INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED ABSORBENT ARTICLE

Description

1 / 32 “INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED ABSORBENT ARTICLE” TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to individually wrapped absorbent articles. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE TECHNIQUE

[002] Many absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads and the like, are supplied as individually wrapped absorbent articles (individually packaged) in a state of being individually wrapped and sealed with a packaging sheet for reasons of hygiene during storage, convenience during transport and the like. As a packaging structure of the individually wrapped absorbent article, a form is widely known, for example, in which the absorbent article is placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet, the packaging sheet is folded to the side of the inner surface along with the absorbent article and then the two edge portions are sealed.

[003] As packaging sheet material, a resin film, a non-woven fabric or something similar is still mainly used, but a packaging sheet made of paper is also known. In the case of a paper packaging sheet, the sheet material itself is not thermally fused and therefore a device is needed to increase the sealing strength of the sealing portions. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for forming sealing portions by pressurizing both edge portions of a folded packaging sheet between a pair of rollers with respectively a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth that engages with the first row of teeth, on the respective surfaces. DOCUMENTS OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE PATENT DOCUMENT Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, page 85 / 116 2 / 32

[004] Patent document 1: Unexamined Japanese patent publication no. 2022-24624. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[005] However, the sealing strength of the sealing portion formed with the technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot be made as great as the sealing strength of a sealing portion formed by thermal fusion. Therefore, the formation of a sealing portion using a thermal sealing agent is considered. In this case, given that adding the thermal sealing agent as an ingredient requires an additional cost, it is desirable to use the thermal sealing agent efficiently, i.e., to form the sealed portion more reliably, even with a relatively small amount of the thermal sealing agent.

[006] In view of the foregoing, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a technique that can more reliably form a sealing portion by means of thermal sealing in an individually packaged absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article is wrapped in a paper packaging sheet. WAYS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS

[007] One aspect of the present invention is an individually packaged absorbent article, formed by wrapping an absorbent article in a packaging sheet made of paper, wherein a sealing portion is formed by folding the packaging sheet towards one side of the inner surface in a longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet and by sealing both edge portions in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a thermal sealing agent is provided in at least one region included in the sealing portion of one of the inner and outer surfaces of the packaging sheet, and the packaging sheet is Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, page 86 / 116 3 / 32 a sheet without barrier agent coating or a sheet coated with a barrier agent, and the weight of the barrier agent coating is 10% or less in relation to the total weight of the packaging sheet after the supply of the heat-sealing agent. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sealing portion can be formed more reliably by means of heat sealing in an individually packaged absorbent article, wherein an absorbent article is wrapped in a paper packaging sheet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an individually packaged absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention; [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a developed plan view of the individually packaged absorbent article of FIG. 1; [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 1; [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1; [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram that explains the effect of a thermal sealing agent in the modality; [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram to explain an effect of the thermal sealing agent in the modality. DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES

[009] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components or corresponding components are indicated by the same reference numbers, unless otherwise specified, and their description may be omitted. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, p. 87 / 116 4 / 32<Estrutura básica do artigo absorvente embalado individualmente>

[010] First, a basic structure of an individually wrapped absorbent article will be described. FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an individually wrapped absorbent article 100. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a packaging sheet 10 of the individually wrapped absorbent article 100 of FIG. 1 in a developed state, as seen from the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10, i.e., the skin contact side of the absorbent article 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1.

[011] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the individually wrapped absorbent article 100 includes a packing sheet 10 and an absorbent article 1 individually wrapped by the packing sheet 10. (Packaging sheet)

[012] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the packaging sheet 10 may have an elongated shape in a developed state, with a longitudinal direction D1 and a lateral direction D2 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction D1 and the lateral direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 may correspond to the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the absorbent article 1, respectively. The shape of the packaging sheet 10 is not limited to a rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 2, and may, for example, have an oblong shape.

[013] The dimensions of the packaging sheet 10 can be selected as appropriate, according to the size and shape of the absorbent article 1 to be packaged. For example, the longitudinal direction dimension D1 (sometimes simply called length) can be from 100 mm to 450 mm, and the lateral direction dimension D2 (sometimes simply called width) can be from 70 mm to 250 mm, when the packaging sheet 10 is fully unfolded (not folded). Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, page 88 / 116 5 / 32

[014] In this embodiment, the packaging sheet 10 is made of paper. The use of paper packaging sheet 10 can contribute to the reduction of plastics and to the fulfillment of sustainable development goals. Paper can also provide comfort to users because it can offer a unique texture, such as the smooth appearance of a natural material. In this descriptive report, paper refers to a thin, flat sheet obtained by agglutinating vegetable fibers or other fibers with a binding agent. In particular, paper refers to a sheet containing a vegetable fiber as the main raw material, for example, a sheet containing 50% or more, preferably 80% or more, of a vegetable fiber, especially a cellulose fiber, among the fibers contained.Examples of vegetable fiber as a raw material for paper include wood pulp, non-wood pulp, waste paper pulp, and cotton cellulose, and the pulp can be either mechanical pulp or chemical pulp. Vegetable fibers can be regenerated fibers, such as rayon and cupra, or they can be recycled vegetable fibers from a constituent element of an absorbent article and / or from a packaging sheet for an absorbent article (recycled pulp or similar).

[015] Paper may contain known paper additives such as clay, calcium carbonate, starch, latex, color pigments, preservatives and the like. Specific examples of paper include various types of paper such as Western paper, Japanese paper, processed paper and synthetic paper. In addition, paper may be paper conventionally used for other purposes, for example, paper called newsprint, printing paper (including high-quality paper), writing paper, drawing paper, packaging paper, tissue paper, hybrid paper or the like. As thin paper, fine vellum paper, Indian paper, rice paper, glassine paper, tissue paper, toilet paper, filter paper or the like may be used.

