Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a pants-type diaper, an incontinence protector or a pants-like sanitary napkin, having a front part, a rear part and an intermediate central part. The article includes an absorbent body enclosed between an inner, liquid-permeable sheet and a liquid-impermeable outer sheet, and fastener devices for releasably connecting side-portions of the front and rear parts. The fastener devices are made of a renewable material. The fastener devices are welded to at least one of the sheets of the article and the fastener devices and the sheets are made of a material having a glass transition temperature which lies between 50-60° C. and a melting point which lies between 140-180° C., preferably between 150-175° C.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing material suitable for use as a top sheet in an absorbent disposable article, such as a sanitary napkin, an incontinence guard or a diaper, a laminate (1) comprised of a plastic film (2) and a layer of non-woven material (3) on at least one side of the plastic film is applied to a perforated supportive device (6) with one layer of non-woven material facing towards the supportive device. The plastic film is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature and there is generated between the two mutually opposing sides of the laminate a pressure difference of such magnitude that the plastic film will rupture within the regions of the holes in the supportive device so as to form openings (10) which lead to the associated non-woven material. A soft and smooth, liquid-permeable top sheet material is achieved.