Textile Innovations for The Development of Eco-Smart and Sustainable Sanitary Care Products

The increasing environmental issues related to the traditional sanitary care products are what have revealed the dire necessity of the eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives. Majority of the production of commercially available sanitary products involves use of synthetic polymer, back sheets made of plastic as well as chemically treated absorbent materials which are major pollutants of the environment and are also big contributors of waste that accumulates over a long term. In this regard, the textile innovations provide a good opportunity to develop eco-smart and sustainable sanitary care products. The paper discusses the application of the advanced textile materials, structure, and functional finishes in enhancing the environmental performance and comfort of the sanitary care products to the user. Regenerated cellulosic fibers and biodegradable natural fibers are investigated with regard to their absorbency, breathability, softness and biodegradability. Also, new textile frameworks and environmentally friendly functional treatments that would enhance antimicrobial efficacy, moisture regulation, and odor level are mentioned. These results indicate that the eco-intelligent sanitary care products based on sustainable textile development could be used as the means to minimize the environmental impact without compromising the level of hygiene, comfort, and performance. This article highlights how sustainable solutions made of textiles can help to develop sustainable sanitary care systems that are environmentally friendly.