The thesis was carried out in cooperation with the Strategic Development Department of the company, Tosama, to conduct a market analysis and compare the product with competing alternatives. The comparison included Tosama’s Natura Femina Organic sanitary pads, whose main advantages are the use of natural materials and biodegradable packaging.
The theoretical part of the thesis provides an overview of the materials used in sanitary pads, a review of standards in the field of intimate care (for the European market), and an overview of certifications for sanitary pads made from natural materials.
The purpose of the experimental part was to compare Tosama’s new product with a competing product. Based on the properties and specifications of the new product, and after researching the Slovenian market, the Always Cotton Protection Ultra sanitary pads were selected for comparison. These pads also feature an organic top sheet and biodegradable components, but differ in the raw material composition of the core.
The comparative analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of the EDANA standard, which includes measuring the physical and absorption properties of sanitary pads. Measurements and analyses were performed in Tosama’s chemical and physical laboratories. The parameters tested included absorption speed, absorption capacity, liquid rewet, water vapor permeability, as well as dimensional properties and product weight.
The results showed that the core of the selected competing sanitary pad differs from that of Tosama’s product. Consequently, its absorption properties were also different. The Always pad, which contains added superabsorbent material, demonstrated higher absorbency and lower liquid rewet. However, due to the presence of non-natural materials, it does not belong to the same product category as Tosama’s pads made from natural materials.
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