Project report for Absorbend cotton manufacturing

Raw Cotton is processed by a series of process and rendered hydrophilic in character and free from other external organic impurities for enabling it’s use in surgical dressing. In India, The use of absorbent cotton started several decades before the growth of this industry, but it gained wider market along with the development of medical facilities in the country after independence. The successive five year plans provided for medical facilities such as construction of hospitals and dispensaries even in villages. Further more growing awareness amongst professionals in the use of hygienic materials increased the demand for absorbent cotton which is also extentively used for making sanitary pads or napkins or filters.

Cotton wool consists of silky fibers taken from  cotton plants in their raw state. Impurities, such as seeds, are removed and the cotton is then bleached using  Hydrogen Peroxide  or  Sodium Hypochlorite and sterilized. It is also a refined product which has  medical cosmetic  and many other practical uses. Absorbent Cotton also known as “Surgical Cotton” or “Cotton Wool” is made from well carded cotton fibers. It is bleached to get good white colour and softened. The sterilized absorbent cotton may be of slightly white in colour. The material should be of uniform quality and offer appreciable resistance when pulled. The main physical properties desired in a surgical dressing are inertness and lack of irritation during use. Absorbent Cotton provides these properties when manufactured according to certain standards.

It is estimated that demand for surgical and absorbent cotton is growing at the rate of 10 percent per annum across the world. The demand for absorbent cotton in India is estimated to be about 2 million bales (of 170 kg each) per year. The demand of Surgical Absorbent Cotton is directly related with the increase in population and expansion of public health services. The demand for Surgical Absorbent Cotton increases with the increase in population and number of hospitals, dispensaries, nursing homes, health care centers etc. Progressive increase in health amenities offered by Government and coming up of new hospitals and health care centers in private sector even at small towns are contributing to the growth of absorbent cotton industry. Government hospitals and large nursing homes are the largest consumer for cotton wool. Absorbent Cotton is also used for making sanitary towels, filters etc. Government hospitals are the biggest consumers of absorbent cotton. The absorbent cotton is sold mostly through medical stores to private hospitals, clinics etc. whereas the purchase of absorbent cotton for Government hospitals is by calling tenders or through Government agencies. It has excellent market abroad.