Wet wipe and package of wet wipes

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide: a wet wipe which has an excellent antiseptic effect and excellent properties allowing the wet wipe to be easily taken out from a package; and a package of wet wipes.　The present disclosure relates to: a wet wipe (9) characterized by comprising nonwoven fabric sheet which has a first surface layer and a second surface layer that constitute surfaces of a nonwoven fabric and that each contain water repellent cellulose-based fibers, in which the content of the water repellent cellulose-based fibers is 10-45 mass% with respect to the total mass of the nonwoven fabric, and which is constituted by the nonwoven fabric, and a chemical solution which includes an antiseptic comprising a non-cationic antiseptic; and a package (1) thereof.

Description

Wet wipes and wet wipe packaging

[0001] This disclosure relates to wet wipes and packaging for wet wipes.

[0002] In recent years, nonwoven fabrics containing water-repellent cellulose fibers have been newly considered as base sheets for various products such as wipes and face masks.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a laminated nonwoven fabric comprising a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer, and an intermediate fiber layer located between the first and second fiber layers, wherein the first and second fiber layers each contain a predetermined amount of water-repellent cellulose fibers and hydrophilic cellulose fibers based on their total mass, and the intermediate fiber layer contains a predetermined amount of hydrophilic cellulose fibers based on its total mass, and the first, intermediate, and second fiber layers are integrated by entanglement of the fibers. It is stated that such a laminated nonwoven fabric provides appropriate friction and, as a result, good adhesion to the skin.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a nonwoven fabric for wipers having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the nonwoven fabric contains water-repellent cellulose fibers and other fibers in a predetermined ratio based on the total mass of the nonwoven fabric, and at least one of the first surface and the second surface is the surface of a fiber layer A containing the water-repellent cellulose fibers and other fibers in a predetermined ratio, and the fibers are integrated by entanglement. This is said to provide a nonwoven fabric that is superior in collecting wiped dirt and also provides a wiper with less lint shedding.

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-51889 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-101408

[0006] Wet wipes are applied to the user's skin during use, so maintaining a clean state is important. However, because they contain liquids such as chemical solutions and are in a moist state, they are prone to mold and bacterial growth. However, suitable preservatives for wet wipes made of nonwoven fabric containing water-repellent cellulose fibers have not yet been investigated. As a result of diligent research by the Discloser, it has been discovered for the first time that even preservatives that are commonly used in wet wipes made of nonwoven fabric containing conventional, untreated cellulose fibers (hereinafter, to distinguish them from water-repellent cellulose fibers, "conventional, untreated cellulose fibers" may be referred to as "hydrophilic cellulose fibers") or hydrophobic synthetic fibers, hydrophobic fibers, etc. (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "hydrophobic fibers, etc.") that do not retain moisture, have inferior preservative effects in wet wipes made of nonwoven fabric containing water-repellent cellulose fibers.

[0007] Furthermore, in packaging for wet wipes, wet tissues, and the like, especially pop-up type packaging, when one wet wipe is removed from the packaging, multiple wet wipes, including the next wet wipe, may be removed at once (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "multiple wipe removal tendency"). The nonwoven fabrics disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 are not intended to be applied to pop-up type packaging, and no studies have been conducted to address the problem related to such multiple wipe removal tendency.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide wet wipes and wet wipe packaging that have excellent preservative effects and excellent ease of dispensing the wet wipes.

[0009] The Disclosers have found a wet wipe characterized by comprising a nonwoven fabric sheet comprising a first surface layer and a second surface layer constituting the surface of the nonwoven fabric, each containing water-repellent cellulose fibers, wherein the water-repellent cellulose fibers are present in an amount of 10 to 45% by mass based on the total mass of the nonwoven fabric, and a chemical solution containing a preservative, wherein the preservative is a non-cationic preservative.

[0010] The wet wipes and wet wipe packaging relating to this disclosure have excellent preservative properties and excellent ease of dispensing the wet wipes.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a wet wipe packaging 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is an end view of the wet wipe packaging 1 at the II-II end face. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of wet wipes 9. Figure 4 is an end view of the wet wipe packaging 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0012] Specifically, this disclosure relates to the following embodiments: [Embodiment 1] A nonwoven fabric sheet comprising a nonwoven fabric having a first surface layer and a second surface layer constituting the surface of the nonwoven fabric, each containing water-repellent cellulose fibers, wherein the water-repellent cellulose fibers are present in an amount of 10 to 45% by mass based on the total mass of the nonwoven fabric; and a chemical solution containing a preservative, wherein the preservative is a non-cationic preservative.

[0013] The nonwoven fabric constituting the above wet wipes contains water-repellent cellulose fibers. These water-repellent cellulose fibers are cellulose fibers that possess water repellency and exhibit water repellency, but once wet, they can retain a certain amount of moisture inside the fibers and have a certain degree of water swelling. As a result, these water-repellent cellulose fibers have chemical solution retention properties equivalent to those of hydrophilic cellulose fibers, and also have higher chemical solution retention properties compared to hydrophobic fibers, etc. The chemical solution retention properties of these water-repellent cellulose fibers are desirable from the viewpoint of being able to maintain the wet state of the wet wipes for a long period of time and suppressing the tendency to take out multiple wipes at once, however, preservative components in the chemical solution may be easily adsorbed onto the water-repellent cellulose fibers.

[0014] Generally, the chemical solution contained in wet wipes consists of a portion that is retained by the constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric that makes up the wet wipes and a portion that is not retained. It is known to those skilled in the art that the greater the amount of preservative component in the chemical solution that is not retained by the constituent fibers, the higher the preservative effect of the wet wipes. Known preservatives that can be contained in wet wipes include cationic preservatives, amphoteric preservatives, parabens, and benzoic acid. However, if the constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric that makes up the wet wipes are cellulose fibers, the carboxyl groups of these cellulose fibers are anionic and therefore bind to the cationic functional groups of cationic preservatives. As a result, in wet wipes containing cellulose fibers in the nonwoven fabric, the cationic preservative is adsorbed onto the cellulose fibers and retained by them. Consequently, the aqueous solution that does not contain the cationic preservative is not retained by the cellulose fibers and is discharged to the outside of the wet wipes. If such wet wipes are stored for a long time, mold and bacteria are likely to grow. Furthermore, as a result of diligent research by the Discloser, it was found that the tendency for preservative components in the chemical solution to adsorb onto the constituent fibers of the wet wipes is more pronounced in hydrophobic cellulose fibers than in hydrophilic cellulose fibers. Therefore, in this embodiment, by using a non-cationic preservative in the chemical solution, wet wipes containing hydrophobic cellulose fibers exhibit superior preservative effects compared to those containing a cationic preservative in the chemical solution.

