Absorbent article

Abstract

The invention pertains to an absorbent article (10) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (20), a liquid impermeable backsheet (22), and an absorbent core (23) arranged between said topsheet (20) and backsheet (22), characterized in that the liquid impermeable backsheet (22) comprises, preferably consists essentially of, even more preferably consists of, an impermeable nonwoven layer or an impermeable airlaid layer.

Description

[0001] ABSORBENT ARTICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates to absorbent articles such as disposable absorbent articles, preferably selected from the group consisting of diapers (whether for baby or adults), pants (whether for baby or adults), pantiliners, briefs, sanitary napkins, and combinations thereof In particular, the present disclosure relates to individually packaged absorbent articles selected from sanitary napkins, adult incontinence pads or panty liners, which are configured to collect and contain blood, menses, urine, vaginal fluids or avoid leakage..

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Disposable absorbent articles, such as infant diapers or training pants, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, pantiliners and other such products typically are constructed with a liquid impervious outer backsheet, a liquid pervious body-contacting topsheet, and an absorbent core sandwiched between said topsheet and backsheet. In particular, absorbent articles selected from sanitary napkins, adult incontinence pads or pantyliners, used to collect vaginal discharges are configured to be fastened onto an undergarment and comprise a layer of adhesive arranged on one side of the backsheet so that the article can be secured onto said garment. These absorbent articles generally comprise at least one layer made out of a plastic film such as a polypropylene or polyethylene films since these material have several beneficial physical properties such as flexibility, deformability, etc. as well as for cost reasons. However, these films are always made from petroleum-derived materials and thus are not environment-friendly.

[0006] For example, prior arts such as EP3684315 or EP3340953 directed to absorbent articles having a higher bio-based material content nonetheless disclose a backsheet made out of a liquid impermeable plastic film, namely a film of polyethylene, since a polyethylene film is liquid impermeable, flexible and stay the standard material in this industry.

[0007] There is still a need to improve the environmental impact of these absorbent articles and offer a solution that involves more sustainable materials without degrading the performance of these absorbent articles.The invention thereto aims to provide an environmentally friendly absorbent article selected from infant diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence pads.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core arranged between said topsheet and backsheet, wherein the liquid impermeable backsheet comprises, preferably consists essentially of, even more preferably consists of, an impermeable nonwoven layer or an impermeable airlaid layer.

[0010] In other words, the present disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core arranged between said topsheet and backsheet, wherein the liquid impermeable backsheet consists essentially of a nonwoven layer or an airlaid layer. According to an embodiment, said nonwoven layer or airlaid layer comprises cellulosic fibers, wherein the cellulosic fibers are selected from cotton, viscose, hemp, modal or lyocell. According to an embodiment, said nonwoven layer consists of a spunlace nonwoven. According to an embodiment, said nonwoven layer further comprises a hydrophobic surface agent and / or a hydrophobic binding agent. According to an embodiment, said hydrophobic surface agent and / or binding agent is an alkyl ketene dimer compound.

[0011] Such absorbent article is more environmentally friendly than conventional absorbent articles as the latter use impermeable films for backsheets, for example a polyethylene film, eventually laminated with a nonwoven to improve softness but always the presence of a plastic film to ensure the impermeability.

[0012] By “impermeable nonwoven layer” or “impermeable airlaid layer” it is meant a nonwoven layer or an airlaid layer, which are normally liquid permeable layer namely due to their porous nature, which is rendered liquid impermeable. With such layer it is possible to have a layer that is rendered liquid impermeable while still being gas-permeable because of the porous nature.

[0013] According to an embodiment, said impermeable nonwoven layer or impermeable airlaid layer comprises, preferably consisting essentially of, cellulosic fibers, wherein the cellulosicfibers are selected from cotton, viscose, hemp, modal or lyocell. In other words the impermeable nonwoven layer or impermeable airlaid layer is made out of cellulosic fibers as described hereabove.

[0014] According to an embodiment, said impermeable nonwoven layer comprises a spunlace nonwoven. In other words, the nonwoven is made by a hydroentanglement process meaning that the cellulosic fiber web passes through a series of jets that spray water at high pressure onto the fibers, said web is then dried and finished to create the desired nonwoven spunlace. The finish step can comprise subsequent actions such as spraying, coating or spin finish of additives such as slip agent, hydrophobic surface agents or hydrophilic surface agents.

[0015] According to an embodiment, said impermeable nonwoven layer or impermeable airlaid layer further comprises a hydrophobizing compound or in other words, said impermeable nonwoven layer or impermeable airlaid layer further comprises a hydrophobic surface agent or a hydrophobic binding agent. Preferably, said hydrophobizing compound, meaning the hydrophobic surface agent or a hydrophobic binding agent is bio-based, meaning that said compound is a material having a bio-based material content or a bio-sourced material content meaning that these materials are derived from biomass.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the hydrophobic surface agent is selected from :

[0017] alkyl ketene dimers ;

[0018] bio-based waxes preferably beeswax, carnauba wax, soy wax; fatty acid derived and / or oil-derived compounds preferably stearic acid or oleic acid;

[0019] lignin-derived compounds such as kraft lignin or organosolv lignin; chitosan and / or

[0020] silanes,

[0021] preferably said hydrophobic surface agents underwent a hydrophobic modification such as acetylation, esterification or alkylation to increase water resistance.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the hydrophobic binding agent is selected from :

[0023] chitosan,

[0024] polylactic acid,

[0025] cellulose ester compounds preferably cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate;tannin-derived and / or lignin-derived compounds preferably that were blended with hydrophobic compounds such as fatty acids or alkyl ketene dimers;

[0026] hydrophobic starch-derived compounds preferably with crosslinked with plant-derived oils, wax esters or alkyl ketene dimer;

[0027] nanocellulose preferably blended with hydrophobic compounds such as alkyl ketene dimers or plant-derived waxes or plant-derived proteins; protein-derived compounds such as soy or casein preferably functionalized with fatty acid derivatives or hydrophobic peptides

[0028] preferably these binding agents underwent a hydrophobic modification such as acetylation, esterification or alkylation to increase water resistance.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the impermeable backsheet, meaning the impermeable nonwoven layer or impermeable airlaid layer comprises a hydrostatic head of at least 80 mm, preferably at least 100 mm, more preferably 125 mm, most preferably at least 150 mm.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the liquid permeable topsheet comprises a nonwoven layer comprising cotton, viscose, hemp, modal or lyocell. In other words the liquid permeable topsheet is essentially made out of cellulosic fibers as described hereabove.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the absorbent article further comprises an acquisition distribution layer arranged between the absorbent core and the topsheet, said acquisition distribution layer comprising cotton, viscose, hemp, modal or lyocell. In other words the acquisition distribution layer is essentially made out of cellulosic fibers as described hereabove.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the absorbent core comprises absorbent material, said absorbent material comprising cellulose fibers selected from unbleached pulp or totally chlorine free or elemental chlorine free cellulose fibers or any combination thereof.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the absorbent material further comprises biodegradable superabsorbent particles (bioSAP), said bioSAP comprising polysaccharides-derived polymers, preferably having crosslinked polysaccharides and / or carbohydrate fermentation- derived polymers.According to an embodiment, the absorbent article is selected from a sanitary napkin, an incontinence pad or a pantiliner and further comprises a layer of adhesive arranged on the garment facing side of the backsheet, said adhesive being selected from polylactic acid, 3-hydroxy butyric acid and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid 3-hydroxy valeric acid, polyvinyl alcohol, biobased ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, vinyl acetate polymers, polyethylene oxide, polyhydroxylakanoate, polycaprolactone low-density polyethylene, a printed lacquer, 1,4 succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, 3- hydroxy propionic acid, aspartic acid, glucaric acid, glutamic acid, itaconic acid, levulinic acid, 3-hydroxybutyrolactone, glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol / arabinitol or tricarboxylic acid.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the liquid impermeable backsheet has a basis weight comprised between 15 and 40 gsm, preferably between 20 and 30 gsm.

[0035] The present disclosure also pertains to a package comprising a stack of absorbent articles as described hereing, wherein the package is made of a plastic film having a plastic recyclate content of at least 30 wt.%, preferably at least 50 wt.%, even more preferably at least 80 wt.%, based on the plastic film or the package comprises a paper material having a basis weight between 30 g / m2and 130 g / m2measured according to the ISO 536 standard, preferably between 40 g / m2and 100 g / m2.

[0036] All of these embodiments mentioned above can be taken individually or in combination.

[0037] Further embodiments are described below and in the claims.

[0038] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly absorbent articles and so the hydrophobic surface agent and / or hydrophobic binding agent are preferably bio-sourced or bio-based. In other words, the hydrophobic surface agent and / or hydrophobic binding agent are derived from a natural source or renewable resource and are not petroleum-derived or fossil-based compounds. These hydrophobic surface agent and / or hydrophobic binding agent can be used separately or together in formulations, for instance a bio-based hydrophobic surface agent can be emulsified with bio-based binding agents such as starch or lignin for better adhesion onto the nonwoven or airlaid material. When used alone, surface agent can undergo additional process such as esterification or grafting onto the nonwoven or airlaid fibers for enhanced bonding.The hydrophobic surface agent is designed primarily to alter surface properties by reducing wettability and increasing water repellence. Such surface agent is usually applied via spraying, coating, dipping, with rollers or any other common surface treatments. Examples of bio-based hydrophobic surface agent include and not limited to alkyl ketene dimers, animal or plant-based waxes such as carnauba wax, beeswax, soy wax; fatty acids derived compounds such as stearic acid, oleic acid; chitosan or cellulose derivatives or lignin-derived compounds.

[0039] Alternatively or in combination, a hydrophobic binding agent, or a hydrophobic binder acts as a structural adhesive to bind fibers together in a given nonwoven or airlaid material. It can also provide additional properties such as flexibility, strength and especially hydrophobicity. Such hydrophobic binding agent is usually applied as a matrix in composites. Such bio-based hydrophobic binding agents include and are not limited to modified starches or modified proteins such as soy protein, lignin-based binding agents preferably combined with hydrophobic agents; PLA-derived emulsions, plant-derived polyurethane or alkyl ketene dimers as a binding agent.

[0040] Simply put, a hydrophobic surface agent primarily modifies wettability without necessarily providing structural integrity whereas a hydrophobic binding agent is mainly used to hold fibers or particles together, but these compounds can be hydrophobic or hydrophilic depending on their chemistry. The term “hydrophobic” and “hydrophobizing” are interchangeable as they pertain to an agent, compound or composition that alters the hydrophobicity of the nonwoven or airlaid layer of the liquid impermeable backsheet.

