Absorbent Article Comprising A Synthetic Polymer Derived From A Renewable Resource And Methods Of Producing Said Article

Abstract

An absorbent article is disclosed having a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a synthetic superabsorbent polymer derived from a first renewable resource via at least one intermediate compound, wherein said superabsorbent polymer exhibits a defined Saline Flow Conductivity value and Absorption Against Pressure value. Alternately, an absorbent article is disclosed having a synthetic polyolefin derived from a first renewable resource via at least one intermediate compound. The synthetic polyolefin exhibits defined performance characteristics making the polyolefin particularly useful in certain components of the absorbent article. Methods for making the aforementioned absorbent articles are also disclosed.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A backsheet of an absorbent article, the backsheet comprising an outer cover, wherein the outer cover comprises a nonwoven material, the nonwoven material is at least partially formed from a first polymer and exhibits a  14 C/C ratio of about 1.0×10 −14  or greater, the first polymer is at least partially derived from a first renewable resource via a first intermediate compound, the first polymer is synthetic, and the first intermediate compound is monomeric. 
     
     
         22 . The backsheet of  claim 21 , wherein the first polymer is a polyolefin. 
     
     
         23 . The backsheet of  claim 22  further comprising an inner layer film, wherein the inner layer film is at least partially formed from second polymer and exhibits a  14 C/C ratio of about 1.0×10 −14  or greater, the second polymer is at least partially derived from a second renewable resource via a second intermediate compound, the second polymer is synthetic, the second intermediate compound is monomeric, and the inner layer film exhibits an MD tensile strength from about 0.5 N/cm to about 6 N/cm. 
     
     
         24 . The backsheet of  claim 23 , wherein the first polymer and the second polymer are the same. 
     
     
         25 . The backsheet of  claim 23 , wherein the inner layer film is breathable and exhibits a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate from about 2000 g/hr to about 3000 g/m 2 /hr. 
     
     
         26 . The backsheet of  claim 23 , wherein the inner layer film has a thickness of about 0.5 mil to about 2.0 mils. 
     
     
         27 . The backsheet of  claim 21 , wherein the nonwoven material exhibits a  14 C/C ratio of about 1.0×10 −13  or greater. 
     
     
         28 . The backsheet of  claim 23 , wherein the inner layer film exhibits a  14 C/C ratio of about 1.0×10 −13  or greater. 
     
     
         29 . The backsheet of  claim 23  comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the outer cover and the inner layer film. 
     
     
         30 . The backsheet of  claim 21  exhibiting substantially zero dynamic fluid transmission when subjected to an impact energy of about 1000 joules/m 2 , and further exhibiting a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate of at least about 2000 g/m 2 /hr. 
     
     
         31 . The backsheet of  claim 30  exhibiting substantially zero dynamic fluid transmission when subjected to an impact energy of about 2000 joules/m 2 . 
     
     
         32 . The backsheet of  claim 30  exhibiting a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate of at least about 2400 g/m 2 /hr. 
     
     
         33 . The backsheet of  claim 23  exhibiting substantially zero dynamic fluid transmission when subjected to an impact energy of about 1000 joules/m 2 , and further exhibiting a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate of at least about 2000 g/m 2 /hr. 
     
     
         34 . The backsheet of  claim 33  exhibiting substantially zero dynamic fluid transmission when subjected to an impact energy of about 2000 joules/m 2 . 
     
     
         35 . The backsheet of  claim 33  exhibiting a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate of at least about 2400 g/m 2 /hr. 
     
     
         36 . An absorbent article comprising the backsheet of  claim 21 . 
     
     
         37 . A package comprising one or more absorbent articles according to  claim 36 , wherein the package comprises a communication of a related environmental message to a consumer.