[0015] Furthermore, the tendency to take out multiple wipes increases as the wet wipes contain a large amount of liquid and as the amount of liquid not held by the constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric constituting the wet wipes increases. The nonwoven fabric containing water-repellent cellulose fibers according to this embodiment has high liquid retention and equivalent or higher water repellency compared to a nonwoven fabric containing hydrophobic fibers instead of water-repellent cellulose fibers, due to the properties of the water-repellent cellulose fibers. As a result, wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric containing the water-repellent cellulose fibers are less likely to stick together and are more likely to separate compared to wet wipes formed from a nonwoven fabric containing hydrophobic fibers instead of water-repellent cellulose fibers. As a result, wet wipes formed from a nonwoven fabric containing the above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers are less likely to stick together and are more likely to separate from each other compared to wet wipes formed from a nonwoven fabric containing hydrophilic cellulose fibers or the like instead of water-repellent cellulose fibers.

[0016] Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric containing water-repellent cellulose fibers according to this embodiment, compared to the nonwoven fabrics disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, contains water-repellent cellulose fibers in both the first and second surface layers constituting the surface of the nonwoven fabric, and the nonwoven fabric contains a predetermined amount of the water-repellent cellulose fibers, resulting in equivalent or higher liquid retention and equivalent or higher water repellency due to the properties of the water-repellent cellulose fibers. As a result, wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric containing the water-repellent cellulose fibers are less likely to stick together and are more likely to separate from each other compared to wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabrics disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. It should be noted that the nonwoven fabrics disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are not intended for use in pop-up type packaging, and therefore there is no problem related to improving the tendency for multiple wipes to be dispensed in such cases.

[0017] Based on the above, wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric have excellent dispensability. Furthermore, since the water-repellent cellulose fibers contained in the nonwoven fabric are biodegradable, the nonwoven fabric, and by extension the wet wipes formed from it, are more easily biodegradable compared to nonwoven fabrics containing hydrophobic fibers instead of water-repellent cellulose fibers, thereby reducing the environmental burden.

[0018] [Aspect 2] The wet wipes according to aspect 1, wherein the non-cationic preservative is at least one selected from the group consisting of organic acids, phenoxyethanol, parabens, iodide propynyl butylcarbamate, zinc pyrithione, chlorphenesin, and methylisothiazolinone. The wet wipes described above have a more superior preservative effect than wet wipes containing water-repellent cellulose fibers in which the preservative in the solution is a cationic preservative, by using a specific non-cationic preservative in the solution.

[0019] [Aspect 3] The wet wipes according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the nonwoven fabric has a water absorption capacity of 60 to 110 mm according to the Klem method. Because the nonwoven fabric has a predetermined water absorption capacity according to the Klem method, the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric are less likely to stick together and are easier to separate, resulting in excellent ease of removal of the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric.

[0020] [Aspect 4] The water-repellent cellulose fibers have a water swelling degree of 10 to 80% by mass, as described in any one of aspects 1 to 3. In the above nonwoven fabric, since the water-repellent cellulose fibers have a predetermined water swelling degree, the wet wipes formed from the above nonwoven fabric are less likely to stick together and are easier to separate, and the wet wipes formed from the above nonwoven fabric have excellent dispensability.

[0021] [Aspect 5] The wet wipes according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the nonwoven fabric further comprises an intermediate layer disposed between the first surface layer and the second surface layer, and the intermediate layer contains heat-fusible fibers.

[0022] Because the above-mentioned intermediate layer contains heat-fusible fibers, the wet wipes formed from the above-mentioned nonwoven fabric have excellent wet strength, and users are less likely to notice the stiffness caused by the heat-fusible fibers.

[0023] [Aspect 6] The wet wipes according to aspect 5, wherein the heat-fusible fibers include biodegradable heat-fusible fibers. In the above nonwoven fabric, since the heat-fusible fibers include biodegradable heat-fusible fibers, the wet wipes are more likely to be biodegradable.

[0024] [Aspect 7] The wet wipes according to aspect 5 or 6, wherein the intermediate layer further contains pulp fibers.

[0025] In the above-mentioned nonwoven fabric, since the intermediate layer further contains pulp fibers, the amount of liquid chemicals held in the intermediate layer is relatively larger in the wet wipes formed from the above-mentioned nonwoven fabric, while the amount of liquid chemicals contained in the first surface layer and the second surface layer is relatively smaller. As a result, the amount of liquid chemicals on the surface of the wet wipe portion (first surface layer and second surface layer) is relatively smaller, making it less likely for the wet wipe portions to stick together and easier to separate, resulting in excellent dispensing properties for the wet wipes formed from the above-mentioned nonwoven fabric.

[0026] [Aspect 8] The wet wipes according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein each of the first surface layer and the second surface layer is composed of cellulose fibers.

[0027] In the above-mentioned nonwoven fabric, since the first surface layer and the second surface layer are each composed of cellulose fibers, the liquid medicine is more easily retained in the first surface layer and the second surface layer of the wet wipes formed from the above-mentioned nonwoven fabric, and the wet wipes have superior wiping properties.

[0028] [Aspect 9] A wet wipes package in which a plurality of wet wipes are housed inside a packaging body having a top with an opening and a bottom, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of wet wipes are made up of the wet wipes described in any of aspects 1 to 8, and the plurality of wet wipes are stacked in the direction from the bottom to the top.

[0029] The packaging for the wet wipes described above has the effects disclosed in Embodiment 1.

[0030] [Aspect 10] The wet wipe packaging according to aspect 9, wherein the plurality of wet wipes are arranged so as to overlap each other, with the top end of the bottom-side wet wipe located on the bottom side, the bottom end of the top-side wet wipe adjacent to the top side of the top-side wet wipe, and the top end of the bottom-side wet wipe located on the top side of the top-side wet wipe located on the top side of the top-side wet wipe.

[0031] The packaging of the wet wipes described above makes it easy to take out multiple wipes at once and maintains a predetermined dispensing height. Therefore, users of the wet wipes can easily take out the required number of wipes and then easily take out the next wet wipe.