[016] In this descriptive report, the paper packaging sheet refers to Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, page 89 / 116 6 / 32 primarily to a sheet containing the paper described above. The paper packaging sheet may include a laminated sheet in which paper and a sheet made of a non-paper material are laminated, as well as a packaging sheet made only of paper. In the case of the packaging sheet 10 including a sheet made of a non-paper material, the non-paper material may be a resin film, a non-woven fabric or something similar. However, the packaging sheet 10 is particularly, preferably, made of paper without being laminated with a sheet of non-paper material, from the point of view of reducing plastic and / or from the point of view of the ability to impart a unique natural paper texture to a product.

[017] The basis weight of the packaging sheet 10 used in the present embodiment may preferably be from 8 g / m2 to 50 g / m2, more preferably from 15 g / m2 to 30 g / m2 or less. By using packaging sheet 10 with a basis weight in the above range, it is possible to obtain an individually packaged absorbent article with a good texture and a suppressed stiffness feel, as well as avoiding the generation of noise during transport, seal opening and the like. The thickness of the packaging sheet 10 (the thickness after creping, in the case of crepe paper) may preferably be from 30 µm to 200 µm and, more preferably, from 35 µm to 100 µm. The basis weight of the packaging sheet is the basis weight of the packaging sheet in an unprocessed state, i.e., the basis weight of the paper packaging sheet in a state where neither a barrier agent nor a heat-sealing agent is applied.

[018] The paper packaging sheet 10, in the present embodiment, may be subjected to some processing. The processing may include, for example, processing to physically deform the packaging sheet 10, such as creasing, embossing, calendering, cutting or folding, and may include processing to add a substance to the packaging sheet 10, such as water-repellent processing, the Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pp. 90 / 116 7 / 32 mold release processing or ink printing processing. However, when adding a substance, the processing is preferably carried out in a region other than the region where the thermal sealing agent (described later in detail) is applied or in a region other than the region corresponding to the sealing portion, so as not to affect the sealing properties of the sealing portion. Ink printing is preferably applied to the outer surface of the packaging sheet, for example, and this improves the design of the individually packaged absorbent article 100. In the case of ink printing being carried out on the packaging sheet 10, it is preferable to use a material (non-creped paper or non-embossed paper) that is not subjected to a process of forming irregularities on the surface of the packaging sheet, such as creping or embossing, like the packaging sheet 10. (Absorbent article)

[019] The absorbent article 1 packaged by the packaging sheet 10 may be a flat, elongated article to be used so as to face an orifice for the discharge of a bodily fluid (menstrual blood, vaginal secretion, urine or similar). Specific examples of the absorbent article 1 may include a sanitary napkin, a panty liner and a light incontinence pad. The following description is based primarily on an example where the absorbent article 1 is a sanitary napkin.

[020] Absorbent article 1 may include, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a liquid-permeable top sheet, 3, a liquid-impermeable back sheet (not shown), and an absorber 4 arranged between the top sheet 3 and the back sheet.

[021] As a back sheet, a sheet material that has at least water impermeability may be used, such as a polyethylene, polypropylene or similar olefin-based resin sheet. A laminated nonwoven fabric may be used. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pp. 91 / 116 8 / 32 obtained by laminating a nonwoven fabric onto a sheet of polyethylene or similar material, or a laminated sheet of a nonwoven fabric that is substantially impermeable to liquids by interposing a waterproof film between them. Alternatively, a moisture-permeable material may be used.

[022] As top sheet 3, it is preferable to use a porous or non-porous nonwoven fabric, a porous plastic sheet or something similar. As fiber material constituting the nonwoven fabric, for example, synthetic fibers such as olefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, mixed fibers of the same and natural fibers such as cotton, alone or in combination of two or more types, may be used.

[023] Absorbent 4 is not limited, provided it is a material capable of absorbing and retaining body fluids, but preferably includes cotton-like pulp and a water-absorbing polymer. As a water-absorbing polymer, granular superabsorbent polymer powder (superabsorbent polymer (SAP)), superabsorbent polymer fiber (superabsorbent fiber (SAF)) and a combination thereof may be used. Examples of pulp include chemical pulp obtained from wood, cellulose fibers such as dissolving pulp, and artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate. The pulp may be hardwood pulp obtained from hardwood, softwood pulp obtained from softwood, or a mixture of these pulps. The pulp may be recycled and regenerated from used pulp.

[024] The thickness of absorber 4 can be from 0.5 mm to 25 mm. The absorber may have a structure in which a region facing the body fluid discharge orifice or a region facing the intergluteal cleft located behind the region facing the body fluid discharge orifice is convex. Absorber 4 has a size and shape that do not allow absorber 4 to protrude from the top sheet 3 and the back sheet, and in the portions of the front end edges. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pp. 92 / 116 9 / 32 and the rear of the absorber, the outer edges of the rear sheet and the top sheet 3 are joined by an adhesive, such as hot melt, or by an adhesion means, such as thermal sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

[025] As illustrated in FIG. 2, on the periphery of the sides of the absorber 4 (the outer sides of the lateral direction D2), the side sheets 7, 7 can be provided at the respective ends of the lateral direction D2, along the longitudinal direction D1. As side sheet 7, a water-repellent nonwoven fabric or a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric can be used.

[026] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the absorbent article 1 is of the flapless type, but it can be configured as an article with flaps that extend to the sides. The flaps can be formed by joining the side sheets and the back sheet.

[027] An adhesive portion to prevent displacement of the absorbent article 1 from being displaced from the underwear when the absorbent article 1 is attached to the underwear can be provided on the back sheet side of the absorbent article 1 (the side not in contact with the skin, i.e., the side facing the underwear when the absorbent article 1 is being worn). The adhesive portion to prevent displacement can be formed in a plurality of strips extending in the longitudinal direction D1 or in the lateral direction D2.