[0041] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0042] The drawings and figures are illustrative in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a view in perspective of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment; FIG.5 depicts a cross-section of a portion of an absorbent article according to another embodiment;

[0046] FIG.6 shows a view in perspective of an absorbent article according to another embodiment; FIG.7 illustrates a view in perspective of an absorbent article according to another embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment; FIG. 9 depicts a cross-section of a portion of an absorbent article according to another embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The present invention concerns the packaging of individually packaged absorbent articles selected from sanitary napkins, adult incontinence pads or pantyliners.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

[0052] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0053] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0054] “A”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, “a compartment” refers to one or more than one compartment.

[0055] “About” as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of + / -20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, even more preferably + / -1% or less, and still more preferably + / -0.1 % or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed disclosure. However, it is to beunderstood that the value to which the modifier “about” refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

[0056] “Comprise”, “comprising”, and “comprises” and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0057] “Absorbent article” refers to devices that absorb and contain liquid, and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articles preferably comprise a longitudinal axis defining a length and a transversal axis defining a width, said transversal axis being perpendicular to said longitudinal axis as well as a vertical axis defining a height or thickness. The longitudinal axis is hereby conventionally chosen in the front-to-back direction of the article when referring to the article being worn, and the transversal axis is conventionally chosen in the left-to-right direction of the article when referring to the article being worn. Disposable absorbent articles can include a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned and held between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is operatively permeable to the liquids that are intended to be held or stored by the absorbent article, and the backsheet may or may not be substantially impervious or otherwise operatively impermeable to the intended liquids. The absorbent article may also include other components, such as acquisition distribution layers, liquid intake layers, liquid distribution layers, transfer layers, barrier layers, wrapping layers and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Disposable absorbent articles and the components thereof can operate to provide a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface.

[0058] “Lyocell” is a fiber composed of cellulose precipitated from an organic solution in which no substitution of the hydroxy groups takes place, and no chemical intermediates are formed, lyocell is a form of regenerated cellulose made by dissolving pulp and dry jet-wet spinning.

[0059] “Front”, “rear or back”, and “crotch” end of the absorbent article as used herein typically refer for the “front” end of the article is that which is most proximal to the front of the subject when worn, the “rear or back” end of the article is that which is most proximal to the rear orback of the subject when worn, and the “crotch” portion of the core is the middle portion of the absorbent article between the “front” and “rear or back” portions.

[0060] The “absorbent core” is the absorbent structure disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet of the absorbent article in at least the crotch region of the absorbent article and is capable of absorbing and retaining liquid body exudates. The size and the absorbent capacity of the absorbent medium should be compatible with the size of the intended wearer and the liquid loading imparted by the intended use of the absorbent article. Further, the size and the absorbent capacity of the absorbent medium can be varied to accommodate wearers ranging from infants through adults. It may be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes (for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shape, l-shape, hourglass shape, etc.) and from a wide variety of materials. Examples of commonly occurring absorbent materials are cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers (so called superabsorbent polymer particles (SAP)), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials or the like. It is common to combine cellulosic fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers in an absorbent material.

[0061] The term "adhesive" as used herein is intended to refer to any suitable hot melt, water or solvent borne adhesive that can be applied to a surface e.g. a paper layer or a film layer in the required pattern or network of adhesive areas. Accordingly, suitable adhesives include conventional hot melt adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives and reactive adhesives (i.e. , polyurethane). The absorbent article can comprise different kinds of adhesive. For example, the absorbent article can comprise hot melt adhesive for bonding the topsheet to the backsheet and non-structural adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive or positioning adhesive for bonding the absorbent article to the wrapper and hence to the undergarment. As used herein, the term “non-structural adhesive” refers to any adhesive with a low bonding strength usually demonstrating a load-carrying capacity of less than 1000 pound-force per square inch (psi). Such non-structural adhesives comprise for example vinyls, polychloropene and polyurethane.

[0062] As used herein, the term "adhesive bonding" means a bonding process which forms a bond by application of an adhesive. Such application of adhesive may be by various processes such as slot coating, spray coating and other topical applications. Further, such adhesive may be applied within a product component and then exposed to pressure such that contact of a second product component with the adhesive containing product component forms an adhesive bond between the two components.As used therein, the term "associated" encompasses configurations in which topsheet is directly joined to backsheet by affixing topsheet directly to backsheet, and configurations wherein topsheet is joined to backsheet by affixing topsheet to intermediate members which in turn are affixed to backsheet. Topsheet and backsheet can be affixed directly to each other by attachment means such as an adhesive, sonic bonds, thermal bonds or any other attachment means known in the art. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a sprayed pattern of adhesive or an array of separate lines, swirls or spots of construction adhesive may be used to affix topsheet to backsheet. It should be readily appreciated that the above-described attachment means may also be employed to interconnect and assemble together the various other component parts of the article described herein.

[0063] The term “backsheet” or “backsheet” refers to a material forming the outer cover of the absorbent article. The backsheet prevents the exudates contained in the absorbent structure from wetting articles such as undergarments which contact the disposable absorbent article. The backsheet is a unitary layer of material or a unitary layer that is coated by another material.

[0064] As used herein, the term “basis weight” refers to an average weight, or a range of weight, of the component in question, namely the layer of cellulosic fibers or the layer of peeling agent, per square meter. Term such as “grammage” is equivalent to “basis weight” and is expressed in grams per square meter, g / m2or gsm.

[0065] For instance, the basis weight of the layer of cellulosic fibers is preferably measured according to the ISO 536 standard or any standard method. The amount of peeling agent or sealing agent on the wrapper can be measured by taking a sample of the wrapper where the peeling agent or the sealing agent is arranged, weighing said sample before and after removal of the peeling agent or sealing agent (in grams) the difference giving the weight of the peeling agent or sealing agent, and dividing the weight of peeling agent or sealing agent by the area of the sample (in m2) thereby obtaining the amount of peeling agent or sealing agent in gsm.

[0066] As used herein, the term “body-facing” side or surface means that side or surface of the absorbent article or component of said absorbent article which is intended to be disposed toward or placed adjacent to the body of the wearer during ordinary use, while the “garment-facing” side or surface is on the opposite side, and is intended to be disposed to face away from the wearer's body during ordinary use. Such garment-facing surface may be arranged to face toward or placed adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when the absorbent article is worn. In other words, the “body-facing side” of a component is the side proximal to the body of the wearer whereas “garment-facing side” of a component is the side proximal to the garment or undergarment of the wearer.

[0067] "Bonded" refers to the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching, or the like, of at least two elements. Two elements will be considered to be bonded together when they are bonded directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediate elements.

[0068] As used herein, the term "cellulosic" or "cellulosic fibers" is meant to include any material having cellulose as a major constituent, and specifically comprising at least 50 percent by weight cellulose or a cellulose derivative. Thus, the term includes cotton, typical wood pulps, nonwoody cellulosic fibers, kraft paper, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, rayon, thermomechanical wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, debonded chemical wood pulp, milkweed, or bacterial cellulose.

[0069] The term "consisting essentially of" or “made essentially of’ does not exclude the presence of additional materials which do not significantly affect the composition of a given layer. Exemplary materials of this sort would include, without limitation, pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow promoters, solvents, particulates and materials added to enhance processability of the composition.

[0070] As used herein, the term “garment” means any type of apparel which may be worn. This includes incontinence products, surgical gowns, industrial workwear and coveralls, undergarments, pants, shirts, jackets and the like.

[0071] The term “hydrophilic” describes fibers or the surfaces of fibers which are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. The term “wettable” is meant to refer to a fiber which exhibits a liquid, such as water, synthetic urine, or a 0.9 weight percent aqueous saline solution, in air contact angle of less than 90°, whereas “hydrophobic” or “non-wettable” describes fibers having contact angles equal to or greater than 90°."Join", "joining", "joined", or variations thereof, when used in describing the relationship between two or more elements, means that the elements can be connected together in any suitable manner, such as by heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, by adhesives, stitching, or the like. Further, the elements can be joined directly together, or may have one or more elements interposed between them, all of which are connected together.

[0072] The use of the term "layer" can refer, but is not limited, to any type of substrate, such as a woven web, nonwoven web, airlaid web, composites, cellulosic material or the like. A layer can be liquid and air permeable, permeable to air but impermeable to liquids, impermeable both to air and liquid, or the like. In other terms, a “layer” refers to a single material or a plurality of materials forming a sheet with a given thickness and extending in length and width.

[0073] "Liquid" means a nongaseous substance and / or material that flows and can assume the interior shape of a container into which it is poured or placed.

[0074] The term “nonwoven fabric”, “nonwoven layer” or “nonwoven web” means a sheet material having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid, but not in a regular manner such as occurs with knitting or weaving processes. Nonwoven fabrics, layer or webs have been formed from many processes such as for example, spunlacing or hydroentanglement processes, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, and bonded carded web processes.

[0075] The term "polymer" generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the material. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.

[0076] “Pulp” refers to a material made up of cellulose fibers, or cellulosic fibers. The fibers can be either natural or synthetic, or a combination thereof. “Pulp fluff” or “fluff” or “fluff pulp” refers to a material made up of cellulose fibers made from softwood or hardwood, or a material comprising viscose. The material is typically lightweight and has absorbent properties.By “substantially”, it is meant at least the majority of the structure referred to.

[0077] Use of the term "substrate" includes, but is not limited to, woven or nonwoven webs, porous films, ink permeable films, cellulosic pulp, paper, composite structures, or the like.

[0078] The term “topsheet” refers to a liquid permeable material sheet forming the inner cover of the absorbent article and which in use is placed in direct contact with the skin of the wearer. The topsheet is typically employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids held in the absorbent structure. Suitable nonwoven materials can be composed of man-made fibers, such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose, rayon etc. or natural fibers, such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, or from a mixture of natural and man-made fibers. The topsheet material may further be composed of two fibers, which may be bonded to each other in a bonding pattern. The topsheet fabrics may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.

[0079] “Ultrasonic welding” refers to a technology which joins two materials by melting them with heat generated from ultrasonic oscillation and then laminating them together, such that the molten materials flow and fill the gap between the two unaffected portions of the two materials, respectively. Upon cooling and shaping, the two materials are joined together.

[0080] By the term “wrapper” as used herein, is meant a packaging component that enclose the absorbent article prior to use. Terms such as “pouch”, “wrapping sheet”, “packaging sheet” or “wrapping construction” are equivalent to “wrapper”.

