SAP-Free Fresh Food Absorbent Pads
In March 2026, South Korea’s SBS television network reported that large quantities of microplastics had been detected in meat absorbent pads containing SAP (Superabsorbent Polymer). Following the report, major supermarkets in Seoul immediately replaced the absorbent pads with paper-based materials.
Professor Kwon Jung-hwan of the Department of Environmental Ecological Engineering at Korea University stated that microplastics “embed into cells, physically causing inflammation, or have toxic effects — this is something almost all researchers acknowledge.”
60,000 citizens have signed a petition calling for a “Special Act on Microplastics,” reflecting growing public concern over microplastic contamination.
SUNDLY’s Three Core Material Options Comparison
| Comparison Dimension | Option 1: SAP + Pulp + Absorbent Paper | Option 2: Starch + Pulp + Absorbent Paper | Option 3: Pulp + Absorbent Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Composition | SAP (Superabsorbent Polymer) + Virgin Pulp + Absorbent Paper | Natural Starch + Virgin Pulp + Absorbent Paper | Virgin Pulp + Absorbent Paper |
| Contains Polymer | ✅ Contains SAP | ❌ SAP-Free | ❌ SAP-Free |
| Absorption Mechanism | SAP chemical absorption + Pulp fiber capillary action | Natural starch thickening + Pulp fiber capillary action | Pure pulp fiber capillary action |
| Microplastic Risk | ⚠️ Microplastics detected | ✅ Zero risk | ✅ Zero risk |
| Environmental Profile | Non-biodegradable | Starch-based, enhanced biodegradability | Pulp-based, biodegradable |
| Absorption Performance | Highest absorption capacity | Starch thickening provides good liquid retention | Basic absorption, suitable for low-moisture foods |
SUNDLY’s Solution
Compared to mainstream SAP-based core solutions, Dalian Sundly Home Products Co., Ltd. (SUNDLY) offers SAP-free absorbent pad cores, eliminating microplastic concerns at the source and helping your products stay ahead of increasingly stringent food safety regulations.
For more technical details or sample requests, please contact the SUNDLY Customization Service Team.
Source: SBS Korea report (https://news.sbs.co.kr/news/endPage.do?news_id=N1006510272), as referenced by replasinfo.com (https://www.replasinfo.com/2021/10/insights/). This article is for reference only; all rights belong to the original copyright holders.