[028] The total length of absorbent article 1 can be from 140 mm to 430 mm, and the width of absorbent article 1 (the width of the main body, excluding the flaps, if it has flaps) can be from 40 mm to 130 mm. (Packaging structure)

[029] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the absorbent article 1 is packaged by being folded together with the packaging sheet 10, thus forming an individually packaged absorbent article 100. When folded, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the absorbent article 1 is placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10, so that the back side of the sheet of the absorbent article 1 is Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pp. 93 / 116 10 / 32 facing the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10. Then, the packaging sheet 10 and the absorbent article 1 are folded together towards the side of the inner surface in the longitudinal direction D1 along a first fold line F1 and a second fold line F2 along the width direction D2. More specifically, a first region R1, including one end 11 of the packaging sheet 10 in the longitudinal direction D1, is folded back in the longitudinal direction D1 along the first fold line F1, and a second region R2, including the other end 12 of the packaging sheet 10 in the longitudinal direction D1, is folded back along the second fold line F2. The region between the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the packaging sheet 10 is a third region R3.In the illustrated example, packaging sheet 10 is folded so that the second region R2 is folded first and the first region R1 is folded to overlap the outer surface of the second region R2 (FIGS. 1 and 2), but the folding order of the first region R1 and the second region R2 can be reversed.

[030] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging sheet 10 is folded inwards into three sections along with the absorbent article 1 to enclose the absorbent article 1. This three-section folded packaging can be formed relatively simply, and it is possible to hygienically package the absorbent article 1 and easily remove the absorbent article 1 with this packaging. The folding method is not limited to folding into three sections; it can be folded into four or more sections (described in detail later), or it can be folded into two sections.

[031] In the three-layer configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the packing sheet 10 is placed in three layers in the zone where the first region R1 and the second region R2 overlap, and the packing sheet 10 is placed in two layers in the zone where the first region R1 and the second region R2 do not overlap. In FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, a zone where the packing sheet 10 is placed in three layers is illustrated as a three-layer zone Zb, and the zones Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pp. 94 / 116 11 / 32 where the packaging sheet 10 is placed in two layers are illustrated as two-layer zones Za1 and Za2 (Za together), respectively.

[032] After the packaging sheet 10 is folded together with the absorbent article 1 to package the absorbent article 1, both portions of the side direction edge D2 are sealed along the longitudinal direction D1 to form the sealing portions 15, 15 (FIG. 1). As illustrated in FIGS. 1, the sealing portions 15, 15 can be formed along the entire length of the longitudinal direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10. The sealing portions 15, 15 can prevent dust, dirt, a finger or a small object from entering the individually packaged absorbent article 100 from the end edge of the side direction D2 (sealing properties can be obtained).

[033] The sealing portion 15 can be formed at intervals of 20 mm from the end edge of the lateral direction D2. The sealing portion 15 can be formed across the entire strip or in a part of the strip, for example, at a position distant from the end edge of the lateral direction D2. The length (width) of the sealing portion 15 in the lateral direction D2 can be from 3 mm to 15 mm. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the contour of the sealing portion 15 on the inner side of the lateral direction D2 is formed by a wavy line, but the contour of the sealing portion 15 on the inner side of the lateral direction D2 can be formed by a straight line with a length (width) constant from the lateral direction D2 to the longitudinal direction D1.

[034] In the individually packaged absorbent article 100, a fastening tape 30 may be provided in the center of the width direction D2 so as to cover the end 11 of the packaging sheet 10, that is, so as to cover the first region R1 and the second region R2 on the outer surface of the individually packaged absorbent article 100. The fastening tape 30 may prevent an object, a finger or something similar from entering the first region R1 and the second region R2 and prevent the seal from being unintentionally opened before use. In addition, as the first Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 95 / 116 Region 12 / 32 R1 can be lifted by holding the fastening tape 30 at the moment of opening the seal, making the act of opening the seal easier. <Agente de vedação térmica e vedação térmica>

[035] A thermal sealing agent is used to form the sealing portions. 15, 15 in the individually packaged absorbent article 100. The thermal sealing agent may contain a thermoplastic resin, preferably a resin that softens or melts between 70 °C and 170 °C, and the thermal sealing agent is preferably an olefin-based thermal sealing agent. The thermal sealing agent may be an aqueous dispersion of resin particles. Specific examples of thermal sealing agents include the Chemipearl series (registered trademark) manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

[036] With the use of the thermal sealing agent, even when the packaging sheet 10 is made of paper, the layers of the folded packaging sheet can be joined to each other by means of thermal sealing. In thermal sealing, both edge portions of the packaging sheet 10 (both edge portions of the lateral direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10), after being folded as described above, are inserted, for example, into a pair of rollers and are pressurized and heated by both rollers, so that the layers of the packaging sheet 10 can be pressed against each other in the thickness direction. The pair of rollers can be, for example, a combination of a roller with a plurality of protrusions on the surface and a roller without irregularities on the surface. In this case, the plurality of protrusions of one roller is pressed against the packaging sheet, and a plurality of pressed portions corresponding to the protrusions can be formed on the packaging sheet.In this pressed portion, if the heat-sealing agent is interposed between the opposing layers of the packaging sheet, the heat-sealing agent is melted or softened by the heat and adheres to the packaging sheet, and then the heat-sealing agent is cooled and solidified, so that the sheets... Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 96 / 116 13 / 32 of the packaging and the thermal sealing agent are strongly bonded to each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, with the use of the thermal sealing agent, the sealed portion can be formed more reliably (the sealing properties are high) compared to a conventional seal that uses physical deformation (formation of irregularities or similar) of the packaging sheet without using any thermal sealing agent. Therefore, in this embodiment that uses the thermal sealing agent, the sealed portion can be formed more reliably (the sealing property is high) compared to the conventional seal that uses physical deformation (formation of irregularities or something similar) of the packaging sheet without using a thermal sealing agent.

