What Is PLA Nonwoven？

What is PLA Nonwoven?

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nonwoven fabric is a novel bio-based material that has garnered significant attention due to its unique properties and wide range of applications. This article will delve into the detailed information about PLA nonwoven fabric, with a particular focus on its roles in diapers and sanitary napkins.

Basic Concept

PLA nonwoven fabric is primarily made from poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a biodegradable synthetic fiber derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane through fermentation.

Features

1.  Environmental Friendliness: PLA nonwoven fabric is biodegradable. Its waste can be decomposed into carbon dioxide and water by microorganisms in soil and seawater, thereby reducing environmental pollution.

2.  Comfort: It boasts excellent breathability, moisture absorption, and softness, making it comfortable to wear.

3.  Antibacterial Properties: PLA nonwoven fabric has inherent antibacterial properties, which give it a unique advantage in the fields of hygiene and medical products.

4.  Thermal Stability: It has good thermal stability and resistance to ultraviolet light.

5.  Renewability: The raw material of PLA is starch, which has a short regeneration cycle of about one to two years. Moreover, its concentration in the atmosphere can be reduced through plant photosynthesis.

Applications

• Medical Field: PLA nonwoven fabric can be used to manufacture medical supplies such as surgical gowns, surgical towels, masks, bed sheets, pillowcases, and bed covers. These products not only meet hygiene standards but also effectively control infections.

• Hygiene Products: It can be utilized in the production of baby diapers and sanitary napkins.

• Packaging Field: PLA nonwoven fabric can be employed to create biodegradable packaging materials.

• Agricultural Field: It can be used to make agricultural coverings.

Advantages

•  Sustainability: The raw material of PLA nonwoven fabric is renewable plant resources, reducing the dependence on traditional petroleum resources.

•  Healthfulness: PLA nonwoven fabric has natural antibacterial properties and a weak acidity, which are skin-friendly.

Challenges

• Strength and Durability: Compared with traditional synthetic fibers, PLA fibers have lower strength and durability.

• Cost: The production cost of PLA fibers is relatively high.

Application in Diapers and Sanitary Napkins

PLA nonwoven fabric plays a crucial role in diapers and sanitary napkins, offering several significant advantages.

In Diapers

• Breathability and Comfort: PLA nonwoven fabric has excellent breathability and moisture absorption capabilities. It can keep the inside of diapers dry, reducing the contact between the baby's skin and moisture, and lowering the risk of diaper rash. Its soft texture also ensures the baby's comfort while wearing the diapers.

• Environmental Sustainability: PLA is a biodegradable material made from renewable plant resources. Diapers made from PLA nonwoven fabric have a smaller environmental impact after disposal. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and helps reduce plastic waste pollution.

• Antibacterial Performance: The inherent antibacterial properties of PLA nonwoven fabric can effectively inhibit bacterial growth, maintaining the hygiene of diapers. This is particularly important for the baby's skin health, as it can reduce skin problems caused by bacterial infections.

• Application Form: PLA nonwoven fabric can be used in both the top and bottom layers of diapers. The top layer of PLA nonwoven fabric can quickly absorb urine and prevent backflow, while the bottom layer can prevent urine leakage, protecting the baby's clothes.

In Sanitary Napkins

• Absorption Performance: PLA nonwoven fabric can rapidly absorb liquids and has good water-locking capabilities, keeping the surface of sanitary napkins dry. This enhances the comfort of women during use, reducing dampness and discomfort.

• Breathability and Health: The good breathability of PLA nonwoven fabric allows sanitary napkins to stay dry, reducing the growth of bacteria and fungi. This is crucial for women's intimate health, as it can lower the risk of infections.

• Environmental Advantage: The biodegradability of PLA nonwoven fabric makes it an eco-friendly material for sanitary napkins. Compared with traditional polypropylene, PLA nonwoven fabric can naturally decompose after use, reducing the environmental burden.

• Application Form: PLA nonwoven fabric can be used in both the top and bottom layers of sanitary napkins. The top layer of PLA nonwoven fabric can quickly absorb menstrual blood and prevent side leakage, while the bottom layer can prevent blood leakage, protecting clothing.

Market Prospects

• Growing Consumer Demand: With the increasing environmental awareness of consumers, the attention to sustainable and eco-friendly products is on the rise. The environmental characteristics and good performance of PLA nonwoven fabric make it have a broad market prospect in the diaper and sanitary napkin market.

• Technological Innovation: Manufacturers are continuously investing in research and development to improve the performance of PLA nonwoven fabric and reduce costs. For example, by improving the production process, the strength and softness of PLA nonwoven fabric have been significantly improved, enabling it to better meet the requirements of diapers and sanitary napkins.

• Regulatory and Certification Support: Some countries and regions have introduced regulations and policies to encourage the use of biodegradable materials. In addition, PLA nonwoven fabric can also obtain relevant bio-based certifications, such as OK Biobased or USDA Biopreferred, which helps enterprises to promote the environmental characteristics of products to consumers.