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Today it is customary to call diapers absolutely all diapers, although this is far from being the case. The Pampers brand was the first to make a product to help parents, and remains the best of its kind. At the beginning of its history, the company almost went to dust due to the incorrect development of diapers, but over time it conquered the whole world.
How the brand was born
Laziness is the engine of progress. The desire to simplify our tasks as much as possible has led us today to technological and informational progress. So it happened in the story with Pampers. In the 1950s, Victor Mills, a chemical engineer, worked for Procter & Gamble, a large corporation. The scientist was often forced to stay with his grandchildren. The process of changing and washing diapers was categorically not to his liking. So Mills soon thought of ways to make this task easier.
The first idea was to create wide pads for babies. The chemist was captivated by his invention, and the place of work allowed him to bring it to life. It soon became clear that special panties were also needed for such pads. So, the first prototype of the diaper consisted of a plastic frame and a disposable pad inside. Mills tested the innovation, of course, on his grandchildren. Compared to the constant fuss with dirty diapers, the developer liked the quick change of disposable underwear.
The chemist presented the finished product to Procter & Gamble, the idea was approved, and a test launch of the product began. The city of Dallas was chosen to launch a pilot project, the first batch of diapers was produced, and put on sale. The reaction of American parents was categorically negative. The very ability to quickly change clothes without subsequent washing liked the buyers, and the batch was quickly dismantled. However, it is difficult to come up with more severe conditions for testing a product.
The tests fell on dry weather with temperatures not lower than 30 degrees. The plastic frame construction with cotton inserts quickly caused skin irritation. In addition, children, due to discomfort, became irritated and whiny. The idea of the first diapers threatened to fail at the first stage. But Mills did not give up, and began to think about how to improve the product.
By March 1959, a new batch of 37 diapers was ready. The product consisted of a soft frame with a gasket. Parents could choose the type of fasteners: buttons or Velcro. The first sales showed that the Americans liked the buttons. The second test was launched in the city of Rochester, which was much more successful than the first. Already by 1961, Pampers products were on the shelves of pharmacies, grocery stores and supermarkets. Soon the brand name became an eponym, that is, the entire class of goods began to be called “pampers”. And today the founder of the company is called “grandfather Victor”.
What the company offers
After the management of Procter & Gamble was convinced of the success of the project, the mass production of diapers began. Production capacity increased until the 2000s, more and more factories were opened around the world. The assortment of the brand also did not stand still. At first, only one size of absorbent panties was produced, then a size grid appeared for children of different ages.
The peak of innovation from Pampers came in the 1970s, most of the innovations of that time are still produced by the company. Since then, parents have been able to choose between diaper varieties: for babies or older children, super-absorbent for the whole day, ultra-thin. An important development of the brand is the smallest diapers for babies born prematurely.
Today the company offers a wide range of products to help young mothers and fathers. At the same time, the needs and comfort of the child are the main aspect in the creation of Pampers. Modern models consist of hypoallergenic materials, gel fillers for better absorption, elastic inserts against leakage, etc. Diaper lines are designed for all stages of growth and development of the baby:
- New Baby – for the little ones;
- Active Baby – panties and diapers for children from 3 months with a breathable surface;
- Boy&Girl – two series specifically for boys and girls, taking into account anatomical forms;
- Premium Care – a line of products for very sensitive skin;
- Underjumps is a panty with elastic inserts and super absorption for children who walk and learn to walk.
In parallel with diapers, the development team creates a line of wet wipes. They are also designed for different needs of babies. New Baby Sensitive – created specifically for newborns and babies born prematurely. Durable wipes do not cause irritation even on very sensitive skin. Natural Clean – contain aloe extract for gentle and effective cleansing.
About production
All brand products are based on the results of the company’s personal research. Development always begins with an analysis of the needs of babies and their parents, the characteristics of the skin and the excretory system of babies. Each component is thoroughly tested first in laboratories, then on groups of volunteers.
The creation of each diaper includes the production of:
- top layer. This layer of diaper, which touches the baby’s skin. It consists of polypropylene and polyethylene in those proportions that will be safe for the child and the environment. In the Premium Care series, a special moisturizing lotion is applied to the top layer.
- Absorbent layer made of polyester fabric. This part of the diaper instantly absorbs moisture so that it does not come into contact with the skin.
- The distribution layer where the liquid enters after absorption. There is an even distribution of urine. The layer consists of polyacrylic polymers that absorb liquids up to 30 times their own weight.