[0081] The term “longitudinal”, “transversal” and “vertical” as used herein are with respect to the sanitary napkin in an assembled state or in a disassembled or partially assembled state and in a folded, partially unfolded or unfolded configuration. In other word, the sanitary napkin defines the longitudinal, transversal and vertical directions L,T,V. The term “in the direction” as used herein means along that direction, e.g. in the longitudinal direction means along the longitudinal direction. The terms “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower” are all in reference to said vertical direction. The term “longitudinally extending” in reference to an element, e.g. a patch of adhesive, as used herein means this element is elongated in the longitudinal direction, meaning that this element is extending more in the longitudinal direction than in the transversal or vertical directions. Similarly, the term “transversally extending” inreference to an element, e.g. a patch of adhesive, as used herein means this element is elongated in the transversal direction, meaning that this element is extending more in the transversal direction than in the longitudinal or vertical directions. Similarly, the term “longitudinally and transversally extending” in reference to an element, e.g. a patch of adhesive, as used herein means this element is extending more in the longitudinal and transversal directions than in the vertical direction. As used herein “longitudinally elongated” means elongated in the longitudinal direction.

[0082] All length, width, and height or thickness can be measured with a caliper preferably a micrometer caliper gauge by taking the largest distance separating two points along one direction as defined herein for a given element, e.g. the sanitary napkin in a folded state, the wrapper or the upper strip or the lower strip, or in other words, measuring the distance between two edges of said element along one direction.

[0083] The term “length”, “width” and “thickness or height” as used herein are respectively in reference to the longitudinal, transversal and vertical direction as defined herein.

[0084] The term “bioplastic” used herein refers to any polymeric material, or plastic material, that is bio-based, biodegradable / compostable or both. In other words, the term “bioplastic” refers to materials that are either bio-sourced plastics, i.e. derived from biomass, or biodegradable plastics, including compostable plastics. The biodegradable and / or compostable plastics include the plastics derived from fossil resources petrochemical reactions. Some bioplastics have both features bio-sourced and biodegradable.

[0085] The term “bio-based” or “bio-sourced” or “bio-derived” used herein refers to a material having a bio-based material content or a bio-sourced material content meaning that these materials are derived from biomass. The bio-based content can be seen as the amount of carbon from a renewable resource in a material as a percent of the mass of the total organic carbon in the material, as determined by ASTM D6866-10, method B. In other words, compounds such as bio-based hydrophobic surface agents or bio-based hydrophobic binding agents are compounds that are derived from a natural source or biological source or renewable resources such as plants, micro-organisms or animal proteins rather than fossil fuels or petroleum-based sources and impart hydrophobic properties to a surface or to an overall layer.

[0086] The term "biodegradable" as used herein refers to a material that when disposed of after use will physically and biologically decompose using known degradation proceduresincluding aerobic, anaerobic, and microbial digestion processes within a specified timeframe, leaving no toxic substances or residue.

[0087] The term “compostable” as used herein refers to a material that has the ability to biodegrade under industrial composting conditions including aerobic, anaerobic, and microbial digestion processes within a specified timeframe, leaving no toxic substances or residue.

[0088] Embodiments according to the disclosure will now be described. It is understood that technical features described in one or more embodiments maybe combined with one or more other embodiments without departing from the intention of the disclosure and without generalization therefrom.

[0089] General description of an absorbent article

[0090] According to the present disclosure, “absorbent article(s)” refers to a device(s) that absorbs and contains liquid, and more specifically, refers to device(s) that is placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contains the various exudates discharged from the body such as urine, menstrual blood, fecal matter, etc. Absorbent articles comprise a longitudinal axis defining a length, a transversal axis defining a width, said transversal axis being perpendicular to said longitudinal axis as well as a vertical axis defining a thickness. The longitudinal axis is hereby conventionally chosen in the front-to-rear, orfront-to-back, direction of the article when referring to the article being worn, and the transversal axis is conventionally chosen in the left-to-right direction of the article when referring to the article being worn.

[0091] Disposable or reusable absorbent articles 10 include a liquid pervious topsheet 20, a liquid impermeable backsheet 22 joined to the topsheet 20, and an absorbent core 23 positioned and held between the topsheet 20 and the backsheet 22. The topsheet 20 is operatively permeable to the liquids that are intended to be held or stored by the absorbent article, namely the absorbent core 23, and the backsheet 22 is substantially liquid impervious or otherwise operatively impermeable to the intended liquids. The absorbent article 10 may also include other components, such as acquisition distribution layers 25, liquid intake layers, liquid distribution layers, transfer layers, barrier layers, wrapping layers and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Disposable or reusable absorbent articles 10 and the components thereof can operate to provide a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface.An example of absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the form of a diaper with closing tapes. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the diaper 10 with the topsheet 20 facing the viewer in a flat configuration, i.e. said diaper 10 is in a laid-out state with no elastic contraction. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the transversal axis (y-y) of the diaper 10 of FIG. 1 at the intersection between the longitudinal (x-x) and transversal axis (y-y). FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the diaper 10 with elastic contraction. The absorbent article 10 as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 is shown for illustration purposes only as the present disclosure may be used for making a wide variety of diapers, including adult incontinence products, pants, or other absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and absorbent pads, for example.

[0092] Another example of absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 in the form of a pant having permanent or refastenable side seams. Here, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pant 10 with the topsheet 20 facing the viewer in a flat laid-out state with no elastic contraction. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the transversal axis (y-y) of the pant 10 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pant 10 in a fastened configuration, meaning as intended to be used configuration. The absorbent article 10 as shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 is also shown for illustration purposes only as the present disclosure may be used for making a wide variety of diapers, including adult incontinence products, pants, or other absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and absorbent pads, for example.

[0093] Another example of absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 7 in the form of an absorbent pad having elasticized edges. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pad 10 in an unfolded configuration, meaning in a as intended to be used configuration. The absorbent article 10 as shown in FIG. 7 is also shown for illustration purposes only as the present disclosure may be used for making a wide variety of diapers, including adult incontinence products, pants, or other absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and absorbent pads, for example.

[0094] Another example of absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 in the form of a sanitary napkin or a pantiliner. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin 10 with the backsheet 22 facing the viewer in a flat laid-out or unfolded state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the transversal axis of the sanitary napkin 10 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a pantyliner 10 with the topsheet 20 facing the viewer ina flat laid-out or unfolded state. The absorbent articles 10 as shown in FIG. 8, 9 and 10 are also shown for illustration purposes only as the present disclosure may be used for making a wide variety of diapers, including adult incontinence products, pants, sanitary napkins, pantyliner and absorbent pads for example.

[0095] Elements of FIG. 1 to FIG. 10 having the same reference number correspond to the same element. The absorbent article 10 has a central transversal (or lateral) axis (y-y) and a central longitudinal axis (x-x). The central transversal axis (y-y) extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (x-x).

[0096] According to the present disclosure, the absorbent article 10 selected from, and not limited to, baby diapers, adult incontinence pants, baby pants, absorbent pads, sanitary napkins or panty liners, comprises a front region 11, a crotch region 12, and a rear or back region 13, the crotch region 12 extending between the front region 11 and the rear region 13. The front region 11, the crotch region 12, and the rear region 13 can each be about one-third of the length of the absorbent article 10 as shown in FIG. 1 or 4 or of different proportions as shown in FIG. 7, 8 or 10. The absorbent article 10 comprises a front-end edge 14, a rear-end edge 15 opposite to the front-end edge 14, and longitudinally extending, transversely opposed side edges 16,17 arranged between the front-end and rear-end edges 14,15, for example left-side and right-side edges 16,17. The crotch region 12, the front region 11 and the rear region 13 define leg openings 27 of the diaper-type or pant-type absorbent article 10 in a fastened configuration.

[0097] As explained hereabove, the absorbent article 10 comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 20, a liquid impermeable backsheet 22, and an absorbent core 23 comprising absorbent material 24 positioned at least partially between the topsheet 20 and the backsheet 22, preferably the absorbent core 23 is entirely enveloped or encased between the topsheet 20 and backsheet 22. The topsheet 20 and backsheet 22 are joined directly or indirectly. The absorbent article 10 can optionally further comprise an acquisition distribution layer 25 positioned between the topsheet 20 and the absorbent core 23. A layer of adhesive 19 may cover a garment-facing side of the backsheet 22, typically for sanitary napkins, absorbent pads or pantyliners.

[0098] The absorbent material 24 can be contained within at least one core wrap substrate(s) 33,34 enclosing said absorbent material 24 therein. The core wrap substrate 33,34 may be a single sheet that is folded onto itself to contain the absorbent material 24 therein or maycomprise two distinct sheets that are bonded to each other at least at the peripheral edges thereof to sandwich the absorbent material 24 therein. Several core wrap constructions are possible such as G-fold, C-fold or sandwich wraps. The core wrap substrates 33,34 herein are typically composed of a nonwoven layer or nonwoven laminates comprising spunbond nonwoven, meltblown nonwoven and combinations thereof or tissue. The absorbent article 10 may comprise at least one channel 31. The term “channel(s)” as used herein means fluid distribution means within the absorbent core 23 and / or acquisition distribution layer 25 that are adapted to favour exudate flow there along and generally include structures that are substantially free of absorbent material instead of comprising compacted absorbent material. The channels 31 as disclosed herein can be formed by joining the core wrap substrates 33,34. Channels 31 preferably comprise recessed regions forming visible conduits or passages typically extending along the longitudinal axis of the core and having a depth in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis. By “visible” it is herein intended clearly visible by naked eye. Typically the channels have a width 39 generally greater than 1 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 50 mm, more preferably from 6 mm to 40 mm, more preferably from 8 mm to 30 mm, even more preferably from greater than 8 mm to less than 25 mm. The one or more channels 31 are arranged within the inner periphery of the absorbent core 23, i.e. the inner, or interior, space defined by the periphery of the absorbent core 23, such that each of the channel(s) 31 is bounded, or surrounded, by absorbent material 24. Additionally, the length of the channels 31 may be from 10 % to 95 % of the length of the absorbent core so that again the one or more channels are bounded by absorbent material. Typically the basis weight of the core wrap substrate is from 5 gsm to 50 gsm, preferably from 6 gsm to 35 gsm, more preferably from 8 gsm to 30 gsm. The absorbent material 24 may be contained within the absorbent article 10 by the topsheet 20 and backsheet 22 only without the presence of a core wrap substrate. Since the object of the present disclosure pertains to less hazardous absorbent articles, according to the present disclosure, the core wrap substrate 33,34 can be made of environmentally friendly material, preferably biodegradable and / or compostable material, selected from and not limited to polylactic acid (PLA), viscose, polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), bio-derived polyethylene, (bioPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) or polycaprolactone (PCL).

