The Malodor Challenge for Nonwovens

Absorbent hygiene products lock up bodily fluids but let their smells escape. Fragrances and antibacterial ingredients are typically used to try to reduce or mask the smell, but consumers and regulators increasingly demand products without these ingredients on their sensitive skin. Using new technology, nonwovens can now address consumer demand for an improved sensory experience.

AqFresh™ Technology

AqFresh™ is a versatile new odor capture technology which is both non-biocidal and fragrance-free. It has been incorporated into Hygiene Nonwovens used in diapers, pads, and medical dressings.  

AqFresh™ has been proven to significantly reduce product odors as well as external odors from the urine, faeces, sweat or menstrual fluids they absorb in-use.

The patented technology utilises Cucurbiturils – barrel-shaped molecules with a hollow hydrophobic cavity and polar portals enabling them to tightly bind a wide spectrum of unwanted molecules.

This unique technology has been applied to nonwoven materials through finishing treatments such as spraying & padding, through dry impregnation, and by compounding into fibres.

AqFresh™ removes a wide range of malodors, works in a wet or dry environment, and is non-toxic. It has a broad range of other nonwoven applications including automotive interior trim and air filters.

Added by Dry Impregnation

In gas chromatography testing, AqFresh™ has been proven to reduce menstrual odors by 86% when added to a typical hygiene nonwoven by dry impregnation.

Added by Spraying

When added to nonwovens by spraying, sensory panel tests clearly demonstrate a reduction of urine odor of 1.5 points from “distinct” to “very weak”, and in a home use test, 93% said adult incontinence pads with AqFresh were less smelly.

Added by Compounding into Fibres 

AqFresh™ has been proven to be effective when compounded into polypropylene fibres where it delivers outstanding odor capture even after being washed 5 times.

Consumer Validation

In a home use test, AqFresh™ delivered effective urine odor removal for 12 hours after being applied to the acquisition layer of commercially available adult incontinence pads.

Free Consumer Insights Report: Adult Incontinence & Femcare Absorbent Products
Key insights from global survey of >1000 consumers:

• 76% of those living with incontinence say odor control is a key need
• Lasting odor reduction is the 2nd most important consumer need of an incontinence pad or diaper
• 8 out of 10 would pay a premium for an incontinence pad or diaper that stays odor-free for 4 hours

FOR YOUR FREE REPORT, CLICK HERE