Airlaid Paper
Direct Answer
Airlaid paper is the engineered 'fast-acquisition' layer of thin pads — a dry-laid web of pulp fibers and binder that pulls liquid in quickly while staying thin and soft.
Key Takeaways
- Airlaid paper is a dry-laid absorbent web made from fluff pulp and binders, used in thin sanitary pad cores for fast acquisition.
- Manufacturing: Dry-laid air forming + binder bonding (thermal or latex)
- Structure: Fluff pulp fibers + binder; can add SAP
- Core role: Fast acquisition + liquid distribution in thin cores
Material Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Dry-laid air forming + binder bonding (thermal or latex) | No water in forming, unlike wet-laid paper |
| Structure | Fluff pulp fibers + binder; can add SAP | Binder holds shape; SAP adds retention |
| Core role | Fast acquisition + liquid distribution in thin cores | Pulls liquid down before it pools on the topsheet |
| Advantage | Thin, soft, high wet strength vs fluff-only cores | Enables ultra-thin pad designs |
| Cost | Higher than loose fluff; justified in premium thin lines | Trade-off vs traditional pulp cores |
Applications
- Sanitary pad cores (thin pads)
- Panty liner cores
- Acquisition layers in pads
- Wipe substrates in some grades
Key Manufacturers & Suppliers
- Specialty nonwoven/airlaid producers (e.g., Glatfelter, Suominen, McAirlaid)
- Integrated hygiene converters with in-house airlaid lines
Supplier lists reflect commonly cited industry names, not endorsements. Always verify current supply arrangements directly.
Safety Notes
Airlaid pulp and binder materials are designed for skin contact and are generally well tolerated. As with all absorbent cores, choose fragrance-free, well-ventilated products for sensitive skin.