[0032] The nonwoven fabric for wet wipes (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "nonwoven fabric"), wet wipes, and packaging for wet wipes (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "packaging") related to this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0033] [Non-woven fabric] The non-woven fabric according to the present disclosure is a non-woven fabric for wet wipes and contains water-repellent cellulose fibers. The water-repellent cellulose fibers are cellulose fibers having water repellency, exhibit water repellency, but can retain a certain amount of moisture inside the fibers once wetted and have a certain degree of water swelling. Therefore, the wet wipes formed from the non-woven fabric containing water-repellent cellulose fibers are less likely to stick to and are easier to separate from adjacent wet wipe portions compared to wet wipes formed from non-woven fabrics containing hydrophobic fibers or the like instead of water-repellent cellulose fibers, and also compared to wet wipes formed from non-woven fabrics containing hydrophilic cellulose fibers or the like instead of water-repellent cellulose fibers.

[0034] Further, since the water-repellent cellulose fibers have a certain degree of water swelling, the wet wipes formed from the non-woven fabric are more likely to retain a chemical solution and have higher water retention compared to non-woven fabrics containing hydrophobic fibers instead of water-repellent cellulose fibers. Furthermore, since the water-repellent cellulose fibers are biodegradable, the non-woven fabric and thus the wet wipes formed from the non-woven fabric are more likely to be biodegradable and can reduce the environmental load.

[0035] Examples of the cellulose fibers constituting the water-repellent cellulose fibers include natural cellulose fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, purified cellulose fibers, and semi-synthetic cellulose fibers. Examples of the natural cellulose fibers include plant fibers, such as pulp fibers, seed hair fibers (e.g., cotton fibers), bast fibers (e.g., hemp), leaf vein fibers (e.g., manila hemp), and fruit fibers (e.g., coconut).

[0036] Examples of the pulp fibers include those known as pulp fibers in the art, such as wood pulp fibers and non-wood pulp fibers. Examples of the wood pulp fibers include softwood pulp fibers and hardwood pulp fibers. Examples of the non-wood pulp fibers include straw pulp fibers, bagasse pulp fibers, rush pulp fibers, kenaf pulp fibers, ramie pulp fibers, bamboo pulp fibers, hemp pulp fibers, cotton pulp fibers (e.g., cotton linter fibers), and the like.

[0037] As the cotton fiber, there may be mentioned hirsutum cotton fiber (for example, upland cotton), barbadense cotton fiber, arboreum cotton fiber, and herbaceum cotton fiber. Further, the cotton fiber may be organic cotton fiber or pre-organic cotton (trademark) fiber. The organic cotton fiber means cotton certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

[0038] As the regenerated cellulose fiber, there may be mentioned rayon, for example, viscose rayon obtained from viscose, polynosic, and modal, and fibers such as cuprammonium rayon (also referred to as "cupra") obtained from a cuprammonium salt solution of cellulose.

[0039] As the purified cellulose fiber, there may be mentioned lyocell, specifically, pulp dissolved in an aqueous solution of N-methylmorpholine N-oxide to form a spinning dope, and extruded into a dilute solution of N-methylmorpholine N-oxide to form fibers. The above purified cellulose is commercially available, for example, as Tencel (trademark). As the semi-synthetic fiber, there may be mentioned semi-synthetic cellulose, for example, acetate fiber, for example, fibers such as triacetate and diacetate.

[0040] The water-repellent cellulose-based fiber can be formed by subjecting the above cellulose-based fiber to a water-repellent treatment using a water-repellent agent or the like according to the methods described in, for example, JP-A-2002-266241, JP-A-2003-20570, JP-A-2019-65443, JP-A-2022-58301, and the like. Further, as the water-repellent cellulose-based fiber, for example, Eco Repelas (trade name, water-repellent viscose rayon) manufactured by Daiwabo Rayon Co., Ltd., and Olea (trade name, water-repellent viscose rayon) manufactured by Kelheim Fibres GmbH are commercially available.

[0041] The water repellency of the above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers can be evaluated as follows, in accordance with "6 (1) Sedimentation Rate" in the "Standards for Medical Gauze and Medical Absorbent Cotton" appendix of "Standards for Medical Gauze and Medical Absorbent Cotton" (Pharmaceuticals and Food Safety Bureau Notification No. 0630001): A 10g sample obtained by opening fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric or fibers taken from wet wipes with a carding machine is evenly placed in a test basket weighing 3g, with a diameter of 50mm, a depth of 80mm, and a distance of 20mm between wires, made using 0.4mm diameter copper wire. The basket is then tilted on its side and gently dropped into 200mm deep water from a height of 12mm above the water surface at a water temperature of 24-26°C, and the time it takes for the basket to sink below the water surface is defined as the sedimentation rate. For fibers that cannot be opened with a carding machine (for example, fibers with short fiber length), 10g of the fibers can be placed directly into the test basket. Alternatively, if the textile product is in the form of a wet-laid nonwoven fabric or an air-laid nonwoven fabric, 10g of a 1cm x 1cm piece of nonwoven fabric can be placed in the test basket.

[0042] When measuring the sedimentation velocity using the method described above, samples that absorb water but do not sink below the water surface after, for example, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes are preferably used as water-repellent cellulose fibers. Samples that do not sink after 1 minute and are partially or completely floating on the water surface are more preferably used as water-repellent cellulose fibers.

[0043] The above nonwoven fabric contains the above water-repellent cellulose fibers in a ratio of 10% by mass or more, preferably 12% by mass or more, and more preferably 15% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, the above nonwoven fabric contains the above water-repellent cellulose fibers in a ratio of 45% by mass or less, preferably 40% by mass or less, and more preferably 35% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the nonwoven fabric. As a result, the above nonwoven fabric has a certain affinity for water, and in wet wipes formed from the above nonwoven fabric, the wet wipe portions are less likely to stick together and are more likely to separate.

[0044] The nonwoven fabric described above has a first surface layer and a second surface layer that constitute the surface of the nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, for example, a two-layer structure, a three-layer structure, a four-layer structure, a five-layer structure, etc. (structures with three or more layers may be hereinafter referred to as "structures with three or more layers"). When the nonwoven fabric has a structure with three or more layers, the nonwoven fabric can be divided into a first surface layer and a second surface layer that constitute the surface of the nonwoven fabric, and one or more intermediate layers disposed between the first surface layer and the second surface layer.

[0045] In the nonwoven fabric described above, water-repellent cellulose fibers are included in both the first and second surface layers. As a result, in the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric, the wet wipe portions are less likely to stick together and are more likely to separate.

[0046] Furthermore, the above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers can be distinguished from hydrophilic cellulose fibers by their water swelling degree. The above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers preferably have a water swelling degree of 10% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, and even more preferably 20% by mass or more. Also, the above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers preferably have a water swelling degree of 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or less. As a result, in wet wipes formed from the above-mentioned nonwoven fabric, the wet wipe portions are less likely to stick together and are easier to separate.

