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Complete Sanitary Pad Manufacturing Process: From Raw Materials To Finished Goods

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The Sanitary Pad Manufacturing Process

A Comprehensive Overview by Lonsun

Ever wondered about the science behind the reliable sanitary pads that support women’s daily lives during menstruation? From absorbent cores that lock in moisture to breathable layers that ensure comfort, the manufacturing of sanitary pads is a precise blend of advanced materials, engineering, and user-centric design. As a critical hygiene product, sanitary pads demand strict standards for absorbency, leak resistance, and skin-friendliness—requirements that guide every step of production.

For over 15 years, Lonsun has stood as a trusted leader in the global hygiene industry, empowering businesses across 50+ countries with cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, premium raw materials, and tailored solutions for sanitary pad production. This guide breaks down the entire process, highlights key materials, and explores how Lonsun drives quality and innovation in the space.

I. Industry Background: The Importance of Sanitary Pads

Sanitary pads have evolved dramatically from early iterations made of cotton rags to today's engineered products with specialized materials. This evolution reflects both growing global awareness of menstrual health and technological advancements in hygiene product development. Market data underscores their significance:

  • In 2024, the U.S. sanitary pad market alone reached a value of $8.2 billion, driven by demand for premium, eco-friendly options.

  • The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% through 2030, reaching $38.7 billion, with strong growth in Asia Pacific and Africa.

At Lonsun, we’ve been at the forefront of this growth, developing equipment and materials that balance performance, comfort, and sustainability to help manufacturers create products that prioritize user well-being.

II. Key Materials in Sanitary Pad Production

A high-quality sanitary pad is a combination of carefully selected materials, each serving a unique role. Lonsun supplies all core materials, ensuring consistency and compliance with global safety standards (such as FDA and EU REACH). Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:

Material ComponentCompositionCore FunctionLonsun Advantage
Absorbent CoreFluff pulp + Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)Absorbs and locks in fluid, preventing leakage and keeping the pad dry.Proprietary fluff-SAP blending ratio ensures uniform distribution and maximizes absorbency.
Top SheetHydrophilic nonwoven fabric (polypropylene)Sits against the skin, letting fluid pass quickly while remaining soft and dry.Hypoallergenic and breathable, tested for skin compatibility.
ADL / Acquisitive Distribution LayerHydrophilic nonwoven or porous paperSpreads fluid evenly across the absorbent core.Unique porous structure speeds up fluid transfer, even during heavy flow.
Back SheetImpermeable polyethylene (PE) film or breathable PE-laminated nonwovenActs as a waterproof barrier to prevent seepage.Offers both standard and biodegradable PE back sheets.
Wings (Side Flaps)Nonwoven fabric + adhesive stripsFold over underwear to secure the pad and prevent side leakage.Stretchable, tear-resistant materials with high-tack adhesives.
Adhesive TapesHot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesiveSecures the pad to underwear.Skin-safe, residue-free, and resistant to heat and moisture.

III. The Sanitary Pad Manufacturing Process: Step-by-Step

Sanitary pad production is an automated, precision-driven process that transforms raw materials into finished products in 8 key stages. Lonsun’s manufacturing lines are designed for efficiency, producing up to 1,200 pads per minute while maintaining strict quality control.

Step 1: Manufacturing the Absorbent Core

The core is the most critical component. Fluff pulp is shredded and mixed with SAP using ultrasonic technology to avoid clumping. A vacuum then shapes this mixture into a flat, rectangular core. The core's thickness and weight are monitored in real time to ensure consistency.

Step 2: Preparing the Top Sheet and ADL

Polypropylene resin is extruded into a nonwoven fabric for the top sheet, which is then cut to size. The ADL is made from porous nonwoven fabric and treated with a hydrophilic coating to enhance fluid transfer before being cut and aligned.

Step 3: Processing the Back Sheet

PE resin is cast into a thin, waterproof film. For breathable versions, this film is laminated to a nonwoven fabric, creating a barrier that blocks fluid but allows air to circulate. Lonsun’s breathable back sheets have a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of >5,000 g/m²/24h.

