotton, viscose, lyocell and other cellulosic fibers for yarn spinning, as well as applications in absorbent hygiene products, filtration media, wipes and medical products.

Lenzing Focuses on Sustainability

Late last year, fiber supplier Lenzing AG announced plans to invest approximately €15 million to expand production capacity for premium viscose fibers serving the global hygiene market. The expansion at its Lenzing, Austria, site is part of a previously announced €100 million investment program aimed at securing the long-term competitiveness of the company’s Austrian operations.

“This investment represents a strategic step forward—reinforcing one of the key pillars of our nonwovens business and strengthening the foundation for long-term growth and sustainable supply,” says Rohit Aggarwal, former CEO of Lenzing AG.

The investment focuses on increasing capacity and ensuring the highest quality standards for the trilobal cross-section fiber Veocel Viscostar. The fiber’s unique cross-section delivers superior Syngina performance compared with conventional viscose, contributing to improved absorbency in tampon applications. The expansion will allow Lenzing to meet growing demand from strategic customers while maintaining stringent quality standards.

“Lenzing’s commitment to delivering sustainable innovation in the hygiene segment is once again demonstrated through this investment at our Lenzing site,” says Patricia A. Sargeant, EVP Commercial Nonwovens at Lenzing. “It’s a clear signal of our long-term growth ambitions and customer-centric approach in a dynamic market environment.”

The initiative supports Lenzing’s strategic focus on premium products, sustainability and technological differentiation. It also contributes to the continued diversification of the company’s value-added portfolio and strengthens its competitiveness in the hygiene sector.

Recently, Lenzing hosted a roundtable discussion in Brussels, Belgium, examining how bio-based materials can strengthen Europe’s economic security while supporting the transition to a fossil-free future. Organized in cooperation with Euractiv, the event brought together representatives from the European Commission, the UK Mission to the EU, academia, civil society and industry.

While Europe has the industrial foundation needed to scale these fossil-free materials, competitiveness remains constrained by regulatory and cost disparities. Participants identified clear, consistent policy signals—including potential updates to the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)—as essential to encouraging investment and broader market adoption.

“Europe has set ambitious goals for a clean industry transition. Our roundtable in Brussels showed that bio-based materials are not a future vision—they are a practical, scalable reality today. As an integrated cellulosic fiber producer with deep European roots, Lenzing helps strengthen industrial resilience while accelerating the shift away from fossil-based synthetic fibers,” says Georg Kasperkovitz, member of the Management Board of Lenzing Group.

“Maintaining and expanding European production capacity is essential for supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy,” says Sargeant. “Lenzing operates major integrated pulp and fiber sites in Austria, Czechia and the U.K., with Europe-based R&D supporting jobs, innovation and technological know-how within the region. Cellulosic fibers play a critical role in single-use hygiene products, underscoring the need to redesign products around biodegradable material solutions that address SUPD concerns and microplastic pollution.”

One innovation that directly addresses the material needs discussed during the roundtable is Lenzing’s DualWipe. The material integrates two functional surfaces within a single structure: an abrasive side for removing dirt and residues and a soft, highly absorbent side for wiping and finishing. Because DualWipe contains no synthetic fibers, binders or finishing chemicals, it eliminates the risk of plastic and microplastic shedding commonly associated with conventional wipes. Compatibility with standard converting processes supports use across industrial, professional and household cleaning applications. DualWipe exemplifies Lenzing’s efforts to connect policy objectives with market-ready material solutions.

“The Brussels roundtable highlighted the relevance of cellulosic fibers in reducing reliance on fossil-based materials. With innovations like Lenzing DualWipe, we translate this into practice by offering a high-performance, plastic-free wipe material designed to meet regulatory and consumer expectations,” adds Sargeant.

Birla Purocel

Birla Purocel plays a pivotal role in the global nonwovens industry as one of the world’s largest producers of viscose fibers, offering one of the broadest portfolios of cellulosic fibers compatible with a wide range of nonwoven technologies and end-use applications. Recognized globally for its leadership in sustainability, Birla consistently ranks among the industry’s top performers in responsible fiber production. Its strong research and development capabilities drive continuous innovation, enabling the company to stay ahead of evolving market demands. In addition, Birla has cultivated long-standing, trusted relationships with leading nonwoven substrate manufacturers worldwide, positioning itself as a reliable partner of choice.