[0047] Furthermore, the hydrophilic cellulose fibers described above can have a higher degree of water swelling than the hydrophobic cellulose fibers described above. The hydrophilic cellulose fibers preferably have a degree of water swelling of more than 60% by mass, more preferably more than 70% by mass, even more preferably more than 80% by mass, even more preferably 85% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more. In addition, the hydrophilic cellulose fibers preferably have a degree of water swelling of 300% by mass or less, more preferably 200% by mass or less, and even more preferably 150% by mass or less.

[0048] The above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers have a water swelling degree that is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, and even more preferably 25% by mass or more lower than that of ordinary cellulose fibers that do not have water repellency, such as the hydrophilic cellulose fibers described later. As a result, in wet wipes formed from the above-mentioned nonwoven fabric, the wet wipe portions are less likely to stick together and are easier to separate.

[0049] In this disclosure, the degree of water swelling of the fibers is measured according to "8.26 Degree of Water Swelling" of "Test Method for Staples of Chemical Fibers" in JIS L1015:2010, and this method is also applicable to fibers other than rayon and cupro.

[0050] The above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers preferably have an average fiber length of 20 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more, and even more preferably 35 mm or more. Furthermore, the above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers preferably have an average fiber length of 80 mm or less, more preferably 60 mm or less, and even more preferably 50 mm or less. As a result, the above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers are more likely to entangle with other fibers, such as water-repellent cellulose fibers, or optionally hydrophilic cellulose fibers, which tends to increase the strength of the nonwoven fabric and, consequently, the wet wipes.

[0051] The above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers preferably have a fineness of 0.6 dtex or more, more preferably 1.0 dtex or more, and even more preferably 1.4 dtex or more. Furthermore, the above-mentioned water-repellent cellulose fibers preferably have a fineness of 3.3 dtex or less, more preferably 2.5 dtex or less, and even more preferably 2.0 dtex or less. This makes it possible to suppress fibrous clumping in the nonwoven fabric containing the water-repellent cellulose fibers while maintaining tactile properties.

[0052] In this disclosure, the average fiber length of fibers other than pulp fibers is measured according to "A7.1 Measurement of fiber length" in Annex A of JIS L 1015:2010, specifically "A7.1.1 Method A (standard method): Method for measuring the length of individual fibers on a graduated glass plate." This method corresponds to the test method specified in ISO 6989, published in 1981.

[0053] In this disclosure, the average fiber length of pulp fibers means the weight-weighted average fiber length and refers to the L(w) value measured by Kajaani Fiber Lab Fiber Properties (off-line) manufactured by Metso Automation.

[0054] The above nonwoven fabric may further contain hydrophilic cellulose fibers. This makes the nonwoven fabric itself more adept at retaining the liquid, preventing the wet wipes from sticking together and making them easier to separate. Furthermore, because the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric are better able to retain the liquid, their water retention is improved. In addition, since hydrophilic cellulose fibers are biodegradable, the above nonwoven fabric, and consequently the wet wipes formed from it, become more biodegradable, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

[0055] From the above viewpoint, the nonwoven fabric contains the hydrophilic cellulose fibers in a ratio of preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, and even more preferably 25% by mass or more. The nonwoven fabric also contains the hydrophilic cellulose fibers in a ratio of preferably 75% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less. Examples of cellulose fibers constituting the hydrophilic cellulose fibers include those described in the section on water-repellent cellulose fibers.

[0056] If the hydrophilic cellulose fibers are not pulp fibers, they preferably have an average fiber length of 20 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more, and even more preferably 35 mm or more. Also, if the hydrophilic cellulose fibers are not pulp fibers, they preferably have an average fiber length of 80 mm or less, more preferably 70 mm or less, and even more preferably 60 mm or less. This makes it easier for the hydrophilic cellulose fibers to intertwine with each other, which tends to increase the strength of the nonwoven fabric and, consequently, the wet wipes.

[0057] The hydrophilic cellulose fibers described above preferably have a fineness of 0.3 dtex or more, more preferably 0.4 dtex or more, and even more preferably 0.6 dtex or more. Furthermore, the hydrophilic cellulose fibers preferably have a fineness of 4.5 dtex or less, more preferably 4.0 dtex or less, and even more preferably 3.0 dtex or less. This allows for the suppression of fiber clumping in the nonwoven fabric containing the hydrophilic cellulose fibers while maintaining tactile properties.

[0058] The above nonwoven fabric can be composed of the above water-repellent cellulose fibers and the above hydrophilic cellulose fibers. In addition to the above water-repellent cellulose fibers and hydrophilic cellulose fibers, the above nonwoven fabric may also contain heat-fusible fibers, hydrophobic fibers, etc., as described later.

[0059] The above nonwoven fabric may further contain heat-fusible fibers intended to be heat-fused within the nonwoven fabric. When the above nonwoven fabric contains heat-fusible fibers, the strength of the nonwoven fabric, and consequently the wet strength of the wet wipes, can be increased by heat fusion between the heat-fusible fibers and heat fusion between the heat-fusible fibers and heat fusion between the heat-fusible fibers and cellulosic fibers (hydrophobic cellulosic fibers and hydrophilic cellulosic fibers), and when the above heat-fusible fibers are heat-fused to each other, the strength of the nonwoven fabric, and consequently the wet strength of the wet wipes, can be further increased.

[0060] The above-mentioned heat-fusible fibers can be any fiber used as a heat-fusible fiber in the art, specifically, any fiber containing a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin and a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin, and it is preferable that the heat-fusible fibers contain a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin, such as polyethylene resin or low-melting-point polypropylene, on at least the surface in order to fuse the heat-fusible fibers together. Examples of the above-mentioned heat-fusible fibers include: single-component polyethylene resin fibers; single-component polypropylene resin fibers; core-sheath type composite synthetic fibers in which the core is polyethylene terephthalate resin and the sheath is polyethylene resin; core-sheath type composite synthetic fibers in which the core is polypropylene resin and the sheath is polyethylene resin; core-sheath type composite synthetic fibers in which the core is high-melting-point polypropylene resin and the sheath is low-melting-point polypropylene resin; side-by-side type composite synthetic fibers made of polyethylene terephthalate resin and polyethylene resin; and side-by-side type composite synthetic fibers made of polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin.

