Individually packaged absorbent article and production method for packaged product that accommodates the same in the packaging.

The absorbent article packaging sheet with specific friction coefficients and recycled fibers addresses slippage and appearance issues, enhancing production efficiency and sustainability.

BR112025019330A2Pending Publication Date: 2026-07-07DAIO PAPER CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
BR · BR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-02
Publication Date
2026-07-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and incontinence pads, individually wrapped in paper packaging sheets face issues with reduced production efficiency due to slippage during stacking and the appearance of being cheap, while using paper for environmental reasons.

Method used

The packaging sheet has a mean deviation from the mean coefficient of friction (MMD) of 0.050 or less before printing and a static coefficient of friction of 0.60 or more after printing, with a 20% or more recycled fiber mix, to prevent slippage and maintain a premium appearance.

Benefits of technology

This configuration ensures high printability and prevents slippage, maintaining production efficiency and a premium appearance, while reducing plastic use and promoting sustainability.

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Abstract

Provided is an individually packaged absorbent article in which an absorbent article is individually packaged in a paper packaging sheet. The packaging sheet has a print on an exposed surface, which is exposed when the absorbent article is individually packaged. The exposed surface has an MMD of 0.050 or less before printing, and the coefficient of static friction between the exposed surfaces of the plurality of individually packaged absorbent articles after printing is 0.60 or more.
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Description

1 / 21 “INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED ABSORBENT ARTICLE AND PRODUCTION METHOD FOR PACKAGED PRODUCT THAT ACCOMMODATES THE SAME IN THE PACKAGING” FIELD OF TECHNIQUE

[001] The present invention relates to individually wrapped absorbent articles and methods of producing packaged products that involve the individually wrapped absorbent articles. BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE

[002] Typically, absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads and the like, are supplied in a state where an absorbent article is individually wrapped in packaging.

[003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a layer of carpet with an embossed pattern, serving as the outermost layer, is provided to a surface of packaging that encloses an absorbent article, so that the frictional force of the packaging surface is increased, thereby preventing displacement of the load during stacking of packages for display. DOCUMENTS OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY PATENT DOCUMENTS

[004] Patent Document 1: Publication of Patent Application No. Examined No. JP 2020-196541 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[005] For reasons of hygiene during storage, convenience in transport and the like, absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads and the like, are supplied in packages as individually wrapped absorbent articles, in each of which an absorbent article is individually wrapped with a packing sheet. As the packing sheet individually wraps an absorbent article, the use of the packing sheet increases the amount of waste generated after use, in Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 67 / 97 2 / 21 comparison with a case where packaging is used. In recent years, the use of paper material to constitute a packaging sheet has been promoted, instead of a non-woven fabric or a plastic film of the related technique, in view of environmental concerns.

[006] An individually packaged absorbent article, as described above, is transported in a state where the absorbent article is packaged with a packaging sheet. Thus, it may often be preferable to print on a surface of the packaging sheet so that the appearance of the individually packaged absorbent article is not apparent as an absorbent article at first glance. To print on a packaging sheet to enhance the design, the use of paper with high smoothness and high printability as a packaging sheet is considered.

[007] On the other hand, an individually wrapped absorbent article is encased in packaging in a state where the individually wrapped absorbent article is stacked with other individually wrapped absorbent articles. In the case of paper with high surface softness being used as packaging sheet, it is likely that the individually wrapped absorbent articles will slide against each other when the various individually wrapped absorbent articles are stacked and encased in packaging, so that production efficiency may be reduced. Furthermore, paper with high surface softness has the appearance and texture of so-called copy paper at first glance, which gives the impression of being cheap.

[008] The present invention was developed in view of the problems mentioned in the related art, and one of the objectives of this invention is to provide an individually packaged absorbent article that can achieve both print operability and inhibit the reduction in production efficiency, even when several individually packaged absorbent articles are stacked and wrapped in a package. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 68 / 97 3 / 21

[009] To achieve the above objective, the present invention is directed to an individually packaged absorbent article comprising a packaging sheet containing paper, and an individually packaged absorbent article with the packaging sheet. Printing is provided on an exposed surface of the packaging sheet, which is exposed when the packaging sheet individually packages the absorbent article. The exposed surface has an MMD (a deviation from the mean coefficient of friction) of 0.050 or less before printing, and the exposed surface after printing has a static coefficient of friction of 0.60 or more against an exposed surface of another individually packaged absorbent article.

