Issue 04/2023

ioplastics MAGAZINE [04/23] Vol. 18
51
Biobased baby diapers
Andritz (Graz, Austria) technology and expertise enable Naturopera (Boulogne-
Billancourt, France) to produce biobased diapers.
International technology group Andritz has successfully delivered, installed, and
commissioned a converting line for manufacturing baby diapers at Naturopera’s new
plant in Bully Les Mines, France.
The eXcelle converting line from Andritz Diatec features special technology to produce
both traditional and biobased baby diapers, supporting Naturopera in its efforts to
become a leading producer of a new generation of sustainable diapers.
While most diapers available on the market consist of 70 % fossil-based plastic, Naturopera is preparing to produce diapers
made of 90 % biobased raw materials. This ground-breaking diaper concept was developed in a close collaboration between
Naturopera and Andritz. It replaces the traditional spunbond and meltblown nonwoven layers with spunlace nonwovens mostly
made of natural fibres. A prototype of the 90 % biobased diaper was recently produced at Bully Les Mines.
Claire Stévignon, Babycare Marketing manager at Naturopera says: “Thanks to the support of Andritz Perfojet for the spunlace
fabrics and Andritz Diatec for converting, we are moving in the direction of producing biobased diapers. We will soon start offering
green premium diapers using the jointly developed concept. This initiative will make an important contribution towards more
sustainability in diaper production”.
The Andritz converting machine operating at Naturopera is highly flexible, taking just a few settings to switch to the production
of biobased diapers. It is designed for a multiple-size process, features an operator-friendly interface, and guarantees a
production speed of 800 ppm.
Naturopera is a French company producing baby care, femcare and household products with a strong focus on local production
and sustainability. AT
www.andritz.com
PLA-based sanitary napkins launched in India
Niine Sanitary Napkins (Uttar Pradesh, India), a leading
provider of premium and affordable hygiene solutions
in India, introduces the country’s first PLA-based
biodegradable sanitary pads.
These pads are CIPET-certified, with more than 90 % of
the pad decomposing within 175 days and the rest within a
year. The entire packaging, including the outer cover and
disposable bags, is biodegradable. They offer exceptional
performance in absorption, comfort, and leakage protection,
comparable to regular sanitary pads. Moreover, these
pads are 100 % chemical-free and vegan, providing a safe
and sustainable alternative. PLA, derived from renewable
resources like corn starch or sugarcane, is a biodegradable
and compostable polymer, exemplifying Niine’s commitment
to reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. With the
prestigious CIPET (Central Institute of Plastics Engineering
& Technology) certification, Niine sets a new industry
standard, emphasising its dedication to environmental
responsibility and innovation.
India faces a staggering challenge with the disposal of
approximately 1.021 billion soiled disposable sanitary napkins
every month. These pads are heavily composed of plastic and
take an alarming 500 – 800 years to decompose fully. Improper
disposal methods, including burning, flushing down toilets,
or leaving them in exposed landfills, not only pose a severe
threat to the environment but also endanger the health of
sanitation workers. In response to this critical issue, Niine
has taken a significant step by introducing one of the most
environmentally friendly sanitary napkins. These napkins are
crafted using a combination of eco-friendly materials such as
wood pulp, biobased resins and oils, and PLA-based materials.
They adhere to the highest standards of biodegradability,
certified by renowned institutions like CIPET and ISO.
Notably, Niine’s pads exhibit enhanced compostability,
decomposing effectively even in underground environments
without requiring specific conditions like exposure to sunlight
or air. By offering a sustainable solution, Niine aims to
mitigate the adverse impact of conventional sanitary napkin
waste, ensuring a healthier environment for all.
Niine is a revolutionary brand in India, offering the country’s
first biodegradable sanitary napkins with a PLA-based top
sheet. These napkins are crafted from pure, safe, and skinfriendly
materials, providing a soft and cotton-like feel.
With superior masking and faster absorption, Niine ensures
dryness and leakage protection. They are free from harsh
chemicals and artificial fragrances, making them ideal
for sensitive skin. MT