To meet the evolving requirements of nonwoven manufacturing processes, Birla has significantly enhanced its fiber offerings. One notable achievement is enabling viscose fibers to run at production speeds exceeding 300 meters per minute in 100% viscose spunlace applications. This milestone reflects years of continuous quality improvements and process optimization.

Birla is also uniquely positioned as one of the only global suppliers capable of offering short-cut fibers in both viscose and lyocell formats for flushable wipes. These fibers are precisely engineered to provide the optimal balance of dispersibility for wetlaid processes, strength during use and flushability after disposal, addressing both performance and environmental considerations. In addition, the company has developed a broad range of functional cellulosic fibers, including flame-retardant, antimicrobial and hydrophobic variants, designed to meet the needs of diverse and demanding applications.

Purocel Ecodry represents a significant technological advancement within Birla’s nonwoven fiber portfolio. Available in multiple variants, the product is tailored to meet the specific requirements of various feminine care hygiene brands. Extensive testing across different product configurations has demonstrated strong performance. However, while the technology is well-positioned for the market, the broader transition to plastic-free absorbent hygiene products has progressed gradually. Much of that pace depends on regulatory momentum, which has yet to fully materialize in many regions. Nevertheless, Purocel Ecodry remains a future-ready solution, positioned to help brands achieve sustainability goals as regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.

Eucalyptus as a Fiber Source

During the past decade, Suzano has played a leading role in promoting the use of Eucalypts fiber in nonwoven products through Eucafluff, the world’s first eucalyptus-based fluff pulp, developed in Brazil and commercially introduced in 2015. Thanks to innovation and continuous advances in application engineering, the question is no longer whether eucalyptus is viable, but how best to leverage its unique properties to enhance product performance, improve consumer comfort and strengthen sustainability credentials, according to the company.

“When we first began developing Eucafluff, there was skepticism about whether the industry would ever transition from long-fiber pulp to a new short-fiber solution,” says Guilherme Melhado, global director of Fluff and Fiber Solutions at Suzano. “Today, demand from manufacturers has grown so significantly that we have recently quadrupled Eucafluff production capacity at our Limeira mill.”

Eucalyptus offers a number of distinct advantages for both consumers and manufacturers.

For consumers, Eucafluff delivers superior rewet performance and water retention capabilities, helping maintain dryness in products such as baby diapers. Its softer, thinner and more flexible characteristics compared with pine fluff create additional benefits in products such as adult incontinence products and sanitary pads, where comfort and discretion are critical. Due to the unique characteristics of Suzano’s eucalyptus fiber, Eucafluff also provides a patented odor-control effect.

From a sustainability perspective, eucalyptus offers several advantages as well. Suzano’s fast-growing, plantation-grown eucalyptus requires significantly less land than pine sourced from North America while providing strong supply availability. At the same time, pine supply is expected to face increasing constraints in the future.

Because eucalyptus-based absorbent cores offer greater compression capabilities than pine fluff cores, manufacturers can reduce packaging material requirements, lower plastic consumption and improve storage and transportation efficiency. Eucafluff also holds important international certifications, including FSC and PEFC Cerflor certifications, and is approved for use in products carrying both the EU Ecolabel and Nordic Swan certifications.

Wool’s Way 

A New Zealand-based company is bringing the natural benefits of wool—including odor control, moisture management and comfort—to the hygiene products market. Woolchemy has developed neweFlex, a proprietary acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) material designed for applications including diapers, feminine hygiene products and incontinence products.

The company developed and evaluated the wool-based ADL with support from an independent research institute specializing in nonwovens innovation. Testing found that neweFlex delivered notable performance improvements across key hygiene applications.

In a study conducted by a Michigan textile research laboratory, diapers made with neweFlex demonstrated a warmer and more stable microclimate while reducing humidity by 10% compared with a polypropylene-based alternative. The material also outperformed other bio-based alternatives, keeping surfaces three to 14 times drier. In addition, it reduced odors, including ammonia, by 57%, enhancing both comfort and freshness.