[010] In the present invention, as configured above, the MMD of the exposed surface, which is exposed when the packaging sheet individually wraps the absorbent article, is 0.050 or less before printing, and therefore the individually wrapped absorbent article has printability. Furthermore, a static coefficient of friction of the exposed surface after printing against an exposed surface of another individually wrapped absorbent article is 0.60 or higher, and therefore the individually wrapped absorbent article is less likely to slip against another individually wrapped absorbent article when multiple individually wrapped absorbent articles are stacked and wrapped in one package, thus inhibiting the reduction in production efficiency.Furthermore, since the static coefficient of friction of the exposed surface after printing against the exposed surface of another individually packaged absorbent item is 0.60 or higher, the resulting appearance and texture are less likely to give the impression that it is cheap.

[011] In addition, the individually wrapped absorbent article can be configured so that a proportion of recycled fiber mix in the packaging sheet is 20% or more.

[012] With the individually packaged absorbent article as configured above, the coefficient of static friction of the exposed surface of the individually packaged absorbent article against an exposed surface of another absorbent article Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 69 / 97 4 / 21 individually packaged after printing becomes large.

[013] In addition, the individually wrapped absorbent article can be configured so that the packaging sheet includes fiber bundles.

[014] With the individually packaged absorbent article as configured above, the static coefficient of friction of the exposed surface of the individually packaged absorbent article against an exposed surface of another individually packaged absorbent article after printing also becomes large.

[015] In addition, as a method of producing a packaged product in which the individually packaged absorbent article is wrapped in packaging, the production method may include: printing on the packaging sheet; placing the absorbent article on the packaging sheet, folding it so that a surface of the packaging sheet, which is printed, is exposed, to wrap the absorbent article with the packaging sheet and produce the individually packaged absorbent article; and stacking the individually packaged absorbent article with one or more individually packaged absorbent articles and wrapping the stacked individually packaged absorbent articles in the packaging. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[016] According to the present invention, both print operability and inhibition of reduction in production efficiency can be achieved even when several individually packaged absorbent articles are stacked and wrapped in one package. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating one embodiment of the individually packaged absorbent article of the present invention; [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of a developed state of the individually packaged absorbent article illustrated in Figure 1; [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II illustrated in Figure 1; [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of section II illustrated in Figure Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 70 / 97 5 / 21 1; [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a production process for a packaged product in which the individually packaged absorbent articles illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 are wrapped; and [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a view illustrating a state in which the individually packaged absorbent items illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 are enclosed in packaging. DESCRIPTION OF MODALITIES

[017] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, the same reference number is assigned to the same constituent or corresponding component, unless otherwise indicated, and redundant description may be omitted. <CONFIGURAÇÃO GERAL DO ARTIGO ABSORVENTE EMBALADO INDIVIDUALMENTE>

[018] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the individually packaged absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of an developed state of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 illustrated in Figure 1, and illustrates a view from the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10 or the side of the absorbent article 1 facing the skin of a user. In addition, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view made along line II illustrated in Figure 1.

[019] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the present embodiment is an individually wrapped absorbent article 100 comprising a packaging sheet 10 and an absorbent article 1 individually wrapped with the packaging sheet 10. As illustrated in Figure 2, the packaging sheet 10 has, for example, a narrow and long shape in an developed state, and has a longitudinal direction (vertical direction) D1 and a lateral direction (horizontal direction) D2 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction D1 and the lateral direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 also correspond to a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 71 / 97 6 / 21 side of absorbent article 1, respectively. <ARTIGO ABSORVENTE>

[020] The absorbent article 1 to be packaged with the packaging sheet 10 is an article that has a shape suitable when used to cover an orifice for the discharge of a bodily fluid (menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, urine, etc.), for example, a flat, narrow and long shape. Specific examples of absorbent article 1 include sanitary napkins, panty liners (sheets for vaginal discharge), absorbent pads for light incontinence and the like.