[0061] Preferably, the heat-fusible fiber described above is a heat-fusible fiber that is biodegradable. This makes the nonwoven fabric, and by extension the wet wipes, more biodegradable. Examples of low-melting-point thermoplastic resins that constitute the biodegradable heat-fusible fiber include polybutylene succinate, poly(hydroxybutyrate / hydroxyhexanoate), polycaprolactone, poly(caprolactone / butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate / adipate), poly(butylene succinate / carbonate), poly(butylene adipate / terephthalate), polyethylene succinate, or polylactic acid.

[0062] Examples of the high-melting-point thermoplastic resins that constitute the biodegradable, heat-fusible fibers mentioned above include polylactic acid, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyglycolic acid, or cellulose acetate.

[0063] If the nonwoven fabric contains the heat-fusible fibers, the nonwoven fabric contains the heat-fusible fibers in a ratio of preferably more than 0% by mass, more preferably 2% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more. Furthermore, if the nonwoven fabric contains the heat-fusible fibers, the nonwoven fabric contains the heat-fusible fibers in a ratio of preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less. As a result, the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric have excellent wet strength.

[0064] The above nonwoven fabric may further contain hydrophobic fibers that are not intended to be heat-fused in the nonwoven fabric. This allows the wet wipes formed from the above nonwoven fabric to have bulkiness, resistance to flattening, etc. Examples of the above hydrophobic fibers include those commonly used in the art, and synthetic fibers are preferred. Examples of the above synthetic fibers include those containing a single component, for example, a single fiber, or those containing multiple components, for example, a composite fiber.

[0065] Examples of the above components include polyolefin polymers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene; polyester polymers, such as terephthalate polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate, and polypentylene terephthalate; polyamide polymers, such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6; acrylic polymers; polyacrylonitrile polymers; and modified versions thereof.

[0066] If the nonwoven fabric contains the hydrophobic fibers, the nonwoven fabric contains the hydrophobic fibers in a ratio of preferably more than 0% by mass, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2% by mass or more. Furthermore, if the nonwoven fabric contains the hydrophobic fibers, the nonwoven fabric contains the hydrophobic fibers in a ratio of preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, and even more preferably 35% by mass or less. As a result, the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric can have bulkiness, resistance to flattening, etc.

[0067] The above nonwoven fabric is preferably 20 g / m² ２More preferably 30 g / m ２ The above, and more preferably 35 g / m² ２ It has the above basis weight. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric preferably has a basis weight of 100 g / m². ２ More preferably, 90 g / m ２ More preferably 80 g / m ２ The following, and more preferably 70 g / m² ２ It has the following basis weight. This makes it easier to ensure both the ease of dispensing the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric and their strength for wiping, etc.

[0068] The above-mentioned intermediate layer may contain the water-repellent cellulose fibers, but from the viewpoint of making it easier to separate adjacent wet wipe portions, the above-mentioned intermediate layer does not necessarily have to contain the water-repellent cellulose fibers.

[0069] When the nonwoven fabric has the above-mentioned structure of three or more layers, and further contains hydrophilic cellulose fibers, the hydrophilic cellulose fibers can be included in any of the first surface layer, intermediate layer, and second surface layer, and preferably in all of the first surface layer, intermediate layer, and second surface layer. This makes it easier to sufficiently impregnate the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric with the chemical solution.

[0070] When the nonwoven fabric has the above-mentioned structure of three or more layers, and the nonwoven fabric further contains heat-fusible fibers, the heat-fusible fibers can be included in any of the first surface layer, intermediate layer, and second surface layer. The heat-fusible fibers can be included in at least the intermediate layer, or only in the intermediate layer. As a result, the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric have excellent wet strength, and the user will not feel the stiffness derived from the heat-fusible fibers. Furthermore, the heat-fusible fibers can also be included in the first surface layer and the second surface layer. As a result, the wet wipes formed from the nonwoven fabric will not easily lose their shape, stretch, or deform during wiping.

[0071] If the nonwoven fabric has the above-mentioned structure of three or more layers, it is preferable that the first surface layer and the second surface layer are each composed of cellulose fibers. This makes it easier for the liquid to be retained in the first and second surface layers, and improves the wiping performance of the wet wipes. The cellulose fibers include the water-repellent cellulose fibers and, optionally, the hydrophilic cellulose fibers.

[0072] If the nonwoven fabric has the above-mentioned structure of three or more layers, the intermediate layer may further contain pulp fibers. This reduces the amount of liquid on the surface of the wet wipe portion (first surface layer and second surface layer), making it less likely for the wet wipe portions to stick together and easier for them to separate.

[0073] The nonwoven fabric according to this disclosure preferably has a Klem-measured water absorption of 60 mm or more, more preferably 65 mm or more, and even more preferably 70 mm or more. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric according to this disclosure preferably has a Klem-measured water absorption of 110 mm or less, more preferably 105 mm or less, and even more preferably 100 mm or less. As a result, in wet wipes formed from the above nonwoven fabric, the wet wipe portions are less likely to stick together and are more likely to separate.

[0074] In this disclosure, the water absorption by the Klem method is measured in accordance with JIS P8141:2004 "Paper and cardboard - Water absorption test method - Klem method," and the differences from JIS P8141:2004 are as follows: - Two types of test specimens are used: one in which the transport direction during the manufacture of the nonwoven fabric is longitudinal (hereinafter referred to as "MD test specimen") and one in which the transport direction during the manufacture of the nonwoven fabric is short (hereinafter referred to as "CD test specimen"). - The dimensions of the test specimen are changed from "width 15 ± 1 mm" to "width 25 ± 1 mm". - The height to which the water rises is changed from "10 minutes ± 10 seconds" to "5 minutes ± 10 seconds". - The average value of the Klem water absorption of the MD test specimen and the Klem water absorption of the CD test specimen is adopted as the Klem water absorption.

[0075] The non-woven fabric according to the present disclosure preferably has a water absorption of 13.5 g / g or more, more preferably 14.0 g / g or more, still more preferably 14.5 g / g or more, and even more preferably 15.0 g / g or more. Also, the non-woven fabric according to the present disclosure preferably has a water absorption of 20.0 g / g or less, more preferably 19.0 g / g or less, still more preferably 18.0 g / g or less, and even more preferably 17.0 g / g or less. Thereby, the wet wipes formed from the non-woven fabric are excellent in wiping properties.

[0076] The non-woven fabric according to the present disclosure preferably has a water retention of 10.0 g / g or more, more preferably 10.3 g / g or more, still more preferably 10.6 g / g or more, and even more preferably 10.9 g / g or more. Also, the non-woven fabric according to the present disclosure preferably has a water retention of 16.0 g / g or less, more preferably 15.0 g / g or less, still more preferably 14.0 g / g or less, and even more preferably 13.0 g / g or less. Thereby, the wet wipes formed from the non-woven fabric are excellent in wiping properties.

