The hygiene market has grown constantly in recent years, and demand from manufacturers, retailers and consumers has also increased. To exist in this market, you need to move with the times and respond to consumers' and manufacturers' requirements. But what are the main demands on nappy manufacturers and consumers today?

Diaper manufacturers need to efficiently produce high quality diapers that are in line with customers' needs. A high level of comfort is important, and there is often also demand for additional properties. The end customer wants a highly comfortable product that performs well. It is particularly important that the diaper must absorb moisture quickly and at the same time not leak. High product efficiency and absorption are just as important as production using environmentally-friendly materials. Customers want cost-effective and high quality products which an ecological and sustainable design. There is also demand for thinner, breathable material, maximum dryness, good anatomic fit, discreet design and the avoidance of unpleasant odours.

To meet these complex requirements, TWE has developed a new core concept. Five years ago, TWE launched the Amphibia project, which has now become patented technology and has revolutionised the world of hygiene products. Most hygiene products comprise a blend of cellulose and SAP (super-absorbent polymer) as the core, on top of which is an ADL (Acquisition Distribution Layer). The ADL ensures that the liquid is absorbed quickly and removed from the surface as fast as possible. It then distributes the liquid across the entire surface of the core. The ADL also ensures that no liquid passes from the core back to the surface and so makes sure that the skin remains dry.And what is so special about the new product Amphibia?Amphibia combined an ADL with the absorbent all-in-one core.

The SAP is integrated into one of the layers of the multi-layer TWE nonwoven by physical means. The patented technology impregnates the SAP after dosing with an electrostatic field, making the addition of adhesive unnecessary. Because the SAP particles are distributed homogeneously across the textile, there is optimum contact between the fibres and the SAP particles. This enables the fibres to distribute the liquid directly onto the SAP particles, guaranteeing optimum use of the SAP. The nonwoven has a very flexible structure and so enables a very good and uniform swelling of the SAP, which is not possible with a conventionally manufactured diaper with a cellulose core. Rewetting is therefore very low. No adhesive needs to be applied between the different layers, or between the SAP and the fibres. That means reduced costs and improved performance, while preventing unevenness between the hydrophilic and the hydrophobic parts.

Manufacturers of single-use hygiene products looks for easily processable materials. The Amphibia concept is perfectly designed to meet this requirement.A further important benefit for the end-user is the fact that the product is very flexible, soft and thin, and exceptionally pleasant for the body. It is also exceptionally environmentally-friendly because not only the volume and frequency of transport are reduced, no trees need to be felled for the cellulose production. Further benefits include reduced SAP and waste. Thinner diapers, improved performance and greater comfort: Amphibia delivers all this.Modifications to the weight, structure, capillary effect and chemical properties enable Amphibia to be used in the areas of feminine hygiene, adult and child care as well as medical care. It covers the entire hygiene market and meets the market need for high-performance, revolutionary products that are absorbent and comfortable – properties that are also extremely beneficial in medical applications.Developing innovative products such as these is also a major focus for TWE, and so we are currently working on many other projects as well. TWE also has the right nonwovens solution in response to the latest demands for softness, odour-control and discretion.