Development of Cost-Effective, Eco-Friendly Sanitary Pads for Better Health and Sanitation of Rural Women

One of the major challenges India is facing is the plastic waste generated by commercial sanitary pads. One sanitary pad equals 4 plastic bags. It affects the water bodies, and plastic pads do not degrade for years together. More than 80% of sanitary pad users are not satisfied with the existing pads as they cause a lot of health issues because of the chemicals and plastics in them. This project deals with the development and characterisation of a biodegradable sanitary pad (Bio-pad) that is an alternative to commercial plastic pads. A sanitary napkin consists of three layers- The top, bottom layer, and the absorbent core. Viscose, bamboo spun lace nonwovens were chosen for the top layer. Wood pulp, kenaf, banana, and flax fibres were chosen for the absorbent core because of their good absorbency and antimicrobial properties. Bioplastics made of corn starch, and tapioca starch were chosen for the bottom layer of the napkin. All the materials were characterized and analyzed as per standards. The best material for each layer was selected to be made into a biodegradable sanitary pad. The produced sanitary napkin was tested as per BIS standards and compared with commercial sanitary napkins. It was found to perform as well as commercial sanitary pads.