[0077] In the present disclosure, the water absorption and water retention are measured as follows. (1) Cut the non-woven fabric into a sample with a size of 60 mm × 140 mm (transport direction during production × orthogonal direction to the transport direction), and measure the mass of the sample: m ０ (g). (2) Put ion-exchanged water in a plastic container, place the sample on a wire mesh whose mass: m １ (g) has been measured, and immerse the sample together with the wire mesh in the ion-exchanged water. (3) After 3 minutes from the immersion, lift the sample together with the wire mesh out of the ion-exchanged water and let it stand for 5 minutes to drain the water. (4) After standing for 5 minutes, measure the total mass of the sample and the wire mesh: m ２ (g). (5) Hold the sample containing ion-exchanged water with tweezers so as not to apply pressure, and place the sample on a metal pedestal having a size of 60 mm × 140 mm or more, and let it stand without wrinkles.

[0078] (6) Place an 840 g weight on the sample so that a load is evenly applied to the entire sample, and let it stand for 3 minutes. (7) After standing for 3 minutes, measure the mass of the sample: m ３(g) Measure (g). (8) Water absorption: A (g / g) is given by the following formula: A (g / g) = (m ２ -m １ -m ０ ) / m ０ The calculation is as follows: (9) Water retention capacity: R (g / g) is given by the following formula: R (g / g) = (m ３ -m ０ ) / m ０ The calculation is performed as follows. Note that the above water absorption and retention amounts are measured in a constant temperature room at 25°C ± 5°C.

[0079] As the nonwoven fabric mentioned above, any nonwoven fabric manufactured by known methods such as the dry method, wet method, water jet method, spunbond method, airlaid method, needle punch method, felt method, etc. (for example, spunlace nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, point-bond nonwoven fabric, etc.) can be used, and spunlace nonwoven fabric with high wet strength is preferred.

[0080] The above nonwoven fabric can be manufactured by methods known in the art. If the above nonwoven fabric is a spunlace nonwoven fabric, for example, a dry spunlace nonwoven fabric, it can be manufactured by a dry spunlace method, for example, in which a single or multiple web constituting the nonwoven fabric, formed by a dry process, is placed on a support and a high-pressure water stream is sprayed onto the web from a nozzle. Alternatively, if the above nonwoven fabric contains heat-fusible fibers, after spraying a high-pressure water stream onto the web, the web (nonwoven fabric) may be heated to a temperature above the melting point of the low-melting-point thermoplastic resin constituting the heat-fusible fibers to heat-fuse the heat-fusible fibers.

[0081] [Wet wipes and packaging for wet wipes] The wet wipes according to this disclosure include a nonwoven fabric sheet made of the nonwoven fabric described above and a liquid medicine. The nonwoven fabric sheet is formed by cutting the nonwoven fabric described above to a desired size.

[0082] The above-mentioned chemical solution contains a preservative, and the preservative is a non-cationic preservative. As described above, the nonwoven fabric constituting the wet wipes contains a predetermined amount of cellulosic fibers (water-repellent cellulosic fibers and hydrophilic cellulosic fibers). When the above-mentioned chemical solution contains a cationic preservative, the carboxyl groups of the cellulosic fibers are anionic, and therefore they bind to the cationic functional groups of the cationic preservative. As a result, in the wet wipes, the cationic preservative is adsorbed onto the cellulosic fibers and retained by the cellulosic fibers. Consequently, the aqueous solution without the cationic preservative is not retained by the cellulosic fibers and is discharged to the outside of the wet wipes. If such wet wipes are stored for a long time, mold and bacteria are likely to grow. However, by containing a non-cationic preservative, the above-mentioned chemical solution can provide superior preservative effects in wet wipes containing water-repellent cellulosic fibers compared to those containing a cationic preservative.

[0083] Examples of non-cationic preservatives include organic acid preservatives, phenoxyethanol, and paraben preservatives. Examples of organic acid preservatives include benzoic acid, dehydroacetic acid, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, etc. Examples of paraben preservatives include methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben. Other non-cationic preservatives include iodide propynyl butylcarbamate, zinc pyrithione, chlorphenesin, and methylisothiazolinone. Benzoic acid or iodide propynyl butylcarbamate are particularly preferred as non-cationic preservatives in the above-mentioned chemical solution.

[0084] By using a specific non-cationic preservative in the above-mentioned chemical solution, the preservative effect in wet wipes containing water-repellent cellulose fibers is even better than in those where the preservative in the chemical solution is a cationic preservative.

[0085] The above-mentioned chemical solution may contain, in addition to the non-cationic preservative, other substances such as humectants, antibacterial agents, surfactants, water, and hydrophilic organic solvents (e.g., ethanol). These can be any substance commonly used in chemical solutions in the art without limitation. Furthermore, if the chemical solution contains both a cationic preservative and an anionic humectant such as polysaccharides or amino acids, the cationic functional groups of the cationic preservative and the anionic functional groups of the anionic humectant may combine and precipitate, potentially leading to deterioration of the chemical solution. Therefore, including a non-cationic preservative in the chemical solution offers advantages in avoiding such problems.

[0086] In the above wet wipes, the ratio of the chemical solution impregnated into the nonwoven fabric (impregnation rate) can be one that is commonly used in the art, and the impregnation rate (mass%) [= 100 × (mass of chemical solution) / (mass of nonwoven fabric)] can be, for example, 100% by mass or more, more preferably 200% by mass or more, and even more preferably 250% by mass or more. Furthermore, the ratio of the chemical solution (impregnation rate) can be preferably 700% by mass or less, more preferably 600% by mass or less, even more preferably 550% by mass or less, and even more preferably 500% by mass or less.

[0087] The packaging for wet wipes comprises the wet wipes and a packaging body, with the wet wipes housed in the packaging body. Examples of the packaging body include packaging sheets and packaging containers. When the packaging body is a packaging sheet, one or more wet wipes are housed in the packaging sheet. If the packaging contains one wet wipe, that wet wipe is folded. If the packaging contains multiple wet wipes, the multiple wet wipes may or may not be folded.

[0088] Furthermore, if the packaging body is a packaging container, then in the case of wet wipes packaging, multiple wet wipes are housed in the packaging container. The packaging container may have a top with an opening and a bottom, and the multiple wet wipes may be stacked in the direction from the bottom to the top.