Last month, Woolchemy announced a partnership with BCNonwovens, a Spain-based spunlace nonwovens manufacturer, to scale production of the entire neweFlex platform, which also includes materials designed for wipes applications. The collaboration follows a successful initial manufacturing trial at BCNonwovens, as well as subsequent testing and validation work.

neweFlex combines Woolchemy’s proprietary neweFibre wool-based materials with plant-based fibers to deliver strong moisture management, comfort and skin compatibility while providing a renewable and biodegradable alternative to the petroleum-derived materials traditionally used in hygiene nonwovens.

“Working with BCNonwovens marks an important step in our journey from innovation to industrialization,” says Derelee Potroz-Smith, CEO and co-founder of Woolchemy. “BCNonwovens brings deep expertise in spunlace nonwovens and a highly capable manufacturing platform. Together, we are focused on delivering wool-based materials such as neweFlex at scale while meeting the performance, quality and regulatory expectations of the global hygiene industry.”

“Woolchemy’s technology represents a compelling new direction for nonwoven materials in hygiene applications,” says Marko Rajamaa, CEO of BCNonwovens. “Wool is particularly interesting because it can be incorporated into spunlace nonwovens using established manufacturing processes while delivering functional benefits that create clear differentiation opportunities for customers in a highly competitive market.”

US Fibers Focuses On Recycled Materials

 US Fibers supplies a broad range of recycled polyester staple fibers tailored for nonwovens applications, including automotive, filtration, flooring, construction and industrial end uses. its fibers are engineered for consistency, performance, and cost benefits with a strong focus on U.S.-based manufacturing and closed-loop recycling.

 “We continue to invest in process improvements and product development to deliver fibers with enhanced performance and customization,” says Teddy Oh, president and CEO. “Customers are asking for higher quality solutions and we are aligning our offerings to meet those expectations.

 As demand for sustainable fibers continues to grow, brand owners and converters are under increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact, which has accelerated interest in recycled synthetics, he continues. “Rather than replacing synthetic fibers, sustainability is reshaping them, with recycled polyester becoming a preferred solution due to its balance of performance, cost, and environmental benefits.”

He adds that challenge include variability in recycled feedstock, processing consistency, and final cost. “Fiber producers are addressing these issues in all different ways.”

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Elixrr Industries is a leading Mumbai, India-based manufacturer of pulp-based spunlace nonwovens. The company was established as part of a broader diversification strategy, leveraging decades of expertise and innovation in technical textiles. This strong foundation enabled Elixrr to successfully enter and compete in the nonwovens sector.

Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Elixrr operates a manufacturing facility in Palej, Bharuch, Gujarat, India. The venture was launched to address the growing demand for high-performance, sustainable fabrics across hygiene, medical and industrial applications. Its vision centers on blending traditional expertise with innovation to deliver eco-friendly solutions that meet global standards. Today, the company operates a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility with an annual production capacity exceeding 15,000 tons.

At this facility, Elixrr employs Pentatech Technology, integrating Industry 4.0 principles to enhance precision and efficiency. Its capabilities include drylaid and wetlaid processes; coating, dyeing and printing options; pulp-based spunlace products; standard spunlace blends such as polyester/viscose and 100% viscose; and natural-based products like 100% cotton.

Elixrr’s spunlace products are primarily used in wiping applications, with a focus on high-end wiping solutions. Additionally, the company has developed composite solutions for medical, industrial and packaging uses.

According to Madhav Goel, director, Elixrr Industries, the company is streamlining product lines to improve productivity and efficiency, while gradual additions of new production lines are planned, aligned with mutual agreements with global clients.

Currently, Elixrr is focused on serving existing product bases approved by global customers. Building on these applications, the company is working to expand its reach to new international clients. 

Elixrr is also responding to sustainability trends in the nonwovens industry through a combination of environmentally responsible infrastructure, product innovation and a long-term strategic focus on sustainable growth. Its LEED-certified facility reflects a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. 

On the product side, the company is developing biodegradable nonwovens specifically designed for applications in the hygiene and medical industries, addressing growing demand for eco-friendly single-use materials. These efforts are supported by its core pillars of sustainability, innovation and partnership.

Looking ahead, Goel is optimistic about the industry’s trajectory. “The nonwovens industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by demand in hygiene, healthcare and sustainable packaging,” he says. “Elixrr believes this is an opportune time to be in the industry, with global trends in sustainability, hygiene awareness and industrial innovation creating strong growth potential.”