[021] The absorbent article 1 includes, for example, a fluid-permeable top sheet 3, a fluid-impermeable back sheet (not shown) and an absorbent 4 disposed between the top sheet 3 and the back sheet, as illustrated in Figure 2.

[022] As the backsheet, a sheet with at least one water-protective property may be used, such as an olefin-based resin sheet or similar. Olefin-based resin is such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or similar. A laminated nonwoven fabric, in which a nonwoven fabric is laminated onto a polyethylene sheet or similar, or a laminated sheet of nonwoven fabrics, in which a waterproof film is inserted between the nonwoven fabrics to ensure substantial fluid impermeability, may be used as the backsheet. In addition, a moisture-permeable sheet may be used as the backsheet.

[023] As for top sheet 3, a porous or non-porous nonwoven fabric, a porous plastic sheet or similar is suitablely used. As for the fibrous material constituting the nonwoven fabric, for example, one or more synthetic fibers such as olefin (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), polyester, polyamide and the like, recycled fibers such as rayon, cuprammonium rayon and the like, blended fibers of the aforementioned, and natural fibers such as cotton and the like, may be used.

[024] Absorbent 4 is not limited, provided that absorbent 4 is a material that can absorb and retain a body fluid. Absorbent 4 preferably includes Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 72 / 97 7 / 21 Cotton pulp and a water-absorbing polymer. As the water-absorbing polymer, a superabsorbent polymer powder (SAP), a superabsorbent fiber (SAF), or a combination of the above can be used. Examples of pulp include chemical pulp obtained from wood, cellulose fibers such as dissolving pulp, artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon, acetate, and the like. The pulp can be hardwood pulp obtained from hardwood, softwood pulp obtained from softwood, or a mixture of the above. In addition, the pulp can be recycled pulp that is recycled from used pulp.

[025] The length of the absorber 4 can be from 0.5 mm to 25 mm. The absorber 4 can be configured so that a region corresponding to a body fluid discharge orifice (body fluid discharge orifice region) or a region facing the intergluteal cleft behind the body fluid discharge orifice region is convex. The absorber 4 has a size and shape that does not exceed the top sheet 3 and the back sheet. At the front and back edges of the absorber, the outer edges of the back sheet and the outer edges of the top sheet 3 are joined, respectively, by an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive or similar, or by an adhesion method, such as heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

[026] As illustrated in Figure 2, the side sheets 7 can be provided respectively on the outer sides of the absorber 4 along the longitudinal direction D1 on both edge parts of the absorber 4 in the lateral direction D2. As side sheets 7, water-repellent nonwoven fabrics or hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics can be used.

[027] Note that absorbent article 1 is of the so-called wingless type, which does not have wings in the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, but the absorbent article can be configured as an article with wings, each extending to the side. The wings can be formed by joining the side sheet and the back sheet.

[028] In addition, a non-slip adhesive part may be provided on the back sheet side of the absorbent article 1 (the side not in contact with the skin, i.e. the Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 73 / 97 8 / 21 (side facing underwear when used). The non-slip grip portion is provided to prevent the absorbent item 1 from being displaced from the underwear when the absorbent item 1 is attached to the underwear. The non-slip grip portion is, for example, formed in several strips extending in the longitudinal direction D1 or in the lateral direction D2.

[029] The total length of the absorbent article 1 can be from 140 mm to 430 mm, and the width of the absorbent article 1 (the width of the main body excluding the flaps, if there are any flaps) can be from 40 mm to 130 mm. <FOLHA DE EMBALAGEM>

[030] The packaging sheet 10 of this embodiment includes paper. The use of packaging sheet 10 made of paper can contribute to reducing the use of plastics and to achieving the sustainable development goals. In addition, paper can provide unique textures, such as the appearance and feel that give the soft impressions that natural materials have.