[0089] Furthermore, among the multiple wet wipes mentioned above, a portion of the bottom-side wet wipes located at the bottom and a portion of the top-side wet wipes adjacent to the top-side wet wipes can be arranged so that they overlap each other, with the portion of the bottom-side wet wipes positioned higher up than the portion of the top-side wet wipes.

[0090] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wet wipes packaging 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment"), and Figure 2 is an end view of the wet wipes packaging 1 at the II-II end face shown in Figure 1. The wet wipes packaging 1 shown in Figure 1 is a pop-up type wet wipes packaging in which a plurality of wet wipes (not shown) are stored inside a packaging body 3 having a top T with an opening 5 and a bottom B, so that they can be sequentially removed. The packaging body 3 has a sealing material 7 that covers the opening 5.

[0091] The packaging body 3 is bag-shaped, and when the opening 5 is sealed with the sealing material 7, the wet wipes inside the packaging body 3 are sealed, and evaporation of the medicine is suppressed. Each wet wipe can be removed through the opening 5. The sealing material 7 has an adhesive applied to the surface that comes into contact with the packaging body 3 in order to repeatedly seal the wet wipes inside the packaging body 3.

[0092] As shown in Figure 2, inside the packaging body 3, multiple wet wipes 9 are stacked in a direction from the top T to the bottom B. Each of the multiple wet wipes 9 has an outward tri-fold (approximately Z-shaped) folding structure with a first fold line and a second fold line. Furthermore, the multiple wet wipes 9 are stacked such that adjacent wet wipes 9 face the same direction in the thickness direction (from the top T to the bottom B) (so that the first fold lines overlap in the thickness direction, and the second fold lines overlap in the thickness direction).

[0093] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the multiple wet wipes 9 stored in the wet wipe packaging 1 shown in Figure 2. The wet wipes 9', 9'', and 9'''' are stacked sequentially from the top T to the bottom B. In the relationship between wet wipes 9' and 9'', the top end 9''T of the wet wipe 9'' (bottom-side wet wipe) located on the bottom B side and the bottom end 9'B of the wet wipe 9' (top-side wet wipe) adjacent to its top T side overlap each other such that the top end 9''T of the wet wipe 9'' (bottom-side wet wipe) is located closer to the top T than the bottom end 9'B of the wet wipe 9' (top-side wet wipe).

[0094] Similarly, in Figure 3, regarding the relationship between wet wipes 9'' and wet wipes 9''', the top end 9'''T of wet wipe 9''' (bottom-side wet wipe) located on the bottom B side and the bottom end 9''B of wet wipe 9'' (top-side wet wipe) adjacent to its top T side overlap each other such that the top end 9'''T of wet wipe 9''' (bottom-side wet wipe) is located closer to the top T side than the bottom end 9''B of wet wipe 9'' (top-side wet wipe).

[0095] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, multiple wet wipes 9 are stacked, so that when a wet wipe 9' is removed, a portion of the wet wipe 9'' (mainly 9''T) is pulled out and protrudes from the packaging body 3, making it easier to remove the wet wipe 9'' for the next use.

[0096] Furthermore, if the water film of the medicated solution formed between the wet wipes connects the bottom end 9'B of wet wipe 9' and the top end 9''T of wet wipe 9'', there may be a tendency for multiple wipes to be removed at once, such as when removing wet wipe 9', the entire wet wipe 9'' being removed together. In the wet wipe packaging 1 according to the first embodiment, since the wet wipe 9 is a specific wet wipe, it offers excellent single-wipe removal.

[0097] Figure 4 is an end view of a wet wipes packaging 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "second embodiment"), and is an end view corresponding to the II-II end view in Figure 1. In Figure 4, each of the multiple wet wipes 9 has a four-fold (approximately Σ shape) folded structure folded along three fold lines. Furthermore, the multiple wet wipes 9 are stacked such that the Σ shapes of adjacent wet wipes 9 face opposite directions in the thickness direction (direction from the top T to the bottom B).

[0098] In the wet wipe packaging 1 according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the top end (not shown) of the bottom-side wet wipe (not shown) located at the bottom and the bottom end (not shown) of the top-side wet wipe (not shown) adjacent to the top side overlap each other such that the top end of the bottom-side wet wipe is positioned higher on the top side than the bottom end of the top-side wet wipe. In the wet wipe packaging 1 according to the second embodiment, since the wet wipes 9 are specific wet wipes, it is easy to take out one wipe at a time.

[0099] The present disclosure will be explained below with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. [Manufacturing Example 1] Nonwoven fabric No. 1 was formed by a dry spunlace method, comprising a first surface layer, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer, and a second surface layer in that order. The first surface layer and the second surface layer each contained 30% by mass of water-repellent rayon fibers (manufactured by Daiwabo Rayon Co., Ltd., EcoReperus, fineness: 1.7 dtex, average fiber length: 40 mm) and 70% by mass of hydrophilic rayon fibers (manufactured by Daiwabo Rayon Co., Ltd., Corona, fineness: 1.44 dtex, average fiber length: 44 mm).

[0100] The first intermediate layer contained 85% by mass of pulp fibers (coniferous pulp fibers) and 15% by mass of heat-fusible fibers (manufactured by Daiwabo Spinning Co., Ltd., NBF(KK)-PL, a composite fiber with a polylactic acid core and a polybutylene succinate sheath, fineness: 2.40 dtex, average fiber length: 5.0 mm). The second intermediate layer contained 100% by mass of hydrophilic rayon fibers (manufactured by Daiwabo Rayon Co., Ltd., Corona, fineness: 1.44 dtex, average fiber length: 44 mm).

[0101] Nonwoven fabric No. 1 was cut to a size of 200 x 140 mm (dispensing direction x width direction), 50 pieces of the cut nonwoven fabric No. 1 were stacked together as shown in the second embodiment, the stack of 50 pieces was packaged in a packaging body, and then the packaging body was filled with a liquid solution equivalent to 300% by mass of the 50 stacks to form a wet wipe packaging No. 1.

[0102] [Manufacturing Example 2] Nonwoven fabric No. 2 and wet wipe packaging No. 2 were formed in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1, except that the compositions of the first and second surface layers were changed as shown in Table 1. [Manufacturing Example 3] Nonwoven fabric No. 3 and wet wipe packaging No. 3 were formed in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1, except that the compositions of the first and second surface layers were changed as shown in Table 1.

[0103] [Reference Manufacturing Example 1] Nonwoven fabric No. 4 and wet wipe packaging No. 4 were formed in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1, except that the compositions of the first and second surface layers were changed as shown in Table 1. [Comparative Manufacturing Example 1] Nonwoven fabric No. 5 and wet wipe packaging No. 5 were formed in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1, except that the compositions of the first and second surface layers were changed as shown in Table 2, specifically that the "water-repellent rayon fibers" in the first and second surface layers were changed to "hydrophobic fibers (polyethylene terephthalate fibers, fineness: 1.45 dtex, average fiber length: 38 mm)".

