Method for producing absorbent sanitary articles with side panels

A method for producing absorbent sanitary articles, comprising:

• forming extension bands having respective proximal edges, respective distal edges to which respective closing elements are fixed, and respective band flaps,
• overlapping said extension bands on a continuous web in spaced apart positions in a longitudinal direction and fixing the proximal edges of said extension bands to said continuous web,
• connecting said band flaps to said continuous web by first temporary joining zones,
• cutting said continuous web so as to form side panels having respective proximal edges and respective distal edges, each with a respective extension band fixed to its distal edge,
• fixing the proximal edges of said side panels alongside edges of a continuous composite structure including a continuous topsheet, a continuous backsheet and a plurality of absorbent cores enclosed between the continuous topsheet and the continuous backsheet, and
• cutting said continuous composite structure so as to form individual absorbent sanitary articles.