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Assigned to Fitesa Film Products LLC, Simpsonville, SC.

Filed: 8/23/22
Issued: 4/28/26

A hydro-enlarged apertured nonwoven web, comprising: a plurality of fibers; a plurality of bond points securing the plurality of fibers to one another to define a nonwoven web; a first surface defining a planar top to the nonwoven web; a second surface defining a planar bottom to the nonwoven web; wherein the second surface is separated from the first surface by a first distance defining a loft; a plurality of apertures extending through the nonwoven web from the first surface to the second surface; wherein the plurality of apertures is formed by spraying a fluid against an unapertured precursor web, causing a plurality of pins disposed on a pinned roller to punch through the unapertured precursor web; wherein the unapertured precursor web has a third surface defining a planar top; wherein the unapertured precursor web has a fourth surface defining a planar bottom; wherein the third surface is separated from the fourth surface by a second distance defining a precursor loft; wherein the loft is greater than the precursor loft by a loft increase within a range of 50-110%.

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Assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH.

Filed: 8/2/23
Issued: 4/28/26

An absorbent article having a skin facing side, a garment facing side, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, a pair of longitudinally extending side edges, and a pair of transversely extending end edges, the absorbent article comprising an absorbent body comprising: a core chassis comprising: a liquid permeable topsheet; a liquid impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core having a smaller dimension than the backsheet in both a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction; an outer cover disposed on a garment facing side of the backsheet, the outer cover having a greater dimension than the absorbent core in the transverse direction, and a same or smaller dimension than the backsheet in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction; and a pair of core side regions defined as a region between respective absorbent core side edges and backsheet side edges; and a leg gasketing system made by a pair of water impermeable cuff materials disposed laterally outside and wrapping a pair of sides edges of the core chassis, the leg gasketing system comprising: a pair of wearer facing cuff regions formed by inwardly extending the cuff material over a wearer facing side of the core chassis, each wearer facing cuff region comprising a longitudinally extending inner cuff sealing and a longitudinally extending inner cuff free edge positioned inward from the inner cuff sealing, wherein the inner cuff sealing bonds the cuff material and the topsheet, and an inner cuff elastic element is disposed adjacent the inner cuff free edge; a pair of garment facing cuff regions formed by inwardly extending the cuff material over a garment facing side of the core chassis; and a pair of outer cuff elastic elements disposed on the garment facing cuff regions, each outer cuff elastic element superposing the core side regions and disposed outward from the inner cuff sealings; wherein the outer cuff elastic element is disposed on the garment facing cuff region; and wherein the cuff material for forming the garment facing surface of the garment facing cuff region is defined by a first garment facing fold, wherein the first garment facing fold is further folded and extended outwardly to form a second garment facing fold, and wherein the outer cuff elastic element is sandwiched between the first garment facing fold and the second garment facing fold. 

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Filed: 8/3/23
Issued: 4/28/26