[037] Furthermore, the sealing strength obtained by the thermal sealing agent can be enhanced by impregnating the thermal sealing agent into a paper packaging sheet. This is because the softened or melted thermal sealing agent, heated and pressurized by a thermal sealing medium, enters between the paper fibers, and the bond between the paper packaging sheet and the thermal sealing agent becomes strong. In addition, the softened or melted thermal sealing agent is caused to leak onto the uncoated surface of the paper packaging sheet on the opposite side (back side) to the surface (coated surface) coated with the thermal sealing agent, so that the sealing strength can be further increased.In a state where the thermal sealing agent is cooled and solidified after the thermal sealing agent has leaked to the opposite side of the paper packaging sheet, the solid thermal sealing agent is continuously present from one side to the other in the direction of the thickness of the paper packaging sheet, and therefore the bond between the packaging sheet and the thermal sealing agent is enhanced. Furthermore, by allowing the thermal sealing agent to appear on the uncoated surface opposite the coated surface on which the thermal sealing agent is applied, the adhesion... Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 97 / 116 14 / 32 of the thermal sealing agent can be displayed even on the opposite side of the packaging sheet. Therefore, the sealing properties on both surfaces of the centrally located packaging sheet region, for example, in the zone of a packaging sheet folded into three sections (the second region R2 in zone Zb, described later) can also be improved.

[038] In general, many sheets of paper are equipped with a barrier agent. A sheet coated with a barrier agent is called a barrier-coated sheet. The barrier agent is applied to prevent a predetermined agent (paint or similar) from bleeding from the side where the predetermined agent is applied to the opposite side in a step of applying the predetermined agent other than the barrier agent to the sheet surface. In many cases, the coating is applied continuously across the entire sheet surface. In this descriptive report, the barrier agent includes an agent applied for the purpose of anti-fouling, waterproofing (water repellency), mold release, and the like. Specific examples of barrier agents include resins such as silicone-based resins, paraffin-based resins, olefin-based resins (e.g., polyethylene (PE)), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resins, fluororesins, and clay.The barrier agent can be applied to the inner or outer surface of a packaging sheet in the form of a solution or dispersion. Alternatively, a film-like resin-molded body can be formed in advance and can be attached to the inner or outer surface of a paper packaging sheet.

[039] When the paper packaging sheet is pre-coated with the barrier agent described above, the barrier agent can inhibit the permeation of the thermal sealing agent described above into the paper packaging sheet. Therefore, from the point of view of promoting the permeation of the thermal sealing agent to increase sealing strength, it is preferable to suppress the amount of barrier agent coating. More specifically, the weight of the agent coating. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 98 / 116 15 / 32 barrier is 10% or less, preferably 5% or less, more preferably 1% or less, and even more preferably 0.5% or less, of the total basis weight of the packaging sheet. Here, the total basis weight of the packaging sheet is the basis weight of the packaging sheet processed into the individually packaged absorbent article, which is a final product, i.e., the basis weight after the packaging sheet is coated with, in the case of barrier agent coating, the barrier agent and the heat-sealing agent. Furthermore, it is preferable that the weight of the barrier agent coating be 0%, in other words, the packaging sheet is a sheet without barrier agent coating that is not coated with the barrier agent.

[040] As described above, in this embodiment, when using the sheet without barrier agent coating as the packaging sheet or when setting the weight of the barrier agent coating provided on the packaging sheet 10 to a predetermined or lesser amount, even when the sheet with barrier agent coating is used, the permeation of the thermal sealing agent into the paper packaging sheet is promoted during heating and pressurization by the thermal sealing means, as described above. Therefore, the sealing strength of the sealing portion 15 can be increased compared to the case where the same amount of thermal sealing agent is used, but the thermal sealing agent does not permeate into the packaging sheet 10.

[041] Regardless of the presence or absence of a barrier agent, a low-density paper packaging sheet can be used to promote the penetration of the softened or melted thermal sealing agent when heated and pressurized by the thermal sealing means in the paper packaging sheet 10 and increase the sealing strength. In this case, the packaging sheet 10 can have a density of 0.74 g / cm3 or less, preferably 0.72 g / cm3 or less, more preferably 0.71 g / cm3 or less. In the case of the packaging sheet 10 with this density, as the gaps between the fibers of the packaging sheet of Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 99 / 116 16 / 32 paper 10 are coarse, the softened or melted thermal sealing agent by heating and pressurization can easily enter between the fibers, and the permeation of the thermal sealing agent into the packaging sheet is promoted. In addition, the packaging sheet 10 may have a density of, preferably, 0.30 g / cm3 or more, more preferably 0.40 g / cm3 or more, and even more preferably 0.42 g / cm3 or more, in order to ensure the strength of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 as the packaging sheet 10.

[042] Furthermore, by configuring the packaging sheet 10 to have a density of 0.42 g / cm3 or more, preferably 0.55 g / cm3 or more, and most preferably 0.60 g / cm3 or more, the thermal sealing agent may be less likely to leak to the opposite side of the packaging sheet 10 (bleeding can be avoided) during the application step of the thermal sealing agent, which is an initial stage of production, i.e., the step of applying the thermal sealing agent in the form of an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles onto the packaging sheet. When the thermal sealing agent in the aqueous dispersion state of resin particles bleeds during an application of the thermal sealing agent, it is very likely that the thermal sealing agent will adhere to a member (e.g., the surface of a conveyor belt) of the manufacturing apparatus, which causes inconvenience. However, this inconvenience can be avoided by the above density.

[043] The leakage of the thermal sealing agent will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the packaging sheet 10 with the thermal sealing agent 20 disposed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging sheet 10 taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, in which the layers of the packaging sheet 10 are illustrated separated from each other. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the thermal sealing agent 20 is in a state of Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 100 / 116 17 / 32 Adherence to the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10 immediately after application, but when heat and pressure are applied during heat sealing, the applied heat sealing agent 20, i.e., the resin particles of the heat sealing agent, is softened or melted and may enter the packaging sheet 10, specifically between the fibers contained in the paper packaging sheet 10, and may leak onto the surface (outer surface) opposite to the surface on which the heat sealing agent 20 is applied.

