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Morphological and Performance Assessment of Commercial Menstrual and Incontinence Absorbent Hygiene Products
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Analysis of fifteen commercial absorbent hygiene products found that most contain non-biodegradable plastics, with limited sustainable substitutes available for superabsorbent polymers, though structural design changes could reduce total plastic content. Given that disposable hygiene products contribute to microplastic pollution in landfills and waterways, this work identifies concrete pathways for reducing a significant but underexamined plastic waste stream.
Disposable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) contain plastics that are challenging to recycle and not biodegradable, making a significant contribution to landfill. Decreasing the nonbiodegradable mass of products could reduce this burden. Despite this, public data on how AHP design and material selection relate to performance is limited. In this work, fifteen commercial AHPs were characterised using dimensional measurement, infrared spectroscopy, and imaging. Simulated urination, air permeability, and moisture management testing were used to assess expected leakage and user comfort. Sustainable materials currently in use were identified, and their performance compared to typical plastics, informing opportunities to replace or reduce nonbiodegradable materials. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate-based leakproof layers replaced polyolefins. Commercial alternatives to polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), with comparable absorption, were not seen. Although absorbency correlated with the mass of absorbants, SAPs reduced surface moisture after absorption and are known for high absorption capacity under pressure, preventing rewetting. Channels and side guards were observed to prevent side leakage and guide fluid distribution, potentially reducing the need for nonbiodegradable nonwoven and absorbant content by promoting efficient use of the full product mass. While synthetic nonwovens typically outperformed cellulosics, apertured and layered nonwovens were associated with improved moisture transport; polylactic acid rivalled typical thermoplastics as a bio-derived, compostable alternative. Although the need for biopolymer-based SAPs and foams remains, it is hoped that these findings will guide AHP design and promote research in sustainable materials.
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Sanitary pads are complex products containing a range of synthetic materials, including plastics and chemical additives, yet they remain largely underregulated for intimate-use safety. This review examines the composition of commercially available sanitary pads, the regulatory frameworks governing them, and emerging research on potential health implications of prolonged exposure to their components. Growing awareness of plastic and chemical exposure through menstrual products has prompted calls for greater transparency and stricter safety standards.
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Feasibility and Implications of Biodegradable Diaper Alternatives
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This review assesses biodegradable alternatives to conventional disposable diapers—including PLA, PBAT, bamboo, and polysaccharide-based superabsorbents—finding that while these materials offer reduced environmental persistence compared to polyethylene-based products, challenges in cost, mechanical performance, and scalability remain barriers to widespread adoption.
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This review discusses how plastic-heavy disposable sanitary pads contribute to microplastic pollution and environmental waste, and evaluates natural material alternatives including cotton, bamboo, and plant-based polymers that could reduce the environmental footprint of menstrual hygiene products.
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