A multiple use diaper assembly which has a first diaper removably attached to a second diaper thereby facilitating changing of diapers on a user without having to carry additional diapers, said assembly comprising: a first diaper having a pair of leg scallops wherein said first diaper is configured to be worn on a user’s crotch such that each of said leg scallops accommodates a respective one of the user’s legs; a first absorbent pad being attached to said first diaper, said first absorbent pad being comprised of a fluid absorbent material, said first absorbent pad being located on said first diaper wherein said first absorbent pad is configured to absorb bodily fluids from the user; a pair of tabs, each of said tabs being attached to said first diaper, each of said tabs wrappable onto said first diaper when said first diaper is being worn wherein said pair of tabs is configured to retain said first diaper on the user; a second diaper being removably attached to said first diaper wherein said second diaper is configured to rest against the user when said first diaper and said second diaper are worn on the user, said second diaper having a pair of leg scallops wherein said pair of legs scallops associated with said second diaper are configured to accommodate the user’s legs when said first diaper is worn on the user, a second absorbent pad being attached to said second diaper, said second absorbent pad being comprised of a fluid absorbent material, said second absorbent pad being located on said second diaper wherein said second absorbent pad is configured to absorb bodily fluids from the user; a first pouch being attached to said first diaper; a second pouch being attached to said first diaper; a plurality of wipes, each of said plurality of wipes being stored in said first pouch wherein each of said plurality of wipes is configured to be accessible to a caregiver of the user when the caregiver removes said second diaper from said first diaper when said first absorbent pad has become soiled with bodily fluids, each of said plurality of wipes being pre-moistened wherein each of said plurality of wipes is configured to clean the user of bodily fluids; a storage bag being contained in said second pouch, said second diaper being insertable into said storage bag when said second diaper is removed from said first diaper thereby facilitating said second diaper to be disposed of, said storage bag being comprised of a fluid impermeable material wherein said storage bag is configured to inhibit the bodily fluids in said second absorbent pad to leak from said storage bag; wherein said first diaper has a top surface and a bottom surface and a perimeter edge extending between said top surface and said bottom surface, said perimeter edge having a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side, each of said first lateral side and said second lateral side having a curved portion which curves toward each other such that curved portion of each of said first lateral side and said second lateral side defines a respective one of said leg scallops, said curved portion of each of said first lateral side and said second lateral side being centrally positioned between said top side and said bottom side; and wherein said assembly includes a pair of adhesive strips, each of said adhesive strips being applied to said top surface of said first diaper, each of said pair of adhesive strips being aligned with said perimeter edge of said first diaper. 

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Assigned to Essity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Filed: 5/10/21
Issued: 4/28/26

A disposable absorbent insert for a reusable outer shell, the insert having an extension in the longitudinal direction and the transversal direction, longitudinal and transversal side edges and having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion located between the front and the back portions, and comprising an absorbent core having longitudinal and transversal side edges and being sandwiched between a liquid-permeable and user-facing topsheet and a liquid-impermeable and garment-facing backsheet and wherein the absorbent core comprises an absorbent component enclosed by a core cover comprising an upper and a lower side, the insert comprising a first longitudinal extending standing gather along a first longitudinal side edge of the insert and a second longitudinal extending standing gather along a second longitudinal side edge of the insert, wherein a strip of loop material is attached to a garment-facing side of the backsheet near the transversal side edge of the front portion and back portion respectively of the insert, wherein the strip of loop material has the same free transversal side edge as the absorbent insert; and wherein the topsheet extends transversely outside the first longitudinal extending standing gather to form a first side leakage flap and the topsheet extends transversely outside the second longitudinal extending standing gather to form a second side leakage flap, and the first and second side leakage flaps lack elastics. 

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Assigned to Essity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Filed: 4/7/21
Issued: 4/28/26

A disposable absorbent insert for a reusable outer shell, the insert having an extension in the longitudinal direction and the transversal direction, longitudinal and transversal side edges and having a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion located between the front and the back portions, the insert comprising: an absorbent core having longitudinal and transversal side edges and being sandwiched between a liquid-permeable and user facing topsheet and a liquid-impermeable and garment facing backsheet, and wherein the absorbent core comprises: an absorbent component enclosed by a core cover comprising an upper and a lower side, the insert comprising a first longitudinal extending standing gather along a first longitudinal side edge of the insert and a second longitudinal extending standing gather along a second longitudinal side edge of the insert, wherein the topsheet extends transversely outside the first longitudinal extending standing gather to form a first side leakage flap and the topsheet extends transversely outside the second longitudinal extending standing gather to form a second side leakage flap, and the first and second side leakage flaps lack elastics. 

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Assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH.

Filed: 12/8/23
Issued: 4/28/26

An absorbent article comprising: a liquid permeable topsheet having a wearer facing surface and an opposite garment facing surface, wherein the topsheet comprises a nonwoven comprising a plurality of apertures; a liquid impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a fluid management layer disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core, the fluid management layer comprising a spacer woven fabric, wherein the nonwoven comprises a first surface forming the wearer facing surface of the topsheet, and a second surface forming the garment facing surface of the topsheet, the first surface having a first contact angle of no lower than about 90 degrees as measured according to Contact Angle Test, and wherein the spacer woven fabric comprises a top face, a bottom face, and a plurality of yarns interconnecting the top face and the bottom face, wherein the top and bottom faces are spaced apart from each other. 

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