New Zealand-based Confitex Technology has developed washable nonwoven pads, liners and bed pads designed as reusable alternatives to single-use period and incontinence products. The technology won the Durable Finished Product category at EDANA’s Index Awards in May, after also receiving the Hygienix Innovation Award from U.S. nonwovens association INDA in November.

Confitex uses a proprietary fiber-stabilisation process to keep the absorbent nonwoven structure intact through repeated machine washing and tumble drying. The company says its products can contain up to 90 percent biobased materials and do not use petroleum-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), which are commonly used to hold liquid in disposable hygiene products.

According to EDANA, the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association, Confitex’s reusable bed pad can absorb more than 2 litres of liquid and withstand up to 30 washing and drying cycles. A bonded edge around the pad is designed to help reduce leakage.

Confitex said testing by Intertek found that its washable products matched or exceeded the absorbency of comparable disposable products. The company also screens incoming bulk materials for PFAS and said its finished products meet the requirements of Oeko-Tex Standard 100. However, it has not released the detailed test results.