A method and apparatus for manufacturing absorbent tampons with reduced fiber fluff includes a novel needlepunching unit. The method includes the steps of providing a continuous nonwoven fibrous web； separating individual nonwoven web sections from the continuous nonwoven fibrous web； forming distinct side edges of each individual nonwoven web section； rolling the nonwoven web section to form a substantially cylindrical tampon blank； and compressing the substantially cylindrical tampon blank to form the absorbent tampon. The distinct side edges of each individual nonwoven web section are formed by needlepunching proximate the longitudinal side edges of each individual nonwoven web section, folding both longitudinal side edges inwardly to form distinct side edges of the individual nonwoven web section, and needlepunching the folded longitudinal side edges to stabilize the distinct side edges of the individual nonwoven web section. The nonwoven web section is rolled about a winding axis substantially parallel to the width to form the substantially cylindrical tampon blank having an insertion end and a withdrawal end.