[044] If the packaging sheet 10 is folded inwards into three sections, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the thermal sealing agent 20 applied to the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10 in a portion where the first region R1 and the third region R3 face each other is facing that in the other portion where the second region R2 and the third region R3 face each other; thus, sufficient sealing resistance can be obtained. On the other hand, in the portion where the first region R1 and the second region R2 face each other, the thermal sealing agent 20 is applied only to one of the layers of the packaging sheet 10 and, therefore, the sealing resistance is slightly weak.For this reason, for example, in the case where the first region R1 is detached from one end 11 at the moment the seal is opened, the three-layer zone Zb and the two-layer zone Za1 require different forces for detachment, which may cause a feeling of discomfort at the moment the seal is opened or may cause the first region R1 in the three-layer zone Zb to be detached unintentionally before the seal is opened. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the thermal sealing agent 20 may leak into the packaging sheet 10 and may also leak onto the outer surface using a packaging sheet not coated with barrier agent, or using a packaging sheet coated with barrier agent with a coating weight of the barrier agent at a predetermined value or less relative to the basis weight. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 101 / 116 18 / 32 total of the packaging sheet after application of the thermal sealing agent, or using a packaging sheet with a predetermined density. By allowing the thermal sealing agent 20 to leak through the inner surface to the outer surface of the second region R2, the thermal sealing agent 20 in the first region R1 can face the thermal sealing agent 20 in the second region R2, even in a portion where the first region R1 and the second region R2 face each other, and the sealing resistance between the layers of the packaging sheet is increased. Thus, in the case where the first region R1 is detached from one end 11 at the moment of opening the seal, the difference in the forces required for detachment between the three-layer zone Zb and the two-layer zone Za1 is reduced, and the feeling of discomfort can be suppressed, and the first region R1 in the three-layer zone Zb can be prevented from having its seal unintentionally opened.

[045] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the packaging sheet 10 with the thermal sealing agent 20 on the outer surface of the packaging sheet 10. FIG. 6 is also a cross-sectional view of the packaging sheet 10 taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, in which the layers of the packaging sheet 10 are illustrated separated from each other. If the thermal sealing agent 20 is applied to the outer surface of the packaging sheet 10, it is preferable to fold the packaging sheet 10 after the solvent (water) of the applied aqueous dispersion has volatilized and the resin particles of the thermal sealing agent have adhered to the packaging sheet 10.

[046] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the thermal sealing agent 20 is in a state of adhesion to the outer surface of the packaging sheet 10 immediately after application, but when heat and pressure are applied during thermal sealing, the applied thermal sealing agent 20, i.e., the resin particles of the thermal sealing agent, is softened or melted and can enter the sheet. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 102 / 116 19 / 32 packaging 10, specifically between the fibers contained in the paper packaging sheet 10, and may leak onto the surface (inner surface) opposite to the surface on which the heat-sealing agent 20 is applied.

[047] In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the thermal sealing agent 20 is provided only on one side in the portion where the first region R1 and the second region R2 face each other, and the thermal sealing agent 20 is not present between the layers of the packaging sheet 10 in the other portions. Even in this case, in the present embodiment, the thermal sealing agent 20 can leak into the packaging sheet 10 and can still leak onto the inner surface using a packaging sheet not coated with barrier agent, or using a packaging sheet coated with barrier agent with a coating weight of the barrier agent of a predetermined value or less in relation to the total grammage of the packaging sheet after application of the thermal sealing agent, or using a packaging sheet with a predetermined density; sealing in the longitudinal direction D1 by means of thermal sealing can be obtained in this way.Furthermore, the difference in sealing resistance between the portion where the first region R1 and the second region R2 face each other and the portion where the first region R1 and the third region R3 face each other can be reduced. Thus, in the case where the first region R1 is detached from one end 11 at the moment the seal is opened, the difference in the forces required for detachment between the three-layer zone Zb and the two-layer zone Za1 is reduced, the sensation of discomfort can be suppressed, and the first region R1 in the three-layer zone Zb can be prevented from having its seal unintentionally opened.

[048] In the present embodiment, where the thermal sealing agent leaks, the difference between the sealing strength Saa of the bond obtained by thermally sealing the surfaces coated with the thermal sealing agent (coated surfaces) Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 103 / 116 20 / 32 facing each other (for example, the connection between the first region R1 and the third region R3 or the connection between the second region R2 and the third region R3 in the example of FIG. 5) and the sealing strength San of the connection obtained by thermally sealing the surface coated with the thermal sealing agent (coated surface) and the surface not coated with the thermal sealing agent (uncoated surface) facing each other (for example, the connection between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in the example of FIG. 5) can be reduced. Here, the difference between Saa and San when Saa is 100%, i.e., (Saa - San) / Saa χ 100, can preferably be 20% or less, more preferably 10% or less, even more preferably 5% or less, and even more preferably 3% or less.

[049] The region of the packaging sheet 10 in which the thermal sealing agent is provided is not particularly limited, but may be a region included at least in the sealing portion 15 of the individually packaged absorbent article 100. The thermal sealing agent may be provided on the inner or outer surface of the packaging sheet 10. FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the thermal sealing agent 20 is provided on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the thermal sealing agent 20 is provided in strip form in both edge regions 18, 18 of the lateral direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10, which include regions 14, 14 where the sealing portions are to be formed. However, the thermal sealing agent 20 may be supplied in regions 14, 14 where the sealing portions 15, 15 of the packaging sheet 10 are to be formed (regions of sealing portions to be formed, the outline of which is indicated by a dashed line in FIG.2) and does not need to be supplied in other regions. Thus, since the thermal sealing agent 20 is applied to a minimal area to be compressed by thermal sealing, the amount of thermal sealing agent 20 to be used can be reduced.

