Sanitary papers are characterized by low substances (15 to 50g/m2), high absorbency and softness and in Brazil are made from different types of fibers, mainly short fibers (hardwood fibers) and recycled fibers.
IPT participates actively in the Brazilian Committee for Pulp and Paper (ABNT/CB-29), which is responsible for the technical standards of this sector. In 2007, the Sanitary Papers Study Committee of CB-29, coordinated by ABTCP (Brazilian Technical Pulp and Paper Association) and IPT conducted a joint study for regulation of the industry, taking into account the properties of sanitary papers, such as tensile strength, softness, brightness, absorption time and capacity, spots and holes. This study resulted in the publication of eight standards:
- ABNT NBR 15464 – 1– Paper products for sanitary purposes – Part 1: Single sheet toilet paper – Classification;
- ABNT NBR 15464 – 2 – Paper products for sanitary purposes – Part 2: Double sheet toilet paper – Classification;
- ABNT NBR 15464– 3 – Paper products for sanitary purposes – Part 3: Single sheet paper napkins – Classification;
- ABNT NBR 15464– 4 – Paper products for sanitary purposes – Part 4: Double sheet paper napkins – Classification;
- ABNT NBR 15464– 5 – Paper products for sanitary purposes – Part 5: Double sheet paper towels – Domestic use – Classification;
- ABNT NBR 15464-6 – Paper products for sanitary purposes – Part 6: Double sheet facial tissue – Classification.
- ABNT NBR 15464 -7– Paper products for sanitary purposes – Part 7: Single sheet interleaved away-from-home paper towels – Classification.
- ABNT NBR 15464-8 – Paper products for sanitary purposes – Part 8: Double sheet interleaved away-from-home paper towels – Classification.
Standards for paper in single and double sheets (interleaved away-from-home sanitary papers and rolls, paper towels in rolls and hospital sheets) are under study and are slated for publication by the end of 2009.
In addition to tests on finished products, IPT performs analyses for the characterization of raw materials, preparation and evaluation of formulations for sanitary papers, and development and analytical validation methods.
