34. Absorbent Cores with Typhaine Raimbourg

Attached to Hygiene

This episode is sponsored by Cotton Incorporated and their B2B focused website, CottonWorksTM.

CottonWorks™ | Online Guide for Producing Outstanding Cotton Products

Interested in exploring absorbent cotton for your hygiene needs, free sourcing directories are available on CottonWorksTM to help industry professionals find the cotton capable and global suppliers they need.

Take our Listener Survey to receive copies of all 5 of our CSR Documents.

In many ways, the core is the heart of any absorbent hygiene product. Whilst other portions of the article address consumer needs, it is the core that either succeeds or falls short in absorbing the insult. To improve performance, new ideas are continually being explored. For an explanation of the absorbent core and its recent developments, ‘Attached to Hygiene’ host Jack Hughes welcomes Typhaine Raimbourg, Bostik’s Technical Account Manager for the EMEA Region.

Common cores in today’s absorbent hygiene market

After introducing the traditional core’s components and their impact on absorption, Jack and Typhaine explore more recent innovations. The closely related pre-compound and compound cores are common in Asia. Although they do not crack, early versions presented other challenges, especially reduced wicking speed. Manufacturers have had some success in solving these issues, in part through the use of adhesives. However, adoption of the compound core type is not generally seen beyond the region.

The channel core, on the other hand, has wider appeal. First introduced in Europe, the design relies on adhesives to create the fluff/SAP-free channels from which the core gets its name. Its advantages include distribution of the insult and breathability supporting skin health. Specially formulated adhesives have evolved to enhance the channel core’s function.

Core testing for traditional and newer designs

Traditional core performance is generally evaluated in five ways. However, not every hygiene company does all five. These include acquisition speed, distribution, rewet, wicking, and core cracking. Bostik adds a preconditioned core cracking test which simulates the effects of wear prior to insult. For compound and pre-compound cores, SAP loss can be an issue and is commonly assessed. In the channel core, dynamic peel is used to check integrity of the channels. This can be done wet and dry, and through 24-hour immersion. Bostik’s advanced testing facilities are available to complete these and other valuable procedures. We can also provide recommendations to help ensure your products perform up to expectations. Book a meeting with us to discuss changing your core design.

Outline of the Episode

• [07:25] Introduction to the absorbent core system
• [11:20] Core cracking
• [12:05] Supporting consumer needs
• [15:05] History and evolution of the core
• [19:40] Benefits and trade-offs involved with various core types
• [23:43] Fluff ratios around the world
• [27:11] The role of the adhesive in absorbent cores
• [32:10] The ways core performance is tested
• [38:50] Issues to keep in mind if you are considering a change to your core
• [44:06] Customer challenges Bostik has helped to solve
• [48:05] Exciting possibilities on the horizon: Smart diapers and hybrid designs

Recommended Resources

Contact Typhaine on LinkedIn.

To learn more about the absorbent hygiene core, read our articles: ‘The Benefits ad Challenges of Manufacturing the Pre-Compound and In-line Compound Core’ and ‘Doing More With Less: Adhesive’s Role in the Core’. Also, bookmark and download our glossary, ‘Terminology for Core in Absorbent Hygiene’.

Get Connected with Attached to Hygiene

Take our Listener Survey to receive copies of all 5 of our CSR Documents.

Connect with Jack Hughes on LinkedIn. You can also find us at Bostik | Absorbent Hygiene on LinkedIn or by visiting the Attached to Hygiene Podcast on our official website.

Email us with questions, comments, or ideas for future episodes at [e-mail].

Host: Jack Hughes

Music by Jonathan Boyle

Produced and edited by: Jack Hughes with help from Paul Andrews, Michele Tonkovitz, Emory Churness, and Nikki Ackerman from GreenOnion Creative.

Legal Disclaimer:

All information contained herein is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication, is provided “as-is” and is subject to change without notice. This is not a warranty, an agreement, or substitute for expert or professional advice. Bostik (“Company”) expressly disclaims and assumes no liability for the use of the products or reliance on this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to determine the suitability of any products for user’s application(s). NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING SUITABILITY FOR USE IN ANY MEDICAL DEVICE OR MEDICAL APPLICATION), IS MADE CONCERNING THE PRODUCTS OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN. The information provided relates only to the specific products designated herein and may not be valid where such products are used in combination with other materials or in any process. The performance of the product, its shelf life, and application characteristics depends on many variables, and changes in these variables can impact product performance. You are responsible to test the suitability of any product in advance for any intended use or application and before commercialization. Nothing herein shall be construed as a license for the use of any product in a manner that might infringe any patent and it should not be construed as an inducement to infringe any patent. Please carefully review the Safety Data Sheet for the product.

The Company adheres to a strict policy that applies to the use of any of its products in medical device applications. This policy can be found at https://www.arkema.com/global/en/social-responsibility/innovation-and-sustainable-solutions/responsible-product-management/medical-device-policy/ which is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. Except as expressly authorized, the Company (i) has designated specific medical grade compositions for products used in medical device applications and Company products not so designated are not authorized for use in medical device applications and (ii) strictly prohibits the use of any of its products in medical device applications that are implanted in the body or in contact with bodily fluids or tissues for greater than 30 days. The Company does not design, manufacture and/or directly sell any medical devices. The Company does not co-design, or offer assistance to any purchaser of its products, in their design, manufacture and/or sale of products for medical devices. It is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer of medical devices to determine the suitability of all raw material, products and components, including any medical grade products, in order to ensure that the medical device is safe for end-use and complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and to conduct all necessary tests and inspections. Published as of 8/15/2022.