[031] The packaging sheet 10 includes, for example, Unryu Paper, and a design print is provided to an exposed surface of the packaging sheet, which is exposed in a state where the absorbent article 1 is individually packaged with the packaging sheet. The packaging sheet 10 is not limited to Unryu Paper, provided that the packaging sheet 10 satisfies the conditions described below. The conditions of the packaging sheet 10 before and after printing will be described later.

[032] The size of the packaging sheet 10 depends on the size or shape of an absorbent article 1 to be packaged. For example, a length in the longitudinal direction D1 (may simply be referred to as length) may vary from 100 mm to 450 mm, and a length in the lateral direction D2 (may simply be referred to as width) may vary from 70 mm to 250 mm in the state in which the packaging sheet 10 is fully extended (the unfolded state). In the illustrated example, the packaging sheet 10 has a rectangular shape in an unfolded state, but it may have, for example, an oblong shape. Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 74 / 97 9 / 21<CONFIGURAÇÃO DE EMBALAGEM DE ARTIGO ABSORVENTE EMBALADO INDIVIDUALMENTE>

[033] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the absorbent article 1 is packaged by being folded together with the packaging sheet 10, thus forming an individually packaged absorbent article 100. At the time of folding, first, the absorbent article 1 is placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10 so that the back side of the absorbent article 1 faces the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10, as illustrated in Figure 2. Then, the packaging sheet 10 and the absorbent article 1 are folded together in the longitudinal direction D1 on the first fold line F1 and on the 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 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 along the second fold line F2. A region of the packaging sheet 10 between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is a third region R3. In the illustrated example, the packaging sheet 10 is folded so that the second region R2 is folded first, and then the first region R1 is folded to overlap the outer surface of the second region R2 (Figures 1 and 2), but the folding order of the first region R1 and the second region R2 can be reversed.After the packing sheet 10 and the absorbent article 1 are folded together in three (triple fold inwards) to pack the absorbent article 1, both parts of the edges in the lateral direction D2 are sealed along the longitudinal direction D1, thus forming sealed portions 15.

[034] This three-fold or more packaging form can be formed relatively simply and can hygienically package an absorbent article 1. In addition, the absorbent article 1 can be easily removed. Note that the folding form is not limited to three folds and can be four folds or more, or it can be two folds. Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 75 / 97 10 / 21

[035] Additionally, the individually wrapped absorbent article 100 may be provided with a fastening tape 30 in the center of the lateral direction D2, near the end edge of the first region R1 (one end 11 of the packaging sheet 10). As illustrated in Figure 1, the fastening tape 30 is provided over the first region R1 and the second region R2 passing through one end 11 of the packaging sheet 10. Because the fastening tape 30 is provided, the user can hold the fastening tape 30 to lift and pull the first region R1 when opening the individually wrapped absorbent article 100, so that opening the individually wrapped absorbent article 100 is further facilitated. When opened, the first region R1 is detached from the second region R2 present below the first region R1. <PORÇÃO SELADA>

[036] As illustrated in Figure 1, the individually packaged portions of the absorbent article 100, where the absorbent article 1 is not present on both edges in the lateral direction D2, are respectively sealed, thus forming sealed portions 15. In the present embodiment, the sealed portions 15 are formed by passing the packaging sheet 10 between a pair of heated rollers to press together the overlapping portions of the folded packaging sheet 10 in the thickness direction.

[037] As illustrated in Figure 1, the sealed portions 15 are formed, for example, along the entire length of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 in the longitudinal direction D1. This is preferable from the point of view that the erroneous entry of dust or dirt, or of a finger or a small object through the end edges in the lateral direction can be avoided (the seal is guaranteed).

[038] A strip in the lateral direction D2 in which each sealed portion 15 is provided is, for example, a strip 20 mm from the end edge in the lateral direction D2. The sealed portion 15 may be formed in the entire strip, or it may be formed in part of the aforementioned strip, for example, at a position away from the end edge in the lateral direction D2. A length (width) of each sealed portion 15 itself in the lateral direction D2 Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 76 / 97 11 / 21 is preferably 3 mm to 15 mm. The inner edge of the sealed portion 15 in the lateral direction D2 may extend linearly in the longitudinal direction D1, or extend in a curved manner, for example, in a wavy manner.