[0104]

[0105]

[0106] [Examples 1 to 3, and Comparative Examples 1 and 2] [Water absorption by Klem method] For nonwoven fabrics No. 1 to No. 5, the water absorption, water absorption amount, and water retention amount were measured by the Klem method according to the method described herein. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0107] The ease of dispensing multiple wipes and the dispensing height were evaluated for each of the wet wipe packaging types No. 1 to No. 5. The test methods are as follows. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0108] [Multiple Wipes Dispensing] When one wet wipe is taken out of the packaging at a time, and the nth wet wipe (1, 2, ..., n, ..., 50 from the top) is taken out, the number of wet wipes that are pulled out together with the nth wet wipe (the wet wipe taken out directly) (wet wipes that are indirectly taken out "entirely") is counted.

[0109] For example, when the nth wet wipe is taken out, if the (n+1)th wet wipe located below it is pulled out along with the nth wet wipe, the wet wipe that was indirectly taken out "entirely" is counted as one wipe.

[0110] Furthermore, when the nth wet wipe is removed, if the (n+1)th wet wipe one sheet below it is pulled out together with the nth wet wipe, and the (n+2)th wet wipe two sheets below it is also pulled out together with the (n+1)th wet wipe, then the wet wipes that were indirectly removed "entirely" are counted as two. The experiment continues until all 50 wet wipes have been removed, and the total number of wet wipes that were indirectly removed "entirely" (m) is counted and recorded as the number of wipes that can be removed multiple times.

[0111] [Pickup Height] Wet wipes were removed one by one from the packaging. When the nth wet wipe (1, 2, ..., n, ..., 50 from the top) was removed, the length of the wet wipes that were pulled out together with the nth wet wipe (wet wipes that were indirectly "partially" removed) was measured (length from the edge of the wet wipe to the opening), and the average value of the whole was defined as the pickup height. In measuring the pickup height, wet wipes that were indirectly "entirely" removed were ignored. Furthermore, even when the above chemical solution was assumed to contain benzoic acid as a non-cationic preservative at a concentration of 0.1% by mass based on the total mass of the chemical solution, there was no substantial difference from the results shown in Table 3.

[0112]

[0113] [Example 4, Comparative Example 3, and Reference Examples 1-4] [Preservative Test] Preservative tests were conducted on nonwoven fabric No. 1, nonwoven fabric No. 4, and nonwoven fabric No. 5 using benzoic acid (non-cationic preservative) and benzalkonium chloride (cationic preservative), respectively, according to the rapid preservation efficacy test method and simple bacterial count measurement method described below. For the wet wipe packaging, packaging No. 1-1, No. 4-1, and No. 5-1 were designated as those containing benzoic acid at a concentration of 0.1% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid, and packaging No. 1-2, No. 4-2, and No. 5-2 were designated as those containing benzalkonium chloride at a concentration of 0.05% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid. Furthermore, regarding pH, the surface pH of five wet wipes taken from each package was measured using an FET-pH meter, and the average was calculated. The results are shown in Table 4. Rapid preservation efficacy test: Wet wipe packages No. 1-1, No. 4-1, No. 5-1, No. 1-2, No. 4-2, and No. 5-2 were manufactured and left to stand for one week. The aqueous solution that seeped out from the wet wipes in each package (i.e., not retained by the constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric that makes up the wet wipes) was used as the test formulation. 0.01 mL of inoculum was added to 1 g of the test formulation and mixed. After incubation for 1 to 2 days, 9 mL of neutralizing solution was added and mixed, and then left to stand for about 30 minutes to neutralize the remaining preservative. After adding 180 μL of liquid culture medium to each well of a 96-well microplate, 20 μL of the inoculated and neutralized test formulation was added, and turbidity was measured over 24 to 48 hours using a microplate reader. The rise time of each test formulation was compared with the passing standard, and if the rise time of the test formulation was the same or slower, it was marked as ○ (pass), and if it was faster, it was marked as × (fail). If the growth curve did not rise, it was marked as ◎ (pass). For the overall evaluation, ○ was marked if all bacteria passed, and × was marked if any one bacterium failed. Note that if the overall evaluation is passed, the preservative effect is equivalent to passing ISO 11930 Criteria A. Simple bacterial count measurement: The test formulation was measured using a microplate reader. The detection limit was 100 cfu / mL.

[0114]

[0115] 1. Wet wipes packaging 3. Packaging body 5. Opening 7. Sealing material 9. Wet wipes

Claims

1. A nonwoven fabric sheet comprising a nonwoven fabric having a first surface layer and a second surface layer constituting the surface of the nonwoven fabric, each containing water-repellent cellulose fibers, wherein the water-repellent cellulose fibers are present in an amount of 10 to 45% by mass based on the total mass of the nonwoven fabric; and a chemical solution containing a preservative, wherein the preservative is a non-cationic preservative.

2. The wet wipes according to claim 1, wherein the non-cationic preservative is at least one selected from the group consisting of organic acids, phenoxyethanol, parabens, iodide propynyl butylcarbamate, zinc pyrithione, chlorphenesin, and methylisothiazolinone.

3. The wet wipes according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nonwoven fabric has a water absorption capacity of 60 to 110 mm by the Klem method.

4. The water-repellent cellulose fiber has a water swelling degree of 10 to 80% by mass, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The wet wipes according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nonwoven fabric further comprises an intermediate layer disposed between the first surface layer and the second surface layer, and the intermediate layer contains heat-fusible fibers.

6. The wet wipes according to claim 5, wherein the heat-fusible fibers include heat-fusible fibers that are biodegradable.

7. The wet wipes according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the intermediate layer further contains pulp fibers.

8. The wet wipes according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the first surface layer and the second surface layer is composed of cellulose fibers.

9. A wet wipes package in which a plurality of wet wipes are housed inside a packaging body having a top having an opening and a bottom, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of wet wipes are made of the wet wipes described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and the plurality of wet wipes are stacked in a direction from the bottom to the top.

10. The wet wipes packaging according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of wet wipes are arranged such that the top end of the bottom-side wet wipe located on the bottom side and the bottom end of the top-side wet wipe adjacent to the top side are overlapping each other such that the top end of the bottom-side wet wipe is located on the top side of the top-side wet wipe than the bottom end of the top-side wet wipe.

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