Step 4: Assembling the Core Layers

The back sheet, absorbent core, ADL, and top sheet are layered together like a "sandwich". Heat seals or hot-melt adhesive bond the layers, while optical sensors ensure alignment to within 1mm to prevent leakage risks.

Step 5: Adding Wings and Elastic Bands

Pre-cut wings are folded and bonded to the sides of the pad. Elastic spandex bands are stretched and glued along the edges to create a snug seal around the thighs, blocking side leakage.

Step 6: Cutting and Shaping

A high-speed rotary cutter trims the continuous sheet into individual pads with customized shapes. Lonsun’s lines are adjustable for different sizes and reduce material waste to less than 5%.

Step 7: Rigorous Quality Control (QC)

Every pad undergoes multiple tests:

  • Absorbency Test: Measures absorption capacity with simulated fluid at body temperature.

  • Leak Resistance Test: Checks for leakage on a mannequin during simulated movement.

  • Skin Safety Test: Ensures pH levels match the skin's natural pH and are hypoallergenic.

  • Adhesive Strength Test: Confirms adhesives stay in place without leaving residue.

Step 8: Final Packaging

Each pad is folded and sealed in a sterile, moisture-proof wrapper. They are then grouped into bags or boxes with branding and instructions. Lonsun offers custom and eco-friendly packaging options, such as recycled cardboard or plant-based plastics.

IV. Environmental Considerations in Sanitary Pad Production

Traditional pads can take 200-500 years to decompose, with over 12 billion units ending up in landfills annually. At Lonsun, we’re committed to reducing this footprint through innovation:

  • Biodegradable Materials: We supply plant-based fluff pulp and biodegradable PE back sheets that can compost in 180-240 days.

  • Waste Reduction: Our manufacturing lines minimize material waste and use energy-efficient systems to reduce carbon emissions by 15%.

  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: We offer packaging made from 100% recycled paper or compostable films.

V. Market Trends Shaping Sanitary Pad Production

The industry is evolving rapidly, driven by consumer demand. Key trends include:

  • Ultra-Thin, High-Absorbency Pads: Lonsun’s thin-core technology creates pads as thin as 1.5mm with the absorbency of traditional thick pads.

  • Organic and Natural Materials: Demand is growing for organic cotton and plant-based SAP. Lonsun’s organic materials are GOTS certified.

  • Smart Pads: We offer equipment that can integrate moisture sensors to alert users when a change is needed.

  • Inclusivity: Our customizable lines can create pads in non-standard sizes for diverse needs, like plus-size users or post-partum care.

VI. Common Questions About Sanitary Pad Manufacturing (FAQs)

  1. How does Lonsun ensure the safety of its materials?

    All materials undergo third-party testing and comply with global standards like FDA 21 CFR Part 177 and EU REACH to ensure user safety.

  2. Can Lonsun customize production lines for small-scale manufacturers?

    Yes, we offer modular equipment scalable from 300 to 1,200 pads per minute to fit small and medium-sized businesses.

  3. Do biodegradable pads perform as well as traditional ones?

    Absolutely. Our biodegradable materials match the absorbency and leak resistance of traditional ones while being eco-friendly.

Why Choose Lonsun for Sanitary Pad Production?

For over 15 years, Lonsun has been a trusted partner for hygiene product manufacturers worldwide. Here’s what sets us apart:

Tailored Solutions: We customize equipment, materials, and packaging to match your brand’s unique needs.

Quality Assurance: Every component is tested to meet global standards, with a 2-year warranty on all equipment.

Sustainability Focus: We prioritize eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient processes.

Global Support: Our team provides 24/7 technical support in 12 languages to ensure minimal downtime.

Ready to Build the Future of Hygiene?

Whether you’re looking to launch a new sanitary pad brand or upgrade your existing production line, Lonsun has the expertise, materials, and equipment to help you succeed. Join the movement toward safer, more sustainable hygiene products.

Lonsun: Building a healthier, more sustainable future for hygiene—one pad at a time.

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