[039] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of section II illustrated in Figure 1 and illustrates a part that includes the sealed portion 15.

[040] As illustrated in Figure 4, the sealed portion 15 includes several pressure-bonded portions (or bonded portions) 15a that are separated from each other in a plan view. Each pressure-bonded portion 15a is a portion in which the overlapping portions of the folded packaging sheet 10 are joined by pressure bonding. In the illustrated example, a portion beyond the pressure-bonded portions 15a is an unbonded portion in which the overlapping portions of the folded packaging sheet 10 are not bonded to each other. Since the pressure-bonded portions 15a are spread from each other, as described above, the bonded portions of the packaging sheet can be easily removed at the time of opening, and the opening capability can be improved, for example, compared to a case where the portions of the packaging sheets 10 are bonded across the entire surface of the sealed portion 15.In addition, this can prevent both edges of the individually wrapped absorbent material from becoming excessively hard and affecting the texture.

[041] Note that the shape of each press-jointed portion 15a in a plan view is a square in the example illustrated in Figure 4, but the shape is not limited to the illustrated shape and may be, for example, a quadrilateral other than a square, such as a rectangle or a parallelogram, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, a circle, an ellipse, a heart shape, a star shape, a teardrop shape or something similar. Furthermore, the size of each press-jointed portion 15a is, for example, a square with a side of 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm or an equivalent size with the same area as the square. <PROCESSO DE PRODUÇÃO DE ARTIGO ABSORVENTE EMBALADO INDIVIDUALMENTE> Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 77 / 97 12 / 21

[042] Figure 5 is a flowchart that explains a production process for a packaged product, in which the individually packaged absorbent articles 100, each illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, are wrapped in packaging.

[043] In the case where the individually wrapped absorbent article 100 configured as described above is produced, first, printing is performed on the packaging sheet 10 in step S1. Note that printing on the packaging sheet 10 is performed on an exposed surface of the packaging sheet 10, which is exposed when the packaging sheet 10 individually wraps the absorbent article 1.

[044] When printing is performed on the packaging sheet 10 to improve the design of the individually packaged absorbent article 100, as described above, the use of paper with high print operability as the packaging sheet 10 is considered. It is assumed that the use of smooth paper with high surface smoothness increases print operability.

[045] Therefore, several types of paper considered usable as packaging sheet 10 were subjected to measurement of a deviation from the mean coefficient of friction (MMD) as an index to indicate the smoothness of the paper surface, in order to carry out an experiment to examine whether the print operability was high or not. In this experiment, the MMD was measured by a KES friction tester. As measurement conditions, a probe wrapped with piano wire was used as a probe, and the surface of a sample was scanned with the probe over a distance of 30 mm at a speed of 1 mm / s, while a load of 50 g was applied. [TABLE 1] Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 78 / 97 13 / 21 Sample Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Comparative Ex. 1 Paper type Base weight Measured surface Rayon PM 14 g / m2 Smooth surface Rayon PM 14 g / m2 Rough surface Unryu paper 17 g / m2 Smooth surface Unryu paper 17 g / m2 Rough surface Kin Shachihoko 24.4 g / m2 Smooth surface Kin Shachihoko 24.4 g / m2 Rough surface Crepe paper 18 g / m2 Smooth surface MMO (deviation from the mean coefficient of friction) 0.011 0.017 0.014 0.021 0.008 0.013 0.052 Print operability AAAAAAB