[050] Examples of methods of applying thermal sealing agent 20 include Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pp. 104 / 116 21 / 32 Flexographic printing, offset printing, screen printing, gravure printing, and application with a spray gun, dispenser, or coating roller. Among these, flexographic printing is preferable because it allows for a stable application quantity and pattern, and also because it is possible to use a low-cost water-based ink. The heat sealant can be applied solidly or in a predetermined pattern, for example, a pattern of dots that vary in size. <exemplos> (Experimental example 1)

[051] Packaging paper sheets for Examples 1-1 to 1-7 (100 mm in MD (machine direction) χ 100 mm in CD (transverse direction), not coated with a barrier agent) were prepared, and basis weights, thicknesses, and similar measurements were taken. A thermal sealing agent was applied to each paper packaging sheet, and the bleeding of the thermal sealing agent during application and the sealing properties during sealing were evaluated. The packaging sheets used were as follows: Example 1-1: Unryu paper (manufactured by Maruishi Paper Tech Co., Ltd.), nominal basis weight of 14 g / m2; Example 1-2: Unryu paper (manufactured by Maruishi Paper Tech Co., Ltd.), nominal basis weight of 17 g / m2; Example 1-3: Unryu paper (manufactured by Maruishi Paper Tech Co., Ltd.), nominal basis weight of 30 g / m2; Example 1-4: FS PM rayon paper (manufactured by Maruishi Paper Tech Co., Ltd.), nominal basis weight of 17 g / m2; Example 1-5: FS PM rayon paper (manufactured by Maruishi Paper Tech Co., Ltd.), nominal basis weight of 30 g / m2; Example 1-6: Kinshachi paper (manufactured by Daio Paper Corporation), Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 105 / 116 22 / 32 nominal weight of 24.4 g / m2; Example 1-7: Kinshachi paper (manufactured by Daio Paper Corporation), nominal basis weight of 35 g / m2. <Avaliação do sangramento durante o revestimento>

[052] A thermal sealing agent (Chemipearl (registered trademark) S500, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) was applied to the entire surface of one side of the paper packaging sheet of each sample by a flexographic printer, so as to form a solid coating with a basis weight of 1.8 g / m2. The state of curling of the packaging sheet around the central drum of the flexographic printing machine during application was visually observed, and the bleeding of the thermal sealing agent during application was evaluated. The evaluation criteria were as follows: O: No bleeding was observed (the operation was possible without coiling); △: Slight bleeding was observed (slight coiling was observed and operability was poor); x: a distinct penetration was observed (winding was observed and the operation was impossible). <Avaliação de permeação após vedação térmica>

[053] The paper packaging sheet coated with the heat-sealing agent, as described above, was folded inwards into three sections, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in the longitudinal direction on the side coated with the heat-sealing agent, and the edge portion in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the portion coated with the heat-sealing agent was heat-sealed by inserting it between a pair of rollers to form a sealed portion with a width of 6 mm. One of the pair of rollers was a roller with protrusions on its surface to form pressed portions, and the other was a flat roller without irregularities on its surface, and the pair of rollers was Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pp. 106 / 116 23 / 32 arranged so that its axial direction was along the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet. The defined roll pressure was 3.0 MPa, the roll temperature was 105 °C, and the thermal sealing speed was 1.2 m / s. The sealing portions formed were visually observed along the entire longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet, and the sealing properties were evaluated. The evaluation criteria were as follows: O: the entire longitudinal direction was sealed; x: some portions were not sealed.

[054] The measured values ​​and the evaluation results are shown in Table 1. [Table 1] Example 1-1 Example 1-2 Example 1-3 Example 1-4 Example 1-5 Example 1-6 Example 1-7 Paper Type Unryu Paper Raiem Paper FS PM Kinshachi Paper Grammage 14.5 17.6 30.0 17.1 31.4 24.4 35.2 Paper Thickness (µm) 35 41 51 34 55 35 47 Density (g / cm3) 0.41 0.43 0.60 0.50 0.57 0.70 0.75 Bleeding during coating (operability) X Δ N / A Δ N / AOO Permeation after thermal sealing (sealing properties) o CN / AON / AOX

[055] As shown in Table 1, high sealing properties were found to be obtained in the packaging sheets (Example 1-1, Example 1-2, Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 107 / 116 24 / 32 Example 1-4 and Example 1-6) with predetermined densities (0.74 g / cm3 or less). In addition, it was also found that bleeding during the application of the heat-sealing agent could be avoided on the packaging sheets (Example 1-2, Example 1-4, Example 1-6 and Example 1-7) with predetermined densities (0.42 g / cm3 or more). (Experimental example 2)

[056] A heat-sealing agent (Chemipearl (registered trademark), 95 mm, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) was applied to the entire surface of one side of a paper packaging sheet (FS PM rayon paper, 95 mm in MD χ 35 mm in CD, uncoated with a barrier agent) by flexographic printing, so as to have a basis weight of 2.7 g / m2. In Example 2-1, two of the above packaging sheets were stacked, with the surfaces coated with heat-sealing agent facing each other. In Example 2-2, two of the packaging sheets were stacked, with the coated surface and the uncoated surface facing each other. The sample of each example was placed between a metal plate with protruding portions to form pressed portions on the surface and a flat metal plate without surface irregularities and was pressurized by an air press machine and heat-sealed.The thermal sealing conditions were defined as 0.8 MPa air, a pressing temperature of 115 °C, and a thermal sealing time of 100 seconds. The sealing strength of each sample was measured and evaluated. <Avaliação da resistência de vedação>

[057] One of the packing sheets was turned over, detaching the sealing portion end of each sample by 10 mm, and the respective ends of the two packing sheets were attached to mandrels of a tensile tester (Tensilon RTC1210 tester manufactured by Orientec Co., Ltd.), and the packing sheets were pulled in opposite directions to measure a load (N). A Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 108 / 116 25 / 32 measurements were performed at a clamping interval of 10 mm and a pulling speed of 100 mm / min. A maximum load in the measurement was defined as the sealing resistance (detachment resistance) (N) of each example. Furthermore, to evaluate the difference between the sealing resistance of Example 2-1 (connection of coated surfaces) and the sealing resistance of Example 2-2 (connection of the coated surface and the surface to be coated), the ratio of the difference in sealing resistance was obtained using the following formula: Reason for the difference in sealing resistance (%); = {(sealing resistance of Example 2-1) - (sealing resistance of Example 2-2)} / (sealing resistance of Example 2-1) χ 100.