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the absorbent article 10 may comprise rear side panels 30 in the rear region 13, also called back side panels. The rear side panels 30 comprise fasteners 32; also called closing tapes 32, and extend from the rear region 13 of the absorbent article 10 and can be attached, using the fasteners 32, to the landing zone 35 or landing zonematerial 35 arranged on a garment-facing portion of the front region 11 of the absorbent article 10. The fasteners and landing zone material comprise complementary attachment means such as hooks and loops, adhesive and a receiving surface, etc. The absorbent article 10 may also comprise front side panels 36 in the front waist region 11. The front side panels 36 are optional but are preferable as they improve the snug fit and overall comfort of the wearer. Front or rear side panels are commonly called ears, i.e. the front ears and the rear ears and correspond to a separate component in the form of a panel that is attached to the chassis meaning the front and / or rear side panels can be attached to the topsheet, backsheet or absorbent core or any combination thereof. For example the side panels 30,36 can be glued to the backsheet or the side panels 30,36 can be fixedly sandwiched between the topsheet and backsheet or the side panels 30,36 can be welded to the topsheet or the side panels 30,36can be attached to another component such as the barrier leg cuffs. For example, the side panels 30,36 can be glued between the barrier leg cuffs and the backsheet. The front and / or rear side panels are further defined hereunder.

[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the absorbent article 10 may comprise a front waist belt 43 in the front region 11 and a back waist belt 42 in the rear region 13 and an absorbent insert 46 comprising a liquid permeable topsheet 20, a liquid impermeable backsheet 22, and an absorbent core 23 comprising absorbent material positioned at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent insert 46 may be joined to a wearer-facing surface of the front and back waist belts 43, 42 or to a garment-facing surface of the front and back waist belts 43,42. Side edges 48 and 50 of the front waist belt 43 may be joined to side edges 52 and 54, respectively, of the rear waist belt 42 to form two side seams 56. As shown in FIG. 6, the side seams 56 may be any suitable seams known to those of skill in the art, such as butt seams or overlap seams, for example. When the side seams 56 are permanently formed or refastenably closed, the absorbent article 10 in the form of a pant has two leg openings 27 and a waist opening circumference 29. The side seams 56 may be permanently joined using adhesives or bonds such as ultrasonic bonding or mechanical bonding, for example, or may be refastenably closed using hook and loop fasteners, for example. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the front and rear belts 43,42 may each comprise an inner belt layer 60 and an outer belt layer 62 and an elastic component, namely at least one waist elastic(s) 64 disposed at least partially between the inner and outer belt layers 60,62. The waist elastic(s) 64 may be in the form of a plurality of elastic strands as illustrated in FIG. 4 or FIG.5, of a plurality of elastic strips or of one or more elastic film(s) or a combination thereof.Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, the absorbent article 10 may comprise one or more leg elastics 41, here two pairs of leg elastics 41 (FIG. 2) or two pairs of three leg elastics 41 (FIG. 4). The leg elastics 41 are positioned laterally outboard of gasketing elastics 38. Each leg elastic 41 may be formed by a piece of material which is bonded to the absorbent article 10. The leg elastic(s) 41 extends at least partially between the front-end edge 14 and the rear-end edge 15. The leg elastic(s) 41 essentially leads portions of the absorbent article 10 proximate to the side edges 16,17 to help form a seal around the legs of the wearer. The leg elastic(s) 41 extends at least within the crotch region 12 and may extend at least partially within the front and rear regions 11,13. For example, the leg elastics 41 may be separated from the absorbent article 10 by removing the barrier leg cuffs or the topsheet or backsheet, eventually by force if the leg elastics 41 have been mechanically bonded onto the topsheet or backsheet.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, the absorbent article 10 may comprise one or more elastic waistbands 66. The elastic waistband(s) 66 may be positioned on the garment-facing surface or the wearer-facing surface. As an example, a first elastic waistband 66 may be present in the front region 11 near the front-end edge 14 and a second elastic waistband 66 may be present in the rear region 13 near the rear-end edge 15. The elastic waistband(s) 66 aid in sealing the absorbent article 10 around a waist of a wearer and at least inhibiting bodily exudates from escaping the absorbent article 10 through the waist opening circumference 29. In some instances, an elastic waistband 66 may fully surround the waist opening circumference of an absorbent article.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 7, 8, 9 or 10, the absorbent article 10 may comprise a layer of adhesive 19 on the garment side of the backsheet 22 and comprise a release paper, or release liner 71 corresponding to a removable peel strip that may be removed to expose said adhesive to fasten the absorbent article 10 to an undergarment. For example, the release paper 71 can be a removable paper layer that is coated with peeling agent, such as silicone and arranged to cover or protect a layer of adhesive 19 arranged on the backsheet 22. Alternatively, the absorbent article may comprise a pouch, such as a biopolyethylene film, a starch-based film or a polylactic acid film directly covering said layer of adhesive 19 without the need of a intermediary release paper.

[0103] As illustrated in Fig. 8, the topsheet 20 and the backsheet 22 are associated with one another. The topsheet 20 and backsheet 22 are associated, or joined at the periphery of the sanitary napkin 10 as illustrated in FIG. 8 in bonding regions 93 by attachment means suchas an adhesive, mechanical bonds, sonic bonds, thermal bonds, in other words, the bonding regions 93 define the outline or perimeter of the sanitary napkin 10. The topsheet 20 is arranged on the body-facing side of the sanitary napkin 10 whereas the backsheet 22 is arranged on the garment-facing side of the sanitary napkin 10. Optionally, the absorbent core 23 and / or the optional ADL 25, can comprise at least one channel or at least one embossment 31 as shown in FIG. 10 where the panty liner 10 comprises embossments 31 with flowers and wavy lines embossed onto the topsheet 20. The topsheet 20 and ADL 25 can be embossed as well, separately or together with the absorbent core. For example, the absorbent article 10 can comprise a topsheet 20 and ADL 25 embossed and a nonembossed absorbent core 23.

[0104] The sanitary napkin 10 comprises a topsheet 20, a backsheet 22, an absorbent core 23 arranged between said topsheet 20 and backsheet 22, and two foldable wings 81 or flaps 81 arranged at opposite sides of the sanitary napkin 10 with respect to the transversal direction T. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the sanitary napkin 10 extends in longitudinal, transversal and vertical directions L,T,V, the sanitary napkin has a longitudinal centerline, or central axis, x-x, a pair of transverse sides, meaning a pair of sides arranged at each longitudinal ends or longitudinal extremities, of the sanitary napkin 10, and a pair of longitudinal sides 82 extending therebetween, meaning a pair of sides arranged along each transversal ends of the sanitary napkin 10 and connecting the transverse sides to one another. Similarly, the pair of transverse sides connects the two longitudinal sides 82 to one another. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the transversal sides are arcuate whereas the longitudinal sides are substantially linear. The sanitary napkin 10 has a front edge 14 and a rear edge 15 positioned on opposite apexes of said transverse sides, meaning at each longitudinal extremities of the sanitary napkin 10. The sanitary napkin 10 is divided with respect to the longitudinal direction L, into three sections or portions, a front portion 11, a rear portion 13 and a central portion 12 arranged between said front and rear portions F,R.

[0105] The sanitary napkin 10 also comprises wings 81, or flaps 81, arranged at each transversal end of the sanitary napkin 10, the wings 81 extend transversely beyond the longitudinal sides 82 of the sanitary napkin 10. In other words, the flaps 81 are transversally, or laterally, outboard of the longitudinal centerline y-y and central portion 12 of the sanitary napkin 10. In other terms, each flap 81 comprises a proximal end 83 and a distal end 84 with respect to the longitudinal centerline x-x and with respect to the transversal direction T. Said proximal end 83 is connected to the sanitary napkin 10, i.e. connecting the sanitary napkin 10 and the wing 81 and said distal end 84 is the point furthest from the longitudinal centerlinex-x. The wings 81 may be comprised of an integral and contiguous extension of the topsheet 20, the backsheet 22, or a laminate of both. Alternatively, the wings 81 may be made of separate and independent pieces of material joined to the longitudinal sides 82 of the sanitary napkin 10. Each wing 81 has one face generally coextensive of the topsheet 20 and a mutually opposed face generally coextensive of the backsheet 22.

[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sanitary napkin 10 comprises two regions, a main body 85 and the wings 81. The main body 85 is the region, or portion of the absorbent article 10 comprising the absorbent core 23 and the eventual ADL 25 and is oblong or oblong-shaped, meaning comprising a shape, e.g. a rectangular, that is longer than it is wide and whose corners are rounded. The wings 81 correspond to rectangular or trapezoidal extensions outboard of the main body 85, meaning outboard of the oblong shape, with respect to the transversal direction T. The wings 81 are inboard of the main body 85 with respect to the longitudinal direction L and are arranged in the central portion 12 of the sanitary napkin 10 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The main body 85 can be rectangular. The wings 81, only comprising a laminate of topsheet 20 and backsheet 22, are flexible and foldable, meaning the wings 81 can be easily pivoted or rotated at least around a longitudinal axis. The topsheet 20 and the backsheet 22 are associated with one another along the periphery of the sanitary napkin 10 at the main body 85 region and at the wings 81 in bonding regions 93. The pair of longitudinal sides 82 are in reference to the main body 85.

[0107] The wings 81 preferably comprises means for attaching one face of the wing 81 to the wearer's undergarment or to the other wing 81. The wings 81 comprises at least one layer of adhesive 19. The attachment means may be pressure sensitive adhesive. If pressure sensitive adhesive is elected, it should be disposed on the face of the wing generally coextensive of the backsheet 22 so that when the wing 81 are wrapped around the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment, the layer of adhesive will contact the outside of the wearer's undergarment. The sanitary napkin 10 for example comprises a generally rectangular patch of adhesive on each wing 81.

[0108] The sanitary napkin 10 comprises at least one layer of adhesive 19 to fasten the sanitary napkin 10 to an undergarment. In order to protect the layer of adhesive 19 prior to its use, the sanitary napkin 10 comprises a release paper 71 and / or release liner(s) 87 as illustrated in FIG. 9, to cover directly or indirectly said at least one layer of adhesive 19 each release paper 71 and / or release liner(s) 87 preferably comprising a layer or coating of peeling agent. Said at least one layer of adhesive 19 is arranged on one side of the backsheet 22, namelyon the garment-facing side of the backsheet 22, the backsheet 22 being arranged between the layer of adhesive 19 and absorbent core 23 as illustrated in FIG. 9. In other words, the at least one layer of adhesive 19 is arranged between the backsheet 22 and the release paper 71 and / or release liner(s) 87.