- An outer layer that does not allow moisture to pass through, but allows the skin to breathe. All Pampers diapers have designs on the outer layer of safe pigments. The fun images also help parents figure out how tight the diaper should be.
- Velcro and elastic cuffs. These components are designed for convenient and reliable fastening of the diaper on the child. Made from rubberized webbing.
All manufactured parts are bonded with non-toxic adhesives. Before being released for sale, each unit of goods undergoes quality control.
Quality control
Pampers wipes, diapers and panties participate in research before being released to the market. The company, together with dermatologists and pediatricians, check those components that may affect the condition of the skin or health in general. So, all wet wipes are tested for the level of hardness and allergic reaction. All fragrances used by the brand are non-sensitizing and non-irritating. The studies involve adults diagnosed with high sensitivity.
In 2001, the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology published its own independent laboratory results. Pampers baby wipes have a hardness rating of 0,831. For comparison, running water has 1,019. A softening lotion, which is applied to the top layer of diapers and absorbent panties, also passes through the rigorous stages of testing.
A necessary component of all diapers is an absorbent gel. With active movements, it can protrude from the joints of the product. Tests on adult volunteers have shown that even accidental ingestion of gel beads is safe even for a child. In contact with the skin, the absorbent will also not harm the baby, it is non-toxic and does not cause allergies.
company in the world
Since 2006, Pampers has developed a campaign with UNICEF to combat tetanus in infants and women. It is a preventable disease that takes up to 49 babies in the first month of life in underdeveloped countries. The main reason for the wide spread of the disease is poor sanitation: touching the umbilical cord with dirty hands, cutting the umbilical cord with a non-sterile instrument, etc. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to save infected children.
The UNICEF and Pampers team engages government officials from underdeveloped countries and caring communities in the problem and its solution. Over 10 years of cooperation, according to experts, almost 100 million children and women in childbirth have been saved. Tetanus has been completely eradicated in 17 countries, but the charity doesn’t end there. The company finances vaccinations, the construction of clinics and informing mothers. A network of midwifery centers in Africa is also developing. Obstetricians are supplied with mopeds so that specialists can get to remote settlements.
Global activities of the company
The brand began its development with care for babies and parents. After “diapers” spread around the world, the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbcare has grown along with the company. Today, Pampers is involved not only in protecting mothers and children from disease, but also in the safety of the entire planet. It all started with research, when the American brand took part in the analysis of the global pollution of the Earth. Together with DEFRA, a UK government agency, a key opportunity to reduce pollution has been identified. This is a reduction in the number of materials used in production.
Over the past 20 years, the amount of materials for creating and packaging diapers has been reduced by 50%. Instead of cardboard boxes, products are packed in polyethylene and plastic. This saves forests, and if properly disposed of, it can be recycled. This technology saves the Earth’s resources, plus fewer trucks are needed to transport plastic boxes. Slightly rarer deliveries reduce exhaust air pollution. Between 2009 and 2014, the Pampers analytics group calculated:
- carbon dioxide emissions by 9%;
- the amount of utility by 78%;
- water use by 4%;
- energy consumption by 8%.
So far, 10 Pampers factories operate on a zero-waste basis, but in the future the brand plans to transfer all of its production facilities to this system. In Germany, household items are already being made from scraps of plastic and polyethylene, and the remains of an absorbent gel are used to conserve water in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. One of the largest factories in Targovek has completely switched to renewable energy sources. Pampers is working to create this system in all its factories for the well-being of the planet, the individual family and every baby.
Where can you buy branded products?
When the brand was just beginning its development in the American market, marketers could not determine in which product department to put diapers. They decided to place a completely new product both on the shelves with paper goods and in pharmacies. Today they can be found in the same way both in the supermarket and on the windows of the pharmacy. Today you can buy Pampers products without wandering between store shelves. Online pharmacies offer the same wide selection, but also with delivery.
Pharmacy “36,6”
This is an online showcase with dozens of products from Pampers: diapers, panties or wet wipes. The 36,6 pharmacy website has a convenient function for searching and sorting products. You can also view nearby pharmacies here.
Pharmacy “911”
The largest range of products for the health of the whole family. In the 9-1-1 online pharmacy, you can buy diapers at a price no higher than in ordinary stores. The site has a convenient chat with a consultant. The visitor can learn how to choose a diaper size or how the rulers differ.
Pharmacy “Zdravsiti”
For newborns, active or older children – here you can find your own Pampers products for each baby. For all products, the Zdravcity online pharmacy offers a description so that parents can familiarize themselves with the product even before purchase. You can order both one item and a stock for a year.