[058] The results are shown in Table 2. [Table 2] Example 2-1 (coated surface and uncoated surface) Example 2-2 (coated surface and uncoated surface) Sealing resistance (N) 0.0886 0.0877 Ratio of difference in sealing resistance {%)!*1 - 1.0 *1: Ratio of the difference in sealing resistance (%) = {(sealing resistance of Example 2-1) - (sealing resistance of Example 2-2)} / (sealing resistance of Example 2-1) x 100

[059] Table 2 shows that the difference between the bond strength between the coated surfaces (Example 2-1) and the bond strength between the coated surface and the uncoated surface (Example 2-2) was small. This is considered to be due to the fact that, even when the thermal sealing agent was applied only to one surface, the thermal sealing agent also leaked sufficiently onto the surface of the packaging sheet opposite to the surface on which the agent was applied. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 109 / 116 26 / 32 of thermal sealant was applied, due to heating and pressurization during thermal sealing.

[060] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to those embodiments. The embodiments described above may be altered, modified, substituted, added to, deleted, combined and the like, in various ways within the scope described in the claims, and they also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. The components described above may be combined in a discretionary manner.

[061] The preferred aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[062] A first aspect of the present invention is an individually packaged absorbent article, formed by wrapping an absorbent article in a packaging sheet made of paper, wherein a sealing portion is formed by folding the packaging sheet towards one side of the inner surface in a longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet and by sealing both edge portions in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a thermal sealing agent is provided in at least one region included in the sealing portion of one of the inner and outer surfaces of the packaging sheet, and the packaging sheet is either a sheet without barrier agent coating or a sheet coated with barrier agent, and the weight of the barrier agent coating is 10% or less relative to the total weight of the packaging sheet after the thermal sealing agent is provided.

[063] According to the first aspect, the thermal sealing agent is provided at least in the region included in the sealing portion on one of the inner and outer surfaces of the packaging sheet. Therefore, even in the case of a paper packaging sheet, a thermal sealing means can be used to form the sealing portions of both edge portions and thus the sheet of Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 110 / 116 27 / 32 packaging can be sealed more reliably (the sealing properties are high) compared to conventional sealing that does not use thermal sealing, such as pressing the packaging sheet between rows of teeth that engage with each other.

[064] In general, many paper sheets are coated with a barrier agent. In other words, a sheet coated with a barrier agent is usually used. The barrier agent is applied beforehand, for example, in a process of applying a predetermined agent (e.g., ink, a non-ink functional agent, or something similar) to the surface of the sheet, in order to prevent the predetermined agent from leaking (bleeding) from the side where the agent is applied to the opposite side. However, in the case where the sealing portion of the individually packaged absorbent article is formed by heat sealing, it is possible to obtain a more reliable seal by impregnating the packaging paper sheet with the aforementioned heat sealing agent and allowing the heat sealing agent to leak to the opposite side of the packaging sheet.In this aspect, as packaging sheet, either a sheet uncoated with a barrier agent or a sheet coated with a barrier agent but with a reduced coating weight of the barrier agent is used. More specifically, packaging sheet is used in which the weight of the sealing agent coating is 10% or less of the total basis weight of the packaging sheet after application of the thermal sealing agent. This facilitates the penetration of the thermal sealing agent, which is softened or melted during heating and pressurization by the thermal sealing means, between the fibers of the paper packaging sheet, and the bond between the packaging sheet and the thermal sealing agent becomes stronger.Furthermore, in the event that the softened or melted thermal sealant leaks to the side of the packaging sheet opposite to the side where the thermal sealant is applied, the thermal sealant may be continuously present from one side to the other in the direction of the thickness. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 111 / 116 28 / 32 of the packaging sheet, and therefore the bond between the packaging sheet and the thermal sealing agent is reinforced. As the thermal sealing agent can appear on the opposite side of the packaging sheet, the sealing strength on the opposite side can be improved. Therefore, according to the present aspect, even if the amount of thermal sealing agent is relatively small, it is possible to form a sealing portion with greater sealing strength on both edge portions of the individually packaged absorbent article.

[065] In a second aspect, the packing sheet is a packing sheet not coated with a barrier agent.

[066] According to the second aspect, the thermal sealing agent is more likely to permeate between the fibers of the paper packaging sheet during heating and pressurization. Therefore, the effect described above of improving the sealing strength of the sealing portion can be enhanced.

[067] In a third aspect, the packaging sheet has a density of 0.30 g / cm3 to 0.74 g / cm3.

[068] According to the third aspect, as the packaging sheet has a density in a relatively small predetermined range, the strength of the packaging sheet of the individually packaged absorbent article is guaranteed, and the thermal sealing agent is more likely to permeate between the fibers of the packaging sheet at the time of heating and pressurization and therefore it is possible to achieve a more reliable seal, and the sealing strength of the sealing portion can be further improved.

[069] In a fourth aspect, the packaging sheet has a basis weight of 15 g / cm3 to 30 g / m2.

[070] According to the fourth aspect, by setting the basis weight (grams per unit area) of the packaging sheet within a predetermined range, the strength of the packaging sheet can be guaranteed and the feeling of rigidity when the article Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 112 / 116 29 / 32 individually wrapped absorbent pads are held in the hand and can be reduced.

[071] In a fifth aspect, the thermal sealing agent is provided on the inner surface of the packaging sheet.