[0109] The at least one layer of adhesive 19 is arranged on the backsheet 22 in a discontinuous pattern of adhesive wherein said pattern of adhesive comprises a first area of adhesive 88 arranged in main body 85 region and a second area of adhesive 86 arranged in the wings 81 region. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the layer of adhesive 19 is arranged in a discontinuous pattern of adhesive comprising a first area of adhesive 86 comprising here two stripes of adhesive material both extending longitudinally and parallel in the front, central and rear portions 11,12,13 in the main body 85 region and a second area of adhesive 86 comprising a strip of adhesive material being arranged on each wing 81. The second area of adhesive 86 is arranged between the proximal and distal ends 83,84 of each wing 81. More specifically, the first area of adhesive 88 is arranged on the main body 85, i.e. on the backsheet at the main body 85 portion and the second area of adhesive 86 is arranged on the wings 81 which are outboard of the main body 85 with respect to the transversal direction T. The first area of adhesive 88 and / or the second area of adhesive 86, comprising preferably pressure sensitive adhesive can be applied continuously or discontinuously, in blocs or stripes, in dots or in swirls or any kind of common application, such as in triangle, stars, etc.

[0110] Sanitary napkins 10 are sold in a folded state, either in a three-time fold, meaning comprising two folding lines 89 or that the sanitary napkin has been folded twice, or in a two-time fold, meaning comprising one folding line or that the sanitary napkin has been folded once. It is possible to also have sanitary napkins 10 sold in a four-time fold comprising three folding lines. Such folding enables to fit more articles in a rectangular carboard box or plastic with a recycle content bag.

[0111] Further description of the absorbent article

[0112] According to the present disclosure, the absorbent article 10, selected from, and not limited to, baby diapers, adult incontinence pants, baby pants, menstrual pants, absorbent pads and other absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, comprises at least a liquid impermeable backsheet comprises, preferably consists essentially of, even more preferablyconsists of, an impermeable nonwoven layer or an impermeable airlaid layer. To some extent the backsheet can consist essentially of a nonwoven layer or a airlaid layer.

[0113] In other words, the nonwoven layer or airlaid layer are rendered impermeable via different treatment that will be described hereunder. Simply put, the backsheet is not the lamination of a polymeric film with a nonwoven layer, but rather a nonwoven layer or airlaid layer which is rendered impermeable in itself.

[0114] The impermeable nonwoven layer or an impermeable airlaid layer comprise natural fibers. Preferably said impermeable nonwoven layer or impermeable airlaid layer comprises, or is made of, cellulosic fibers. According to an embodiment, the cellulosic fibers are selected from cotton, viscose, hemp, modal or lyocell. Material such as cotton, viscose, modal or lyocell commonly as used in absorbent articles tend to be hydrophilic, but according to the present disclosure are treated to be liquid impermeable so as to retain the intended liquids. Indeed, common practice dictates to put an impermeable film, such as a polyethylene film eventually laminated with a nonwoven or airlaid to improve softness, to prevent leakage. The present disclosure aims to resolves this by offering more environmentally friendly absorbent articles that remove the need for this plastic film by rendering the nonwoven layer or airlaid layer liquid impermeable.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the impermeable nonwoven layer or impermeable airlaid layer is treated with a hydrophobizing agent, namely a hydrophobic surface agent and / or a hydrophobic binding agent, each preferably bio-based. Indeed the abundance hydroxyl (OH) group in treated cellulose leads to higher water absorption, thus decreasing the ability of water repellence, the presence of a hydrophobic surface agent and / or a hydrophobic binding agent will lower this water absorption and render the nonwoven layer or airlaid layer more impermeable.

[0116] The backsheet according to the present disclosure comprises, preferably consists essentially of, even more preferably consists of, a single nonwoven layer or a single airlaid layer rendered liquid impermeable either by applying a hydrophobic surface agent on its surface, preferably on the body-facing surface of the backsheet or by mixing the cellulosic fibers with a hydrophobic binding agent compound, composition or formulation.

[0117] A hydrophobic surface agent is designed primarily to alter surface properties by reducing wettability and increasing water repellence. Such hydrophobic surface agent, orhydrophobic surfactant, is usually applied as a coating or with surface treatment such as spraying, roll-to-roll coating or dip-coating. Hydrophobic surface agent comprises plantbased waxes such as carnauba wax, beeswax, soy wax; fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid; alkyl ketene dimers; hydrophobically modified chitosan or lignin-based treatments.

[0118] Alternatively or in combination, a hydrophobic binding agent acts as a structural adhesive to bind fibers together in the nonwoven material or airlaid material. It can also provide additional properties such as flexibility, strength, and especially hydrophobicity in the present disclosure. Such hydrophobic binding agent is usually applied as a matrix in composites. Such hydrophobic binding agents comprise modified starches or proteins such as soy protein adhesives, lignin-based binding agents preferably combined with hydrophobic agents; PLA-based emulsions or biopolymer dispersions; plant-derived polyurethane or alkyl ketene dimers as binding agents with hydrophobic effects.

[0119] Simply put, a hydrophobic surface agent primarily modifies wettability without necessarily providing structural integrity whereas a binding agent composition is mainly used to adhere the fibers together with hydrophobicity to repel water and improve liquid resistance. These preferably bio-based hydrophobic surface agents and preferably bio-based hydrophobic binding agent can be used separately or combined.

[0120] According to an embodiment, said bio-based hydrophobic surface agent is selected from :

[0121] alkyl ketene dimer(s) preferably modified with hydrophobic alkyl chains, bio-based wax(es) such as beeswax, carnauba wax, soy wax; fatty acid and / or oil-based hydrophobic agent(s) such as stearic acid or oleic acid;

[0122] lignin-derived hydrophobic agent(s) such as kraft lignin, organosolv lignin; chitosan preferably modified with hydrophobic alkyl chains and / or bio-based silanes & silicone alternatives,

[0123] preferably these above agents undergo a hydrophobic modification such as acetylation, esterification or alkylation to increase water resistance.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the backsheet is treated with an alkyl ketene dimer compound. Alkyl ketene dimers are organic compounds based on the 4-membered ring system of oxetan-2-one, which is also the central structural element of propiolactone and diketene. Attached to the oxetane ring of technically relevant alkyl ketene dimers there is aCs - C40 alkyl or alkylidene group in the 3-position and a Cs - C17 alkylidene group in the 4-position. Alkyl detene dimers are derived from natural material such as fatty acid e.g. stearic acid or palmitic acid. Alkyl ketene dimers can serve as hydrophobising agents either which can be applied during the production of the fibers, meaning as a binder or binding agent, or which can be spread, coated or sprayed onto a surface of the backsheet, meaning the nonwoven or airlaid layer, preferably on the body-facing side said backsheet, meaning as a hydrophobic surface agent or hydrophobic surfactant. Additionally, Alkyl ketene dimers have an added benefit since they improve the softness of the nonwoven or airlaid layer. Alkyl ketene dimers formulations are commercially available. The most common are formulations with around 5 - 25% of active compound. The cellulosic fibres are preferably treated with the AKD formulation in a concentration range of 0.0001% to 10 %, preferably of 0.001% to 5 %, and most preferred of 0.001 % to 3 % on cellulosic fibre.

[0125] Alternatively or in combination to the above, the backsheet is treated with a bio-based wax coatings such as beeswax, carnauba wax, soy wax. Meaning that a surface of the backsheet, preferably on the body-facing side of the backsheet, is coated with a bio-based wax such as beeswax, a long chain diester with 21-52 carbon, rendering it liquid impervious. Beeswax can be used to make a coating on a cellulose nonwoven or airlaid after synthesis of its emulsion using chitosan as an emulsifier for example. Beeswax or biobased wax can be used alone or as a latex to be used as an additive prior to the coating treatment with fatty acid and / or oil-based agents or bio-based silane for better liquid repellence.

[0126] Alternatively or in combination to the above, the backsheet is treated with a fatty acid and / or oil-based hydrophobic agents such as stearic acid, oleic acid or soybean oil-based polymers preferably acrylated-epoxidized soybean oil. Meaning that a surface of the backsheet, preferably on the body-facing side of the backsheet, is coated with fatty acid and / or oilbased hydrophobic agent(s) rendering it liquid impervious.

[0127] Alternatively or in combination to the above, the backsheet is treated with lignin-derived hydrophobic agent(s) such as kraft lignin, organosolv lignin. For example, in a process of sulfite pulping where cellulose fibers are treating with solutions of sulfite and bisulfite ions, lignin is removed from the cellulose fibers as lignosulfonates. These lignosulfonates can be used as a water repellent agent. Lignins can also be obtain by crosslinking phenolic precursors. Meaning that a surface of the backsheet, preferably on thebody-facing side of the backsheet, is coated with fatty acid and / or oil-based hydrophobic agent(s) rendering it liquid impervious.

[0128] Alternatively or in combination to the above, the backsheet can be treated with Chitosan preferably modified with hydrophobic alkyl chains. Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed p-(1 — >4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and / V-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit) and can be used either as a coating or as a binding agent composition mixed with the nonwoven or airlaid fibers. Meaning that a surface of the backsheet, preferably on the body-facing side of the backsheet, is coated with Chitosan rendering it liquid impervious.

[0129] Alternatively or in combination to the above, the backsheet is treated with bio-based silanes. Silanes are saturated chemical compounds with the empirical formula SixHy. The general chemical formula of silanes is R(4-n)-Si-(R’X)n(n = 1,2), where R is the hydrolysable group (e.g. ethoxy, acetoxy, methoxy, etc.), X is an organofunctional group (e.g. amino, methacrylate, epoxy, vinyl, etc.), and R’ is the alkyl bond connecting the silicon atom and the organofunctional group. Meaning that a surface of the backsheet, preferably on the body-facing side of the backsheet, is coated with fatty acid and / or oil-based hydrophobic agent(s) rendering it liquid impervious. Examples of bio-based silanes comprise 3-aminopropyl trimethoxy silanes, 3-(Methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane, Triethoxyvinylsilane, ethyltriethoxysilane, y-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, tetraethyl orthosilicate silane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, Dodecyltriethoxy silane, 3-meth-acrylaoxypropyltrimethoxy silanes, 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane, 3-mercapto-propyl trimethoxy silane, octyl triethoxy silane, 3-aminopropyl trimethoxy silane, 3-(2-amino-ethylamino)propyl trimethoxy silane, 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)-ethylamino]propyl trimethoxy silane, 4-amino-3,3-dibutyl trimethoxy silane, triethoxy-3-(2-imidazolin-1-yl) propyl silane, 3-cyanopropyl triethoxy silane, trimethoxy (7-octen-1-yl) silane, Triethoxy vinyl silane or tetramethyl orthosilicate silanes.

