Disposable diapers are complex hygiene products made from a combination of advanced nonwoven fabrics, films, adhesives, and absorbent cores.
Understanding the specifications of each component is essential for manufacturers aiming to produce high-performance, comfortable, and safe diapers.
In this article, we will explore the key raw materials used in baby diaper production, along with their typical specifications and roles in the diaper structure.
Whether you are a supplier, trader, or manufacturer in the hygiene industry, this comprehensive overview will serve as a handy reference.
Contents
📋 Diaper Raw Material Specification Table
| ITEM | SPECS | NORMAL WIDTH | APPLICATION AREA |
|---|---|---|---|
| SS Hydrophilic NW | 13-15GSM | 140-170MM | Top Layer |
| Hot Air Through NW | 20-22GSM | 140-170MM | Top Layer |
| Thermal Bonded NW | 15-18GSM | 140-170MM | Top Layer |
| ADL (Acquisition Distribution Layer) | 25-40GSM | 70-80MM | Core Layer |
| Pulp | — | — | Core Layer |
| SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) | — | — | Core Layer |
| SS NONWOVEN – Philic/Phobic | 10-13GSM | 90-160MM | Core Layer |
| SMMS Hydrophilic NW – Special | — | — | Core Layer |
| Tissue Paper | 13-18GSM | 160-200MM | Core Layer |
| SMMS Hydrophobic | 13-15GSM | 260-350MM | Core Layer |
| Spandex | 620-940DTEX | — | Leak Guard |
| Elastic Waist Band | 50-55GSM | 95-110MM | Leak Guard |
| Knitloop Frontal Tape | 38-43GSM | 190-210MM | Closure |
| NW Frontal Tape | 38-45GSM | 190-210MM | Closure |
| Magic Tape with Hook | 125-145GSM | 50/55/62MM | Closure |
| PP Frontal Tape | 23-25GSM | 190-210MM | Closure |
| PP Side Tape | 125-145GSM | 50/55/60/62MM | Closure |
| Breathable Film | 15-18GSM | 190-210MM | Backsheet |
| PE Film | 15-18GSM | 190-210MM | Backsheet |
| SS Hydrophobic | 13-18GSM | 190-350MM | Backsheet |
| Breathable Lamination Film (full/partial) | 28-30GSM | 190-350MM | Backsheet |
| Breathable Lamination Film | 20-25GSM | 190-350MM | Backsheet |
| Lamination Film (non-breathable) | 20-30GSM | 190-350MM | Backsheet |
| Hot Melt Adhesive | — | — | Adhesive (General Use) |
| Elastic Adhesive | — | — | Adhesive |
| Construction Adhesive | — | — | Adhesive |
| Position Adhesive | — | — | Adhesive |
🧷 Section Breakdown & Material Functions
🔹 Top Layer Materials
These nonwoven fabrics such as SS Hydrophilic NW, Hot Air Through NW, and Thermal Bonded NW provide a soft and dry contact surface for the baby’s skin.
GSM range is typically 13–22, with widths from 140–170MM.
🔹 Core Layer Materials
The ADL, pulp, and SAP form the absorbing zone.
Tissue Paper and SS Nonwoven are used for liquid distribution.
SMMS Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic layers help channel liquid flow while preventing leakage.
🔹 Leak Guard Materials
Spandex and Elastic Waist Band provide stretch, flexibility, and leakage protection.
These materials support the diaper in maintaining a snug fit.
🔹 Closure Materials
Magic Tapes, PP Frontal Tape, Side Tapes, and Frontal Tapes ensure diapers can be fastened securely and refastened when necessary.
Typical GSM ranges from 23 to 145 depending on the tape type.
🔹 Backsheet Materials
A breathable yet waterproof barrier is created using PE Film, Breathable Film, Laminated Films, and SS Hydrophobic layers.
These materials ensure comfort while keeping clothes dry.
🔹 Adhesives
Hot melt adhesives and specialized tapes (elastic, construction, position) are used to bind the layers, fix tapes, and attach elastic parts like waistbands and leg cuffs.
✅ Key Takeaways
Diaper raw materials are carefully selected based on softness, absorption capacity, breathability, stretchability, and waterproofing.
The weight (GSM) and width vary depending on material function.
Customization is highly flexible depending on the market or customer preferences.
This breakdown provides a solid foundation for sourcing and designing disposable diapers.
Whether you’re launching your own brand or sourcing from factories, understanding each material’s specs and purpose helps in cost control, performance optimization, and market differentiation.

By Coco Ho