[072] In a state where the packaging sheet is folded, a region where the inner surfaces of the packaging sheet are facing each other is large. According to the fifth aspect, since the thermal sealing agent is provided on the inner surface of the packaging sheet, the layers of the packaging sheet are more reliably bonded to each other by means of the thermal sealing agent. According to the present aspect, since the thermal sealing agent is not present or is present only in a small amount on the outer surface at a stage prior to thermal sealing (before thermal fusion), it is possible to reduce the possibility of the thermal sealing agent adhering to a member of a manufacturing apparatus or similar.

[073] In a sixth aspect, (Saa - San) / Saa χ 100 < 20 (%), wherein the sealing resistance of a portion of the packaging sheet, in which a surface coated with the thermal sealing agent faces another coated surface and is sealed together with it, is represented by Saa, and the sealing resistance of a portion of the packaging sheet, in which a surface coated with the thermal sealing agent faces a surface not coated with the thermal sealing agent and is sealed together with it, is represented by San.

[074] According to the sixth aspect, since the difference between the sealing strength of the bond between the surfaces coated with the thermal sealing agent and the sealing strength of the bond between the surface coated with the thermal sealing agent and the surface not coated with the thermal sealing agent is small, even when the thermal sealing agent is applied to the inner surface of the packaging sheet and the packaging sheet is folded into three sections, the force required for detachment can be substantially Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 113 / 116 30 / 32 uniform, depending on the portion. Therefore, the entire foil of the packaging can be detached without any discomfort when the packaging foil has its seal opened.

[075] A seventh aspect is an individually packaged absorbent article, formed by wrapping an absorbent article in a packaging sheet made of paper, wherein a sealing portion is formed by folding the packaging sheet towards one side of the inner surface in a longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet and by sealing both edge portions in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a thermal sealing agent is provided in at least one region included in the sealing portion of one of the inner and outer surfaces of the packaging sheet, and the packaging sheet has a density of 0.30 g / cm3 to 0.74 g / cm3.

[076] According to the seventh aspect, the thermal sealing agent is provided at least in the region included in the sealing portion on one of the inner and outer surfaces of the packaging sheet. Therefore, as thermal sealing can be used to form the sealing portions of both edge portions, even in the case of a packaging sheet made of paper, the packaging sheet can be sealed more reliably (the sealing properties are high) compared to sealing without the use of thermal sealing, for example, forming irregularities.

[077] In the case where the sealing portion of the individually packaged absorbent article is formed by thermal sealing, a more reliable seal can be obtained by impregnating the packaging paper sheet with the thermal sealing agent mentioned above and allowing the thermal sealing agent to leak to the opposite side of the packaging sheet. In the present aspect, by setting the density of the paper packaging sheet within a predetermined range, the thermal sealing agent easily permeates between the fibers of the paper packaging sheet during heating and pressurization by a thermal sealing medium, and the bond Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 114 / 116 31 / 32 between the packaging sheet and the thermal sealing agent becomes stronger. Furthermore, in the case where the thermal sealing agent leaks to the side of the packaging sheet opposite to the side where the thermal sealing agent is applied, the thermal sealing agent can be continuously present from one side to the other in the direction of the thickness of the packaging sheet, and therefore the bond between the packaging sheet and the thermal sealing agent is further strengthened. As the thermal sealing agent can appear on the opposite side of the packaging sheet, the sealing strength on the opposite side can be improved. Therefore, according to the present aspect, even if the amount of thermal sealing agent is relatively small, it is possible to form a sealing portion with greater sealing strength on both edge portions of the individually packaged absorbent article.

[078] This application claims priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2023-055943 filed on March 30, 2023, the full content of which is incorporated herein by reference. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS Absorbent article Top sheet Absorber Side panel Packing sheet One end in the longitudinal direction The other end in the longitudinal direction. Region of the sealing portions to be formed Sealing portion Border region Thermal sealing agent Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, pages 115 / 116 32 / 32 Fastening tape 100 Individually packaged absorbent items D1 Longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet D2 Side direction of the packaging sheet F1 First fold line F2 Second fold line R1 First region R2 Second region R3 Third region Za, Za1, Za2 Two-layer zone Zb Three-layer zone Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, page 116 / 116< / exemplos>

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. Individually packaged absorbent article, characterized in that it is formed by wrapping an absorbent article in a packaging sheet made of paper, wherein a sealing portion is formed by folding the packaging sheet towards one side of the inner surface in a longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet and by sealing both edge portions in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a thermal sealing agent is provided in at least one region included in the sealing portion of one of the inner and outer surfaces of the packaging sheet, and the packaging sheet is either an uncoated sheet with a barrier agent or a sheet coated with a barrier agent, and the weight of the barrier agent coating is 10% or less relative to the total basis weight of the packaging sheet after the thermal sealing agent is provided.

2. Individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the packaging sheet is a packaging sheet not coated with a barrier agent.

3. Individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the packaging sheet has a density of 0.30 g / cm3 to 0.74 g / cm3.

4. Individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the packaging sheet has a basis weight of 15 g / m2 to 30 g / m2.

5. Individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat-sealing agent is provided on the inner surface of the packaging sheet. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, page 76 / 116 2 / 2 6. Individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that (Saa - San) / Saa χ 100 < 20 (%), wherein the sealing resistance of a portion of the packaging sheet, in which a surface coated with the thermal sealing agent faces another coated surface and is sealed together with it, is represented by Saa, and the sealing resistance of a portion of the packaging sheet, in which a surface coated with the thermal sealing agent faces a surface not coated with the thermal sealing agent and is sealed together with it, is represented by San.

7. Individually packaged absorbent article, characterized in that it is formed by wrapping an absorbent article in a paper packaging sheet, wherein a sealing portion is formed by folding the packaging sheet towards one side of the inner surface in a longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet and by sealing both edge portions in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a thermal sealing agent is provided in at least one region included in the sealing portion of one of the inner and outer surfaces of the packaging sheet, and the packaging sheet has a density of 0.30 g / cm3 to 0.74 g / cm3. Petition 870250078380, dated 02 / 09 / 2025, p. 77 / 116

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