Concept | Eco-Friendly Menstrual Care: Biodegradable Menstrual Pads for a Greener Future¶

Concept Collage¶

The images I included in this collage reflect the heart of my project—demonstrating how natural plant fibers can be thoughtfully processed into biodegradable sanitary pads. Each visual element showcases the creative techniques and sustainability-driven mindset behind transforming raw, organic materials into hygienic and environmentally responsible menstrual products.

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5 Ws who, what, when, where, why¶

how is what you will start defining in your process pages

who¶

The primary users of this project are menstruating individuals, particularly those in low-resource areas or regions with limited access to affordable and sustainable menstrual products. Other stakeholders include NGOs, healthcare organizations, and environmentally conscious individuals who advocate for sustainable practices and menstrual health equity.

what¶

This project focuses on designing and producing biodegradable menstrual pads made from banana fibers extracted from the pseudostem of banana plants. These pads offer an eco-friendly, affordable alternative to conventional products, addressing menstrual health challenges and reducing environmental impact.

when¶

This innovation is meant for regular use during every menstrual cycle and is also suitable for postpartum care or reproductive health monitoring. The project development and prototyping phases will occur during Fabricademy, with the aim of launching a scalable production model shortly afterward.

where¶

The project primarily targets underserved communities in Rwanda, leveraging locally sourced banana fibers to promote sustainability and community empowerment. It also has the potential to expand to similar regions globally where menstrual health challenges and environmental concerns intersect.

why¶

The environmental waste caused by conventional disposable pads, coupled with the lack of affordable menstrual products, creates significant barriers to menstrual health and hygiene. This project provides a sustainable solution by utilizing local materials, promoting accessibility, empowering communities, and encouraging environmental responsibility.

References projects, research papers, expos, performances etc¶

This project draws inspiration and insights from various research papers, projects, and initiatives that address menstrual health, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. Below are key references:

Research Papers Chintan Madhu & Bharat Patel (2024)

Chintan Madhu & Bharat Patel (2024) WEB-LINK

"Preparation of microencapsulated phase change materials for use in feminine hygiene napkins based on pH response," EssentialChem, 1:1, 1-9. DOI: 10.1080/28378083.2024.2357332

EssentialChem, 1:1, 1-9. WEB-LINK

Maitreyi College, University of Delhi (2017) "Disposable sanitary pads and sustainable environment."

Mihitha Basnayake (2024) "Establishing a Sustainable, Low-cost, Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin Production Facility in Sri Lanka Towards Zero Period Poverty." GRÓ GEST, University of Iceland.

Mihitha Basnayake (2024) WEB-LINK

Rwanda-Specific Research and Data¶

UNFPA Rwanda 2021¶

School Absenteeism: 20% of schoolgirls in rural Rwanda miss up to 50 days of school annually due to menstruation-related issues.

Economic Impact: School absenteeism due to menstruation results in an estimated GDP loss of US$215 per woman each year, totaling US$115 million annually.

Access to Sanitary Products: 18% of women and girls in Rwanda miss school or work because they cannot afford menstrual pads.

Knowledge and Practices: Among visually impaired adolescent girls in Rwanda, 67.4% had poor knowledge of menstruation, and 47.8% had poor menstrual hygiene practices.

Related Projects and Expos Biodegradable Menstrual Pads in South Asia Case studies from Sri Lanka and India highlighting the use of banana fibers and other local materials for sustainable menstrual care.

Fabricademy 2024¶

Tools and technologies such as laser cutting, 3D printing, and digital fabrication, used to develop innovative solutions like biodegradable menstrual pads.

Focus on sustainability and bio-based materials in student-led projects. Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Campaigns - A novel banana fiber pad for menstrual hygiene in India: a feasibility and acceptability study

bmcwomenshealth WEB-LINK

-Saathi: Biodegradable Sanitary Pads from Banana Fiber

Local initiatives in Rwanda and other developing regions to promote education and access to affordable menstrual products.