Mathematical Models for Disposable Diaper Manufacturing

To set up the most economical design for a given diaper market segment, it requires the use of sophisticated statistical tools and plenty of field data on diaper use.   Most diaper producers rely on simple trial and error for defining the right mix of absorbing materials; some other companies try to copy the performance of a larger competitor without taking into account the individual diaper features.  The result is either a misuse of the materials or underperformance of the diaper.  The fact of the matter is that even small changes in the core mix can result in significant changes in leakage performance.   The correlation between diaper leakage and diaper cost is not linear; most of the times it is a polynomial equation(*).   In order to be able to optimize the cost of the diaper for a given market segment, you need to understand the mathematical correlation between diaper performance and diaper cost.  For each diaper design there is a corresponding mathematical formula that can be optimized to improve diaper performance without increasing its cost.  We can help you understand the correlation between performance and cost; we can also teach you how to do it.

Example of a mathematical correlation between % of leakage (Y) and total retentive capacity at 5 KPa (X) for a mid-market segment diaper.  Using this equation in conjunction with variable cost, enables you to maximize performance at a given cost level when you use this very specific diaper design:

Y=5E-09(X)3+8E-06(X)2-.0041(X)+0.7006

To set up the most economical design for a given diaper market segment, it requires the use of sophisticated statistical tools and plenty of field data on diaper use.   Most diaper producers rely on simple trial and error for defining the right mix of absorbing materials; some other companies try to copy the performance of a larger competitor without taking into account the individual diaper features.  The result is either a misuse of the materials or underperformance of the diaper.  The fact of the matter is that even small changes in the core mix can result in significant changes in leakage performance.   The correlation between diaper leakage and diaper cost is not linear; most of the times it is a polynomial equation(*).   In order to be able to optimize the cost of the diaper for a given market segment, you need to understand the mathematical correlation between diaper performance and diaper cost.  For each diaper design there is a corresponding mathematical formula that can be optimized to improve diaper performance without increasing its cost.  We can help you understand the correlation between performance and cost; we can also teach you how to do it.

Example of a mathematical correlation between % of leakage (Y) and total retentive capacity at 5 KPa (X) for a mid-market segment diaper.  Using this equation in conjunction with variable cost, enables you to maximize performance at a given cost level when you use this very specific diaper design:

Y=5E-09(X)3+8E-06(X)2-.0041(X)+0.7006

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