[0130] All of the surfactanst, or surface agents, above have the benefit of being bio-based and being material having a bio-based material content or a bio-sourced material content meaning that these materials are derived from biomass.Alternatively or in combination to the hydrophobic surface agent, the absorbent article 10 can further comprise a backsheet 22 being treated with a binding agent composition is selected from :

[0131] biopolymers such as Chitosan preferably acylated, PLA (Polylactic Acid), or cellulosic esters e.g., cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate; modified tannin or modified lignin-based binding agents, said modification comprising acetylation, esterification, or blending with hydrophobic compounds such as fatty acids or alkyl ketene dimer;

[0132] hydrophobic starch-based binding agents preferably with crosslinking with plant-derived oils, wax esters, or alkyl ketene dimer (AKD); polyurethane (Pll) binding agents preferably using long-chain fatty acids or siloxane-modified bio-based polyols;

[0133] nanocellulose modified with hydrophobic compounds such as alkyl ketene dimers or plant-derived waxes or proteins e.g., silk fibroin with hydrophobic peptides; and / or

[0134] protein-based binding agents such as Soy or Casein proteins preferably with functionalization with fatty acid derivatives or hydrophobic peptides.

[0135] Preferably these above binding agents undergo a hydrophobic modification or functionalization such as acetylation, esterification or alkylation to increase water resistance.

[0136] Given that some of these compounds were already listed as surface agents, they will be not repeated as the nature of surface agent or binding agent depends on the nature of their application whether incorporated in the fibers matrix of the nonwoven or airlaid layer for binding agents or whether applied on a surface, the body-facing surface of the nonwoven or airlaid layer for surface agents.

[0137] All of the binders, or binding agents, above have the benefit of being bio-based and being material having a bio-based material content or a bio-sourced material content meaning that these materials are derived from biomass.

[0138] The present disclosure is not limited to these bio-based agents and may incorporate less environmentally friendly agents while still improving the overall sustainability, as PE film is avoided, for example ethylene-vinyl acetate can serve as a good hydrophobic binding agent to render the nonwoven or airlaid impermeable.Hydrophobic starch-based binding agents can be derived from bio-sources such as Corn, potato, or tapioca starch, and preferably are crosslinked with plant-derived oils, wax esters, or alkyl ketene dimers. The polyurethane (Pll) binding agents can be derived from various oils such as castor oil, soy oil, or lignin-derived polyols. The protein-based or derived binding agents can be derived from various protein such as Soy or Casein and can further under functionalization with fatty acid derivatives or hydrophobic peptides. Polylactic Acid (PLA) emulsions can also serve as biobased hydrophobic binding agents as it is derived from fermented corn or sugarcane.

[0139] Wax coatings such as beeswax, carnauba, soy wax can achieve better liquid impermeability when applied as a continuous layer and furthermore when blended with starch or lignin for better adhesion to fibers. Said coating can be applied in multiple layers or as an emulsion to cover all gaps. Lignin-based hydrophobic binding agent can achieve better liquid impermeability when chemically modified, namely when acetylated or esterified, lignin becomes highly hydrophobic. Furthermore said binding agents are more impermeable when combined with fatty acids or waxes to improve barrier properties. Alkyl Ketene Dimers when combined with starch binding agents have enhanced coating density. Additionally, given that airlaid has higher porosity and a more open structure than nonwovens, it may be more beneficial to use binding agents or a surface agent combined with a binding agent or to apply several layers of coating to fully seal gaps and pores.

[0140] Additionally, the natural fibers of the nonwoven or airlaid can have different properties. Bleached cotton as commonly used in absorbent articles tend to have greater level of hydrophilicity, porosity with a high content of cellulose and thus will absorb water more easily than lyocell which is less hydrophilic and less porous than cotton. In this respect it may be more beneficial to use the combination of a surface agent and a binding agent for cotton and only a binding agent for lyocell for example. The same can be said for viscose, which still has high level of hydrophilicity but low porosity and thus can also just comprise a surface agent.

[0141] Wax coatings (Beeswax, Carnauba, Soy Wax) work well as such with cotton or viscose, but may require modification or functionalization for lyocell, for example a blending with a biobinding agents such as chitosan. Polyurethane (Pll) derived from Plant Oils may be applied as such on Cotton & Viscose but may require a blending with lignin or softeners for Lyocell. Lignin-Based Hydrophobic Barrier can be used as such with cotton & lyocell, but may need to be esterified for viscose and eventually blended with glycerol, sorbitol. Alkyl Ketene Dimerworks particularly well as such for viscose and lyocell, but may need mixing with a starch-based binding agents to improve coverage for cotton. To summarize, given that cotton is more hydrophilic a strong hydrophobic coatings such as bio-PU, bio-based wax or lignin may be more adapted whereas for lyocell and viscose a lighter hydrophobic treatment such as chitosan or Alkyl Ketene Dimer is sufficient be enough.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 comprises an impermeable backsheet 22 comprising a hydrostatic head of at least 80 mm, preferably at least 100 mm, more preferably 125 mm, even more preferably at least 150 mm, most preferably at least 200 mm. Such values ensures that the liquid does not pass through the backsheet.

[0143] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional absorbent articles. According to an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 20 comprising a nonwoven layer comprising, preferably consisting essentially of, more preferably consisting of, lyocell, hemp, modal, cotton or viscose. Said nonwoven or airlaid layer can be treated with a hydrophilic agent such as non-ionic alkyl amine oxides, polyurethanes or carboxylic acid esters. According to an embodiment, the topsheet consists of a spunlace nonwoven lyocell layer, the spunlace enables to have a softer topsheet to be in contact with the skin.

[0144] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional absorbent articles. According to an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 further comprises an acquisition distribution layer 25 arranged between the absorbent core and the topsheet, said acquisition distribution layer comprising lyocell or cotton or viscose. Preferably said nonwoven being treated with a hydrophilic agent such as non-ionic alkyl amine oxides, polyurethanes or carboxylic acid esters.

[0145] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional absorbent articles. According to an example, the absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure comprise an absorbent core 23 comprising absorbent material 24, said absorbent material 24 comprising totally chlorine free (TCF) and / or elemental chlorine free (ECF) cellulose fibers 24a. For example, these TCF and / or ECF cellulose fibers 24a can comprise a Kappa number comprised between 5 and 20 as determined by any standard method such as method ISO 302:2004 or TAPPI Standard Method No. T-214-SU71, where K » c*l (with K: Kappa number; c: constant » 6,57 (dependent on process and wood); I: lignin content in percent). Such totally chlorine free(TCF) or elemental chlorine free (ECF) cellulose fibers are material which does not utilize chlorine in the whitening process, thereby limiting chemicals.

[0146] According to the present disclosure, the absorbent article 10 comprises unbleached cellulose fibers or unbleached pulp. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the absorbent core comprises of about 40% to 80% superabsorbent polymer and anywhere from 60% to 20% of the unbleached pulp, preferably between 40% and 25%. For example, some embodiments may utilize only unbleached pulp, while others may utilize unbleached pulp as a percentage of the fiber content. Specifically, in one embodiment, the unbleached pulp content of absorbent core may be as low as 25% of the fiber content and then the remaining 75% of the fiber content would be either a bleached, totally chlorine-free (TCF) or an elemental chlorine-free (ECF) pulp.

[0147] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional absorbent articles. According to an embodiment, the absorbent material 24 further comprises biodegradable superabsorbent particles 24b (bioSAP), said bioSAP 24b comprising polysaccharides-derived polymers, preferably having crosslinked polysaccharides and / or carbohydrate fermentation-derived polymers.

[0148] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional absorbent articles. According to an embodiment, when the absorbent article is selected from sanitary napkins, incontinence pads or panty liners, said absorbent article further comprises an adhesive arranged on the garment facing side of the backsheet, said adhesive being selected from and not limited to polylactic PLA, 3-hydroxy butyric acid and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid 3-hydroxy valeric acid PHBV, polyvinyl alcohol PVOH, biobased ethylene vinyl acetate EVA, polyurethane Pll, vinyl acetate polymers PVA polyethylene oxide PEO, polyhydroxylakanoate PHA, polycaprolactone PCL, a polymer material such as a polyethylene material, e.g. as a low-density polyethylene LDPE, a bio coating, a printed lacquer, 1,4 succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, 2,5 furan dicarboxylic acid, 3 hydroxy propionic acid, aspartic acid, glucaric acid, glutamic acid, itaconic acid, levulinic acid, 3-hydroxybutyrolactone, glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol / arabinitol or tricarboxylic acid. The adhesive preferably comes from a sustainable source, or bio-based or bioplastic, and is biodegradable and / or compostable. The layer of adhesive has a basis weight comprised between 1 gsm and 20 gsm, for example between 3 gsm and 15 gsm, or for example between 5 gsm and 10 gsm. These adhesives can also be used to join the layerssuch as the topsheet 20, backsheet 22, acquisition distribution layer 25 and / or absorbent core 23 together.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the backsheet 22 has a basis weight comprised between 10 and 50 gsm, preferably between 15 and 40 gsm, more preferably between 18 and 35 gsm. Such basis ensures that the backsheet is robust enough and additionally can resist to superabsorbent particles swelling.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the liquid impermeable backsheet (22) preferably has a water vapor transmission rate of at least 500 g / m2 / 24h, more preferably at least 1000 g / m2 / 24h to ensure breathability and wearer comfort. Water vapor transmission rate is measured using standard method ASTM E96 or can be measured using other standard methods such as WSP 70.5 (08) or DIN 53 122-1.

[0151] Examples

[0152] Below are listed different example of absorbent articles according to the present disclosure.

[0153] Example 1

[0154] According to an example, the absorbent article 10 comprises a topsheet 20 consisting of a 30 gsm lyocell spunlace nonwoven, the acquisition distribution layer 25 consisting of a 35 gsm lyocell spunlace nonwoven, the absorbent core 23 consists of elemental chlorine free (ECF) cellulose fibers or totally chlorine free (TCF) cellulose and the backsheet 22 consists of a 22 gsm lyocell spunlace nonwoven that was either sprayed with, meaning surface agent, or mixed with, meaning binding agent, an alkyl ketene dimer formulation.

