Raw materials for sanitary pads

The production of sanitary pads requires a combination of specialized layers. The Top Sheet usually consists of Non-woven fabric (Spunbond or Hot Air through) or Perforated PE film for dryness. The Absorbent Core is the most critical part, typically composed of Fluff Pulp mixed with Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) to lock in moisture. The Back Sheet is a Breathable PE film or Cloth-like film to prevent leakage while allowing air circulation. Additionally, you need Release Paper, Individual Wrapping Film, and Hot Melt Adhesives (Construction and Position glue) to assemble the components.

When sourcing SAP, you must focus on three key metrics: Absorption Capacity (CRC), Absorbency Under Load (AUL), and Liquid Permeability. High-quality SAP should have a fast absorption rate to prevent surface wetness and a high retention rate to ensure the liquid does not leak back under pressure. It is recommended to request technical data sheets (TDS) and perform a centrifuge retention capacity test before finalizing a bulk order.

Since these materials come into contact with sensitive skin, they must meet strict safety standards. Ensure suppliers provide ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental standards. Materials should be FDA registered or compliant with CE (EN 14683) standards for hygiene products. Crucially, all materials must pass Skin Irritation Tests and be certified Latex-free and Formaldehyde-free to ensure consumer safety.

The Top Sheet should have a basis weight of 15-25 gsm and prioritize hydrophilic properties for quick penetration. For the Back Sheet, the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) is vital; a high WVTR (e.g., 2000-3000 g/m²/24h) ensures breathability, reducing the risk of rashes and heat buildup. Ensure the tensile strength is sufficient to withstand high-speed machine production without tearing.

Raw materials like Fluff Pulp and SAP are highly sensitive to humidity. You must stipulate that the supplier uses moisture-proof packaging, such as vacuum-sealed PE bags and heavy-duty pallets with stretch wrap. Ensure the container is inspected for leaks before loading. For long-term stability, use Made-in-China.com's inspection services to verify the container sealing and desiccant placement before the vessel departs.

Price in this industry is heavily influenced by petrochemical fluctuations (for SAP/Non-woven) and pulp market indices. Negotiate a formula-based pricing model linked to global raw material indexes to ensure fairness. For bulk buyers, aim for a 3-5% discount by committing to an annual volume contract rather than spot buying. Always request FOB pricing to maintain control over your logistics costs and lead times.

To protect your capital, utilize Escrow payment services or Letters of Credit (L/C) for large volumes. Conduct a factory audit via a third-party agency to verify the supplier's production capacity and clean-room standards (Class 100,000). On Made-in-China.com, prioritize Audited Suppliers who have undergone comprehensive on-site verification by independent bodies like SGS or Bureau Veritas.

Fluff pulp is bulky and has a low value-to-weight ratio. To optimize shipping costs, use high-cube (40HC) containers and request jumbo rolls to maximize space utilization. Ensure the supplier provides a Certificate of Origin and a Phytosanitary Certificate (if required for wood-based pulp) to avoid customs delays and benefit from preferential tariff rates under trade agreements like RCEP or FTA.