[046] As shown in Table 1, as Example 1, a smooth surface of Rayon PM (produced by Marubishi Paper Tec. Corporation) with a basis weight of 14 g / m2 was measured. As Example 2, a rough surface of Rayon PM (produced by Marubishi Paper Tec. Corporation) with a basis weight of 14 g / m2 was also measured. As Example 3, a smooth surface of Unryu Paper (produced by Marubishi Paper Tec. Corporation) with a basis weight of 17 g / m2 was measured. Furthermore, as Example 4, a rough surface of Unryu Paper (produced by Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 79 / 97 14 / 21 Example 4: A sheet of paper (Marubishi Paper Tec. Corporation) with a basis weight of 17 g / m² was measured. Additionally, as Example 5, a smooth surface of Kin Shachihoko paper (produced by Daio Paper Corporation) with a basis weight of 24.4 g / m² was measured. Furthermore, as Example 6, a rough surface of Kin Shachihoko paper (produced by Daio Paper Corporation) with a basis weight of 24.4 g / m² was measured. Additionally, as a Comparative Example, a smooth surface of crepe paper (produced by Daio Paper Corporation) with a basis weight of 18 g / m² was measured. Note that Rayon PM is paper containing 15% rayon and 85% cellulose.

[047] As a result, the MMD in Comparative Example 1 was 0.052. In addition, the MMD in Example 1 was 0.011 and the MMD in Example 2 was 0.017. In addition, the MMD in Example 3 was 0.014 and the MMD in Example 4 was 0.021. In addition, the MMD in Example 5 was 0.008 and the MMD in Example 6 was 0.013. Note that the paper in Comparative Example 1 had low smoothness because the crepe processing was performed on the surface of the paper.

[048] In Table 1, as a printing operability, B was assigned to the case where the ink was not applied uniformly to the printed surface, leaving blank areas, and A was assigned to the case where there were no missing areas in the printed area. As shown in Table 1, blank areas were formed in the printed area in Comparative Example 1, and no blank areas were formed in the printed area in Examples 1 to 6. Furthermore, creases were likely to form on the paper surface after printing in Comparative Example 1, and it was assumed that the creases caused the formation of the blank areas in the printed area.

[049] It was found from the above results that paper with an MMD of 0.050 or less, as measured on the paper surface before printing, has print operability like packaging sheet 10, and the use of this paper can improve the design when printing on the surface of packaging sheet 10.

[050] After printing is done on the packaging sheet 10, the absorbent article 1 is placed on the packaging sheet 10, and the packaging sheet 10 Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 80 / 97 15 / 21 is folded in three (triple fold inwards) together with absorbent article 1, so that the printed surface is exposed, thus packaging absorbent article 1 with packaging sheet 10.

[051] Next, both edges of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 in the lateral direction D2 are sealed along the longitudinal direction D1 to form sealed portions 15, respectively, in step S2.

[052] Note that the printing process on the packaging sheet 10, the process of wrapping the absorbent article 1 with the packaging sheet 10, and the process of forming the sealed portions 15 can be carried out in the state where the packaging sheet 10 is in the elongated state. In this case, after the formation of the sealed portions 15, the packaging sheet 10 is cut into a single piece to form the individually packaged absorbent article 100.

[053] The individually wrapped absorbent articles 100, each produced in the manner described above, are packaged in a package in sequential step S3, and a packaged product in which the individually wrapped absorbent articles 100 are wrapped in the package is completed (step S3).

[054] Figure 6 is a view illustrating a state in which the individually wrapped absorbent articles 100, each illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, are wrapped in a package.

[055] As illustrated in Figure 6, the individually wrapped absorbent articles 100, each produced in the manner described above, are wrapped in packaging in a state in which the various individually wrapped absorbent articles 100 are stacked. In the case of using paper with high smoothness and high printability as packaging sheet 10, the individually wrapped absorbent articles 100 may slip against each other. Therefore, the stacked individually wrapped absorbent articles 100 may unravel on the conveyor line for transporting the individually wrapped absorbent articles 100. The stacked individually wrapped absorbent articles 100 are particularly prone to unraveling in the direction of the fibers. Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 81 / 97 16 / 21 of the paper. The above-described wrapping of the 100 individually packaged absorbent articles in a package can be carried out automatically on the conveyor line. If the stacked 100 individually packaged absorbent articles separate, the dispersed 100 individually packaged absorbent articles are manually packaged into a package, which reduces production efficiency.

