Give Consumers Greater Confidence in Absorbent Products
The NAFC Seal helps identify products that meet established performance standards through independent laboratory testing.
Consumers have countless absorbent products to choose from, but little objective information to help them compare performance. The NAFC Seal program was created to bring greater transparency and confidence to the category.
Products that earn the NAFC Seal must successfully complete independent testing against standards developed with input from experts in absorbent product performance.
Interested in earning the NAFC Seal?
Why Participate?
The NAFC Seal gives manufacturers an opportunity to demonstrate that eligible products meet defined performance standards established for the program.
Participation can help:
- Give consumers an additional point of confidence when choosing products
- Demonstrate successful completion of independent performance testing
- Differentiate qualifying products in a crowded marketplace
- Support greater transparency around absorbent product performance
- Align your brand with NAFC’s longstanding commitment to helping people affected by bladder and bowel control conditions
How the Program Works
1. Apply
Manufacturers submit an application identifying the product or product line they would like considered for the NAFC Seal.
At launch, the program is available for:
- Adult protective underwear/pull-ups
- Adult tabbed briefs
Additional absorbent product categories may be added in the future.
2. Confirm Eligibility
NAFC reviews the application and confirms whether the product is eligible to proceed with testing.
Manufacturers also identify the appropriate product performance category for review, subject to NAFC approval.
3. Complete Independent Testing
Eligible products are tested by an independent third-party laboratory using the NAFC Seal testing protocol.
Testing evaluates five areas of absorbent product performance:
Rewet
How effectively the product keeps absorbed liquid away from the surface.
Rate of Acquisition
How quickly the product absorbs liquid.
Retention Capacity
How effectively the product retains liquid under defined test conditions.
Breathability
The ability of product materials to allow moisture vapor to pass through.
Products must meet the applicable requirements across all four testing areas to qualify.
4. Earn the Seal
Products that successfully meet the program requirements may enter into an annual licensing agreement with NAFC.
Once licensing requirements are complete, approved products may use the NAFC Seal in accordance with NAFC’s brand and usage guidelines.
5. Maintain Qualification
The program includes ongoing testing and review designed to help ensure continued compliance.
The current testing cycle includes:
- Full product testing upon initial participation
- A random off-the-shelf product check during the following year for a portion of participating products
- Full retesting in the subsequent year
- Continued testing on a recurring cycle
Participating manufacturers are responsible for maintaining compliance with program requirements throughout the licensing period.
Licensing and Fees
Manufacturers pay the independent laboratory directly for product testing.
NAFC charges an annual licensing fee for each approved product line. Multiple sizes of the same qualifying product line may be covered under one license when they meet program requirements.
Volume pricing is available for manufacturers licensing multiple product lines.
What the NAFC Seal Represents
The NAFC Seal indicates that an eligible product has completed the program requirements and met the applicable NAFC performance standards through independent laboratory testing.
The Seal is intended to provide consumers with additional objective information when evaluating absorbent products. It does not mean that one product will be the best choice for every individual, and it does not replace consideration of personal needs such as fit, absorbency needs, comfort, mobility, skin health, lifestyle, or other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Manufacturers of eligible adult absorbent products may apply. At launch, eligible categories include adult protective underwear/pull-ups and tabbed briefs.
No. Product performance testing is conducted by an independent third-party laboratory according to the testing requirements established for the NAFC Seal program.
Not necessarily. The annual NAFC licensing fee is generally assessed by qualifying product line rather than individual package size, subject to program requirements.
No. Participation includes ongoing testing and renewal requirements to help verify continued compliance.
No. Products must complete all applicable program and licensing requirements before the NAFC Seal may be used.
NAFC will notify the manufacturer that the product has not qualified for the Seal. Additional testing or a future application may be possible in accordance with program policies.
Yes. Eligible commercially available products may apply for participation.
Ready to Get Started?
Learn whether your products are eligible for the NAFC Seal and begin the application process.
Questions about the program? Contact NAFC to learn more.
