Instead of polluting our environment with plastic and synthetic materials that contribute to pollution and waste, biodegradable pads are made from renewable natural resources that biodegrade over time, greatly reducing their impact on the planet.
Developed pad samples (DS-01 to DS-06) featured absorbent layers crafted with cotton, viscose fibre and commercial grade sodium alginate for their absorbency layer. Wet back values were comparable between developed sample DS-06 and commercial samples (CS-01).
Benefits
Biodegradable pads differ from their plastic-filled counterparts in that they’re made with eco-friendly materials instead. Plus, biodegradable ones don’t release harmful toxins when decomposing; one reason many women and girls prefer biodegradable feminine hygiene products over conventional alternatives.
Reusable pads can make a tremendous difference in countries that lack access to adequate sanitary products, particularly ones without access at all. Not only are they silent and comfortable to wear; they come with their own storage pouch to keep them tidy in your underwear without leakage or embarrassing accidents happening; plus they don’t disintegrate when wet so can easily swim, hike and camp while using one!
Reusable pads offer several key environmental advantages: you will reduce landfill waste significantly and save money with just two purchases that will last years!
Although committing to more sustainable alternatives to disposable pads has its advantages, it should also be remembered that such products may come with negative environmental and labour impacts – from deforestation and labor exploitation to cultivation issues and production issues.
Additionally, most sanitary pads’ white colour comes from bleaching processes that release dioxin into waterways and soil, which may be detrimental to human health. By contrast, reusable pads made of eco-friendly materials have much smaller carbon footprints during production and transport; when treated appropriately they can last up to 2 years!
Advantages
Eco friendly period products offer numerous environmental advantages. One such advantage is reducing landfill disposal of disposable pads and tampons which take decades to decompose and release harmful chemicals into the environment, polluting water supplies and contributing to methane gas growth.
Biodegradable sanitary pads tend to biodegrade faster, producing significantly less waste, while using less energy in production compared with synthetic materials-made pads, thus leaving behind a smaller carbon footprint.
Biodegradable pads offer several distinct advantages over disposable brands, including not releasing harmful chemicals that cause skin irritation and infections. Reusable options also tend to be less costly; plastic sanitary pads can cost as much as PS13 per pack!
University of Utah students have developed the SHERO pad, an eco-friendly feminine hygiene product made entirely from natural and biodegradable materials. Comprised of four layers – an outer one to repel liquid; transfer layer to take away excess fluid away from skin; superabsorbent layer made up of brown algae-derived polymer; and top layer to keep liquid within pad – SHERO Pad keeps fluid contained within it and provides users with maximum convenience and control over their own experience.
The team conducted tests to assess the absorbent properties of different natural materials, including hemp cloth, cotton terry fabric and bamboo wadding. Their researchers determined that bamboo wadding proved most absorbent compared to its peers; its absorbency being nearly two times that of commercial sanitary pads! It’s also more comfortable and could easily be manufactured within low-income communities without needing large capital investment or complex machinery for production purposes, according to researchers.