[056] Therefore, several types of paper considered usable as packaging sheet 10 were subjected to measurement of the static friction coefficient of the paper after printing against another paper, in order to carry out an experiment to examine whether or not the individually packaged absorbent articles separate when inserted into a package. In the present experiment, the static friction coefficient was measured by a tribometer.According to the measurement conditions, a 2 cm x 2 cm piece of paper was moved against another 2 cm x 2 cm piece of paper over a distance of 50 mm at a speed of 43 mm / s while applying a load of 70 g. [TABLE 2] Sample Comparison Ex. 1 Comparison Ex. 2 Ex. 1 Paper Type Rayon PM Unryu Paper Unryu Paper Base Weight 14 g / m2 17 g / m2 17 g / m2 Measured Surface Rough Surface Smooth Surface Rough Surface Static Coefficient of Friction 0.577 0.562 0.603 Dispersion when inserted in packaging BBA

[057] As shown in Table 2, as Comparative Example 1, a rough surface of PM Rayon with a base weight of 14 g / m2 was measured. In addition Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 82 / 97 17 / 21 of this, as Comparative Example 2, a smooth surface of Unryu paper with a basis weight of 17 g / m2 was measured. Additionally, as in Example 1, a rough surface of Unryu paper with a basis weight of 17 g / m2 was measured.

[058] As a result, the static friction coefficient in Comparative Example 1 was 0.577 and the static friction coefficient in Comparative Example 2 was 0.562. On the other hand, the static friction coefficient in Example 1 was 0.603.

[059] In Table 2, B was assigned to the case where the individually wrapped absorbent articles disintegrated when inserted into the packaging, and A was assigned to the case where the individually wrapped absorbent articles did not disintegrate. As shown in Table 2, the individually wrapped absorbent articles disintegrated in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and the individually wrapped absorbent articles did not disintegrate in Example 1.

[060] It has been verified from the above results that, when paper with a static coefficient of friction of 0.60 or higher, measured on the exposed surface of the paper after printing against another paper, is used as packaging sheet 10, individually packaged and stacked absorbent articles 100 are less likely to separate when multiple individually packaged absorbent articles 100 are wrapped in a package in the stacked state. Thus, reduced production efficiency can be avoided when individually packaged absorbent articles 100 are wrapped in a package. Furthermore, the appearance and texture of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 are less likely to give the impression that it is cheap.

[061] Here, a relationship will be described between the slippage of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 in relation to another individually packaged absorbent article 100 and a proportion of regenerated fiber mixture.

[062] Several types of paper that are considered usable as packaging paper 10 were subjected to measurement of the static friction coefficient after printing against another paper, in order to carry out an experiment to examine how the mixing ratio of regenerated fibers affects the dispersion of the articles. Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 83 / 97 18 / 21 individually wrapped absorbents when the individually wrapped absorbent articles are inserted into a package. In the present experiment, the coefficient of static friction was measured by a tribometer. According to the measurement conditions, a 2 cm x 2 cm piece of paper was moved against another 2 cm x 2 cm piece of paper over a distance of 50 mm at a speed of 43 mm / s while applying a load of 70 g. [TABLE 3] z Comparative Ex. 1 Ex. 1 Paper Type Rayon PM Unryu Paper Base Weight 14 g / m2 17 g / m2 Measured Surface Rough Surface Rough Surface Static Coefficient of Friction 0.577 0.603 Proportion of Regenerated Fibers (rayon) 15% 20% to 25% Dispersion when Inserted into Packaging BA

[063] As shown in Table 3, as Comparative Example 1, a rough surface of PM Rayon with a basis weight of 14 g / m2 was measured. In addition, as in Example 1, a rough surface of Unryu paper with a basis weight of 17 g / m2 was measured. In the experiment, the mixing ratio of regenerated fibers was 15% in Comparative Example 1, and the mixing ratio of regenerated fibers was 20% to 25% in Example 1.

[064] As a result, the coefficient of static friction was 0.577 in Example Comparative 1. On the other hand, the coefficient of static friction was 0.603 in Example 1.