[0155] Example 2

[0156] According to an example, the absorbent article 10 comprises a topsheet 20 consisting of a 30 gsm viscose spunlace nonwoven, the acquisition distribution layer 25 consisting of a 35 gsm hydrophilic viscose spunlace nonwoven, the absorbent core 23 consists of elemental chlorine free (ECF) cellulose fibers 24a with bioSAP 24b and the backsheet 22 consists of a 35 gsm hydrophobic lyocell spunlace nonwoven that was soaked in an alkyl ketene dimer formulation.

[0157] Example 3

[0158] According to an example, the absorbent article 10 comprises a topsheet 20 consisting of a 35 gsm hydrophilic lyocell combined with hemp spunlace nonwoven, the absorbent core 23consists of elemental chlorine free (ECF) cellulose fibers with bioSAP and the backsheet 22 consists of a 35 gsm hydrophobic lyocell spunlace nonwoven that was mixed with starch crosslinked with palmitic oil.

[0159] Example 4

[0160] According to an example, the absorbent article 10 comprises a topsheet 20 consisting of a 30 gsm mixture of hydrophilic lyocell and hydrophobic lyocell, in a 80 / 20 wt.% ratio respectively, spunlace nonwoven, the acquisition distribution layer 25 consisting of a 35 gsm hydrophilic lyocell spunlace nonwoven, the absorbent core 23 consists of elemental chlorine free (ECF) cellulose fibers or totally chlorine free (TCF) cellulose and the backsheet 22 consists of a 35 gsm hydrophobic cotton spunlace nonwoven that was integrally coated with beeswax.

[0161] Example 5

[0162] According to an example, the absorbent article 10 comprises a topsheet 20 consisting of a 25 gsm cotton spunlace nonwoven, the acquisition distribution layer 25 consisting of a 35 gsm hydrophilic lyocell spunlace nonwoven, the absorbent core 23 consists of elemental chlorine free (ECF) cellulose fibers or totally chlorine free (TCF) cellulose fibers and the backsheet 22 consists of a 30 gsm hydrophobic cotton spunlace nonwoven that was treated (e.g. sprayed or soaked) with an alkyl ketene dimer formulation.

[0163] These examples above are given for illustrative purpose and are not limiting. The absorbent article 10 can comprise for example, a topspheet 20 as in example 1, an acquisition distribution layer 25 as in example 2, an absorbent core 23 as in example 3 and a backsheet 22 as in example 4. As illustrated above, the absorbent article 10 is more environmentally friendly by containing, preferably consisting of, cellulosic-containing components, namely the topsheet 20, acquisition distribution layer 25, absorbent core 23 and backsheet 22, said backsheet 22 comprising hydrophobizing agents, or hydrophobic surface agents and / or binding agents, meaning the topsheet, acquisition distribution layer, absorbent core and backsheet 22 are all made out of cellulosic material(s) such as cellulose, lyocell, modal, hemp or viscose. The absorbent article 10 can optionally further comprise additives such as hydrophilizing agents for the topsheet 20 and / or acquisition distribution layer 25 and adhesive to join the layers together and / or positioning adhesive 19 on the backsheet 22.According to the present disclosure, the backsheet 22 comprises a first material consisting of cellulosic fibers and comprising a hydrophobizing surface agent and / or binding agent such as a lignin compound, bio-sourced wax, proteinic compound or alkyl ketene dimer compound. Preferably, the backsheet 22 consists of a nonwoven or airlaid consisting of cellulosic fibers such as viscose, lyocell, cotton, hemp or modal and of a hydrophobizing surface agent and / or binding agent as described hereabove. The backsheet 22 can comprise, preferably consist essentially of, more preferably consists of, a first nonwoven and a second nonwoven both consisting of cellulosic fibers and of comprising a hydrophobizing agent and / or binding agent such as a lignin compound, bio-sourced wax, protein compound, alkyl ketene dimer or any as described hereabove. Preferably, the backsheet 22 consists of a spunlace nonwoven consisting of cellulosic fibers such as viscose, lyocell, cotton, hemp or modal and of a hydrophobic surface agent and / or binding agent as described hereabove. Given that spunlace nonwoven are made by entangling fibers with high-pressure water jets, they have improved softness over other nonwovens such as spunbond or meltblown which is beneficial for layers such as the backsheet or the topsheet which are in contact with the skin of the user or of the caregiver. According to a preferred embodiment, the backsheet 22 consists of a spunlace nonwoven consisting of cellulosic fibers such as viscose, lyocell, cotton, hemp or modal and of alkyl ketene dimer compound as a hydrophobic surface agent and / or binding agent as both features will further enhance the softness of the backsheet.

[0164] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly absorbent articles and so according to an embodiment, the present disclosure also relates to an absorbent article comprising, in addition to the backsheet 22 described hereabove, a liquid permeable topsheet 20 comprising a nonwoven layer comprising lyocell, hemp, modal, cotton or viscose. These materials tend to be already hydrophilic and hence can already serve as such for the topsheet 20. According to an optional embodiment, said nonwoven layer undergoes a hydrophilic treatment such as spraying the fiber or filament with a nonionic or anionic surfactant. Preferably the topsheet 20 consists of a spunlace nonwoven made out of either lyocell, hemp, modal, cotton or viscose. According to said optional embodiment, said spunlace nonwoven undergoes a hydrophilic treatment. Again the inherent softness of spunlace nonwoven makes it a more appropriate material for the topsheet 20. Slip agent melt additives may further be included to improve desired haptic properties (e.g., impart a soft / silky / slick feel) to the filaments. It may be desired that the slip agent be a fast-bloom slip agent and can be a hydrocarbon having one or more functional groups selected from hydroxide, aryls and substituted aryls, halogens, alkoxys, carboxylates, esters, carbonunsaturation, acrylates, oxygen, nitrogen, carboxyl, sulfate and phosphate. In one particular form, the slip agent is a salt derivative of an aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbon oil, notably metal salts of fatty acids, including metal salts of carboxylic, sulfuric, and phosphoric aliphatic saturated or unsaturated acid having a chain length of 7 to 26 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms. The topsheet 20 preferably has a basis weight comprised between 15 and 50 gsm, more preferably between 20 and 40 gsm, more preferably about 30 gsm, such basis weight imparting sufficient strength and softness.

[0165] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly absorbent articles and so according to an embodiment, the present disclosure also relates to an absorbent article comprising, in addition to the backsheet 22 and topsheet 20 as described hereabove, an acquisition distribution layer 25 arranged between the absorbent core 23 and the topsheet 20, said acquisition distribution layer 25 comprising, preferably consisting of, a nonwoven layer comprising lyocell, hemp, modal, cotton or viscose. Preferably, said nonwoven layer undergoes a hydrophilic treatment such as spraying the fiber or filament with a nonionic or anionic surfactant. Preferably the acquisition distribution layer 25 consists of a spunlace nonwoven made out of either lyocell, hemp, modal, cotton or viscose. More preferably, said spunlace nonwoven undergoes a hydrophilic treatment. The acquisition distribution layer 25 preferably has a basis weight comprised between 20 and 50 gsm, more preferably between 25 and 40 gsm, more preferably about 30 gsm, such basis weight imparting sufficient strength and softness.

[0166] By “hydrophilic treatment” as described herein, it is meant a treatment of a layer which increase the hydrophilic of said layer. As explained hereabove, this treatment is optional. The functions of a topsheet 20 and / or acquisition distribution layer 25 as described herein may be enhanced by adding hydrophilic material to the nonwoven web material. In some examples, a surfactant may be selectively applied to the entire thickness or only the bodyfacing surface of the topsheet 20 and / or acquisition distribution layer 25 material. For example, a surfactant, or solution or emulsion containing a surfactant, may be applied to an absorbent-facing side of the topsheet 20 material via, the use of a roll coater, spray application, printing technique, or any other suitable liquid deposition technique, to deposit an application of surfactant or solution or emulsion containing a surfactant to the material. The surface of the cellulosic fibers or filament may be rendered more hydrophilic by treatment with a surfactant, such as a nonionic or anionic surfactant, e.g., by spraying the fiber or filament with a surfactant, by dipping the fiber or filament into a surfactant or by including the surfactant as part of the cellulosic melt in producing the nonwoven layer.Example of a surfactant is Lutensol A 65 N, an active nonionic surfactant composed of a seven mole ethylene oxide adduct of a linear lauryl myristyl alcohol. Another example of surfactants are sorbitan esters such as the polysorbate series (20-80) in particular Polysorbate 20 (Polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate - CAS NUMBER: 9005-64-5) which is a polysorbate-type nonionic surfactant formed by the ethoxylation of sorbitan monolaurate derived from lauric acid, Polysorbate 40 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate - CAS NUMBER : 9005-66-7) derived from palmitic acid or Polysorbate 80 (Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate - CAS NUMBER: 9005-65-6) derived from oleic acid. Another example of surfactant include sorbitan monostearate (1,4-Anhydro-D-glucitol 6-octadecanoate) derived from sorbitol and fatty acids. Preferred hydrophilizing surfactant is Polysorbate 20 or Polysorbate 80 since these surfactants are derived from a natural or renewable sources, i.e. sorbitol and fatty acid, meaning they are bio-sourced or bio-based, have good hydrophilicity and can be easily applied via spraying or padding at low concentrations e.g. 0.1 wt.% to 1% wt.% on cellulosic fibers, meaning 0.1 gram to 1 gram of polysorbate 20 or 80 per 100 grams of dry spunlace nonwoven. These surfactants are biodegradable and non-irritating for sensitive skin and can be compatible with other natural additives such as Aloe Vera which can be used in absorbent article.

[0167] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly absorbent articles and so according to an embodiment, the present disclosure also relates to an absorbent article comprising, in addition to the backsheet 22, topsheet 20 and acquisition distribution layer 25 as described hereabove, an absorbent core 23 comprising an absorbent material 24, said absorbent material comprising cellulose fibers 24a selected from unbleached pulp or totally chlorine free (TCF) or elemental chlorine free (ECF) cellulose fibers or any combination thereof. Such fibers are more environmentally friendly as they contain less chemical compounds. Alternatively or in combination, the absorbent material 24 can comprise biodegradable superabsorbent particles (bioSAP), said bioSAP comprising polysaccharides-derived polymers, preferably having crosslinked polysaccharides and / or carbohydrate fermentation-derived polymers.

[0168] The present disclosure pertains to more environmentally friendly absorbent articles and so according to an embodiment, the present disclosure also relates to a package comprising a stack of absorbent articles as described hereabove wherein the package comprises paper or a plastic film having a plastic recyclate content. According to an embodiment, the package comprises a paper material having a basis weight between 30 g / m2and 130 g / m2measured according to the ISO 536 standard, preferably between 40 g / m2and 100 g / m2.According to an embodiment, the package is made of a plastic film having a plastic recyclate content of at least 30 wt.%, preferably at least 50 wt.%, even more preferably at least 80 wt.%, based on the plastic film.