[065] In Table 3, B was assigned to the case where absorbent articles Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 84 / 97 19 / 21 individually wrapped items disintegrated when inserted into the package, and A was assigned to the case where the individually wrapped absorbent items did not disintegrate. As shown in Table 3, the rough surface of the Rayon PM from Comparative Example 1 caused the individually wrapped absorbent items to disintegrate, and the rough surface of the Unryu Paper from Example 1 did not cause the individually wrapped absorbent items to disintegrate.

[066] It was found from the above results that when paper in which the proportion of regenerated fibers is 20% or more is used as packaging sheet 10, the individually wrapped and stacked absorbent articles 100 are less likely to disintegrate by slippage when multiple individually wrapped absorbent articles 100 are packed in a package in the stacked state.Thus, reduced production efficiency can be avoided when individually packaged absorbent articles 100 are wrapped in packaging.

[067] Here, a relationship will be described between the slippage of individually packaged absorbent article 100 in relation to another individually packaged absorbent article 100 and the fiber bundles in the paper.

[068] As described above, Unryu paper has a large coefficient of static friction against another piece of Unryu paper and is less likely to slip. Unryu paper includes fiber bundles, each formed by weaving rayon fibers into a twisted bundle, so Unryu paper has large irregularities on its surface.

[069] As described above, paper, including fiber bundles, has a large coefficient of static friction because this paper has large irregularities on its surface. It has been found from the above that, not limited to Unryu paper, the use of paper, including fiber bundles, as packaging sheet 10, can make individually packaged and stacked absorbent articles 100 less likely to fall apart when they are stacked and wrapped in a package after printing. Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pages 85 / 97 20 / 21

[070] Although the embodiment described above has explained that the effects mentioned are exhibited particularly by Unryu Paper, the packaging sheet that achieves these effects is not limited to Unryu Paper. The effects of the present invention can be obtained provided that the MMD of the exposed surface before printing is 0.050 or less, and the static coefficient of friction of the exposed surface of the individually packaged absorbent article against another exposed surface of the individually packaged absorbent article after printing is 0.60 or greater.

[071] Although the present invention has been described through the embodiments above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments above. The embodiments above may be altered by means of changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, combinations or the like in various ways within the scope described in the claims, and such embodiments also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent components described above may be combined arbitrarily.

[072] This international application claims priority based on Japanese patent application no. 2023-055946, filed on March 30, 2023, the full content of which is incorporated herein by reference. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS absorbent article top sheet absorbent side sheet packaging sheets one end in the longitudinal direction the other end in the longitudinal direction sealed portion 15th portion attached under pressure fastening tape 100 individually wrapped absorbent items Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 86 / 97 21 / 21 D1 longitudinal direction of packaging sheet D2 side direction of packaging sheet F1 first fold line F2 second fold line R1 first region R2 second region R3 third region Petition 870250081563, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pages 87 / 97

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. Individually wrapped absorbent article characterized by comprising: a packaging sheet including paper; and an individually wrapped absorbent article with the packaging sheet, wherein the printing is made on an exposed surface of the packaging sheet, which is exposed when the packaging sheet individually wraps the absorbent article, and wherein the exposed surface has an MMD of 0.050 or less before printing, and the exposed surface after printing has a static coefficient of friction of 0.60 or more against an exposed surface of another individually wrapped absorbent article.

2. Individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the proportion of recycled fiber mixture in the packaging sheet is 20% or more.

3. Individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the packaging sheet includes bundles of fibers.

4. A method of production for a packaged product in which the individually packaged absorbent article, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, is enclosed in packaging, wherein the method of production is characterized by comprising: printing on the packaging sheet; placing the absorbent article on the packaging sheet, folding it so that a surface of the packaging sheet, which is printed, is exposed, to wrap the absorbent article with the packaging sheet and produce the individually packaged absorbent article; and stacking the individually packaged absorbent article with one or more individually packaged absorbent articles and enclosing the stacked individually packaged absorbent articles in the packaging.