[0169] Similarly, when the absorbent article is selected from sanitary napkins, panty liner or incontinent pads, the absorbent article can be wrapped in a pouch or wrapper to keep the article in a folded configuration, said wrapper comprising a layer of cellulosic fibers and a layer of peeling agent arranged onto the layer of cellulosic fibers wherein the layer of cellulosic fibers comprises a basis weight comprised between 10 gsm and 60 gsm.

[0170] The packaging material, meaning the package can comprise a paper material having a basis weight measured according to the ISO 536 standard between 30 g / m2and 120 g / m2depending on the application. For feminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins, are sold in lesser bulky packages and using a paper material having a basis weight measured according to the ISO 536 standard between 30 g / m2and 80 g / m2is sufficient especially between 32 g / m2and 60 g / m2, or even between 35 g / m2and 50 g / m2. It has been found that this particular range of basis weight allows that the paper material is manipulated in such a way as to fold and / or shape it into a bag, while reducing the risk that the paper material is ripped or torn during manufacturing of the package. For diapers or pants, using a paper material having a basis weight measured according to the ISO 536 standard between 50 g / m2and 100 g / m2is better adapted, especially between 60 and 80 g / m2. For example, the bag 12 comprise a packaging material consisting essentially of a layer of cellulosic fibers having a basis between 40 gsm and 80 gsm. In addition, the paper material can further comprise a thin film of plastic or a coating. The resulting packaging material is a laminate comprising a layer of paper having a basis weight between 30 g / m2and 120 g / m2and a coating of polymeric material having a basis weight between 1 gsm and 12 gsm. The basis weight of the coating is lesser or equal to 10% wt. of the total weight of the paper material. For example, with a paper layer of 60 gsm, said cellulosic layer is coated with a 6 gsm polymeric film or less than 6 gsm. The polymeric film or coating can protect the absorbent articles 16 from humidity and lower the vapor transmissions whereas by having a coating with a basis weight that is lesser or equal to 10% wt. of the total weight of the paper material, the packaging material and thus the bag 12 is still considered as recyclable. The coating can be made of any one of the following materials or a combination thereof: a polymer material such as a polyethylene material, e.g. as a low density polyethylene (LDPE), a bioplastic coating, a printed lacquer, 1,4 succinic, fumaric and malic acids, 2,5 furan dicarboxylic acid, 3 hydroxy propionic acid, aspartic acid, glucaric acid, glutamic acid,itaconic acid, levulinic acid, 3-hydroxybutyrolactone, glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol / arabinito, tricarboxylic acid.

[0171] The material of the packaging bag, meaning the package, can comprise a single or a multilayer plastic film based on plastic recyclate meaning recycled plastic whether post industrial or post consumer. For example, the plastic film can comprise a layered composite of at least three film layers bonded to one another, in particular bonded and / or coextruded by means of coextrusion, wherein the plastic film and / or the layer composite comprises a first outer film layer and a second outer film layer and a carrier film layer arranged between the first outer film layer and the second outer film layer, wherein the plastic film has a plastic recyclate content of at least 30 wt.% (% by weight), preferably at least 50% wt.%, even more preferably at least 80% wt.%, based on the plastic film. According to a further embodiment, the plastic film can comprise at least substantially only one single plastic grade according to DIN EN ISO 11469, said plastic grade having a grade purity of at least 90 wt.%. According to a further embodiment, the ratio of the layer thicknesses of first outer film layer / carrier film layer I second outer film layer varies in the range of 10 - 35 : 40 - 60 : 10 - 35. According to a further embodiment, the plastic film has a total plastic content in the range from 80 wt.% to 99.9 wt.%, in particular in the range from 82.5 wt.% to 99.8 wt.%, preferably in the range from 85 wt.% to 99.8 wt.%, based on the plastic film. According to a further embodiment, the film layers each comprise a plastic recyclate based on polyethylene PE recyclate, wherein the film layers each have a plastic recyclate content of at least 80 wt.%, based on the respective film layer. According to a further embodiment, the film layers each comprise a plastic recyclate based on polyethylene PE recyclate, wherein the film layers each have different a plastic recyclate content of at least 80 wt.%, based on the respective film layer. The plastic film has a thickness between 10 pm and 300 pm, preferably in the range from 25 pm to 100 pm. For feminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins, are sold in lesser bulky packages and using a plastic film having a thickness between 15 pm and 50 pm is sufficient especially between 25 pm and 40 pm, or even between 28 pm and 32 pm, for example about 30 pm. For diapers or pants, using a plastic film having a thickness between 20 pm and 80 pm is better adapted, especially between 40 pm and 50 pm, for example about 45 pm. The carrier film layer substantially imparts its stability to the multilayer plastic film according to the invention, while the outer film layers of the multilayer plastic film according to the invention substantially determine the optical properties, adhesion and friction, feel and the upgradability, in particular printability and coating. The specific combination of carrier film layer and the two outer film layers determines the tightness and uniformity of the film overall. By adapting the layer thickness components inthe plastic film, the final properties, in particular optical properties, adhesion and friction, feel, printability, tightness, uniformity and stability, can be tailored and adjusted in accordance with the application. In this connection, it is provided according to the invention that the ratio of the layer thicknesses of the first outer film layer I carrier film layer I second outer film layer varies in the range of 10-35:40-60:10-35, in particular in the range of 15-30:45-55:15-30. The plastic film has a basis weight comprised between 10 gsm and 200 gsm, preferably in the range from 15 gsm to 100 gsm. For feminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins, are sold in lesser bulky packages and using a plastic film having a grammage between 20 gsm and 50 gsm is sufficient especially between 25 gsm and 40 gsm. For diapers or pants, using a plastic film having a basis weight measured according to the ISO 536 standard between 30 gsm and 80 gsm is better adapted, especially between 35 gsm and 60 gsm. Thickness and basis weight can be measured and deduced using standard methods such as ISO 4593 standard or UNE 53-213-86 standard for example.

[0172] It is supposed that the present invention is not restricted to any form of realization described previously and that some modifications can be added to the presented example of fabrication without reappraisal of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Absorbent article (10) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (20), a liquid impermeable backsheet (22), and an absorbent core (23) arranged between said topsheet (20) and backsheet (22), characterized in that the liquid impermeable backsheet (22) comprises, preferably consists essentially of, even more preferably consists of, an impermeable nonwoven layer or an impermeable airlaid layer.

2. Absorbent article (10) according to claim 1 wherein said impermeable nonwoven layer or impermeable airlaid layer comprises cellulosic fibers, wherein the cellulosic fibers are selected from cotton, viscose, hemp, modal or lyocell.

3. Absorbent article (10) according to claim 2 wherein said impermeable nonwoven layer comprises a spunlace nonwoven.

4. Absorbent article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said impermeable nonwoven layer or impermeable airlaid layer further comprises a hydrophobic surface agent or a hydrophobic binding agent.

5. Absorbent article (10) according to claim 4 wherein the hydrophobic surface agent is selected from :alkyl ketene dimers ;bio-based waxes preferably beeswax, carnauba wax, soy wax; fatty acid derived and / or oil-derived compounds preferably stearic acid or oleic acid;lignin-derived compounds such as kraft lignin or organosolv lignin; chitosan and / orsilanespreferably said hydrophobic surface agents underwent a hydrophobic modification such as acetylation, esterification or alkylation.

6. Absorbent article (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the hydrophobic binding agent is selected from :chitosan,polylactic acid,cellulose ester compounds preferably cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate;tannin-derived and / or lignin-derived compounds preferably that were blended with hydrophobic compounds such as fatty acids or alkyl ketene dimers;hydrophobic starch-derived compounds preferably with crosslinked with plant-derived oils, wax esters or alkyl ketene dimer;nanocellulose preferably blended with hydrophobic compounds such as alkyl ketene dimers or plant-derived waxes or plant-derived proteins; protein-derived compounds such as soy or casein preferably functionalized with fatty acid derivatives or hydrophobic peptidespreferably these binding agents underwent a hydrophobic modification such as acetylation, esterification or alkylation to increase water resistance.

7. Absorbent article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the impermeable backsheet (22) comprises a hydrostatic head of at least 80 mm, preferably at least 100 mm, more preferably 125 mm, most preferably at least 150 mm.

8. Absorbent article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid permeable topsheet (20) comprises a nonwoven layer comprising cotton, viscose, hemp, modal or lyocell.

9. Absorbent article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article further comprises an acquisition distribution layer (25) arranged between the absorbent core (23) and the topsheet (20), said acquisition distribution layer (25) comprising cotton, viscose, hemp, modal or lyocell.

10. Absorbent article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent core (23) comprises absorbent material (24), said absorbent material comprising cellulose fibers (24a) selected from unbleached pulp or totally chlorine free (TCF) or elemental chlorine free (ECF) cellulose fibers or any combination thereof.

11. Absorbent article (10) according to claim 10, the absorbent material (24) further comprises biodegradable superabsorbent particles (bioSAP), said bioSAPcomprising polysaccharides-derived polymers, preferably having crosslinked polysaccharides and / or carbohydrate fermentation-derived polymers.

12. Absorbent article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article (10) is selected from a sanitary napkin, an incontinence pad or a pantiliner and further comprises a layer of adhesive (19) arranged on the garment facing side of the backsheet (22), said adhesive being selected from polylactic acid, 3-hydroxy butyric acid and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid 3-hydroxy valeric acid, polyvinyl alcohol, biobased ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, vinyl acetate polymers, polyethylene oxide, polyhydroxylakanoate, polycaprolactone low-density polyethylene, a printed lacquer, 1 ,4 succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, 3- hydroxy propionic acid, aspartic acid, glucaric acid, glutamic acid, itaconic acid, levulinic acid, 3-hydroxybutyrolactone, glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol / arabinitol or tricarboxylic acid.

13. Absorbent article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid impermeable backsheet (22) has a basis weight comprised between 15 and 40 gsm, preferably between 20 and 30 gsm.

14. Package comprising a stack of absorbent articles (10) according to claim 1 to 13, wherein the package is made of a plastic film having a plastic recyclate content of at least 30 wt.%, preferably at least 50 wt.%, even more preferably at least 80 wt.%, based on the plastic film or the package comprises a paper material having a basis weight between 30 g / m2and 130 g / m2measured according to the ISO 536 standard, preferably between 40 g / m2and 100 g / m2.

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