Did you know that India's landfills, waterways, and sewage systems are clogged with more than a billion non-biodegradable sanitary napkins? Furthermore, did you know that commercial pads and tampons are chlorine-bleached and contain 90% plastic? It turns out that the common menstrual alternatives offered in India are one of the biggest causes of the country's plastic pollution. Therefore, Organic Biodegradable Pads are easy to dispose of in an eco-friendly way.
Though they are a normal part of life, menstruation might seem unnatural when using regular sanitary pads. Leaks, annoyance, and a persistent sense of guilt regarding the plastic footprint they leave behind are common side effects. But what if there was a more effective method?
Discover the world of biodegradable sanitary pads, which are composed of organic components that are good for the environment and your body. In this blog, we'll look at how these environmentally friendly pads are Made in India!
History
Different civilizations have evolved techniques to control menstruation flow over time. Natural materials that were easily accessible in the past, such as fabric or softened papyrus, were employed.
Reusable cloth pads were the standard remedy for generations; women would make them out of different textiles or absorbent materials. For many families, money remained a hurdle even after disposable solutions became available.
A major change occurred with the introduction of disposable sanitary pads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early models were large and cumbersome, frequently requiring an additional belt to be attached.
Due to the resources that were easily accessible at the time, these early pads were frequently constructed from bandages composed of wood pulp. Disposable pads gained characteristics like wings and sticky strips, and they also became thinner and more absorbent as technology and design advanced.
The first disposable sanitary napkin, made of cotton and gauge, was assembled in 1896. It was successfully commercialized in the United States of America in 1921. As the availability of materials shrank, there was a need to find a material that was easily available and cost-effective. Later, wood pulp was incorporated since it is an absorbent material from softwood.
The Rise of Biodegradable Pads in India
Growing numbers of educated Indian women are creating and utilizing biodegradable pads in response to the demand for eco-friendly sanitary pads.
In this eco-aware movement, companies like HeyDay, Niine, Carmesi, and Saathi are at the forefront. Unlike conventional pads, these pads break down considerably more quickly since they are composed of natural ingredients, including organic cotton, bamboo, banana fiber, and corn starch.
Raw Material Used For Sanitary Pad
There is limited and unclear information available on the internet about sanitary pad Raw Materials. We learned about this and gathered a ton of data on the source material.
Manufacturers of organic sanitary napkins should be aware of the raw material that goes into their products.
Nonwoven fabric is used as a raw material for sanitary pads for feminine hygiene
All three layers of sanitary napkins contain three essential elements that are useful in the production of sanitary pads.
The Nonwoven Hydrophilic Fabric
The fabric known as "hydrophilic" is the one that absorbs water and is therefore transparent. Polypropylene, a hydrocarbon polymer, and hydrophilic resin are used to make this fabric. It loves the water as a result. This cloth is essential for creating pads that absorb liquids.
The Hydrophobic Spunbond Fabric
In their pads, several producers employ pp spun-bond fabric. By default, the pp spun-bond fabric is hydrophobic.
The Spunlace Fabric
This fabric may work as a fluid-transferring layer. This is made with polyester, viscose, and seams like cotton.
Breathable PE film
Polyethylene, the material used to make this film, offers breathable qualities. The movie passes, but it doesn't cross the water but passes the air; hence, it is called breathable film. You may find your favorite Fab 1000 kg raw materials for sanitary napkins, a Pe Poly Back Sheet.
Other Raw Materials
- The super absorbent Pulp sheet
- Shaft wood pulp sheet
- Release paper 35GSM
Manufacturing Process of Organic Pads
Gathering of Raw Materials
A sanitary pad's absorbent core is its fundamental component. This is where producers assemble the essential components:
Natural Fibers: Breathable and soft fabrics such as bamboo or organic cotton are in demand. They are kind to the skin and have great absorbency. Some producers may even use banana fiber, which is an unusual and sustainable choice.
Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP): It is amazing how much liquid these microscopic, gel-like crystals can absorb. To keep the pad feeling dry, they function by encasing and retaining menstrual fluid within their structure.
Formation of Fluff
This is where the magic happens! Depending on the selected content:
Regarding natural fibers: A mechanical procedure is used to extract the seeds and impurities from the cotton or bamboo. After processing, the material is carded, which fluffs and aligns the fibers to produce a fluffy, cloud-like substance that is ideal for the absorbent core.
Regarding SAP: Before being integrated into the core, the minuscule SAP crystals are meticulously measured and ready.
Core Building
It's time to put the pad's core together now:
The measured SAP is mixed with the uniformly dispersed fluffed natural fibers.
After that, this mixture is shaped and compressed into a thin sheet that will serve as the pad's absorbent core.
Making a Top Sheet
Comfort is essential! Typically, the top sheet—the portion that makes direct touch with your skin—is composed of a pliable, soft material:
Non-Woven Fabrics: Usually made of natural materials like cotton or bamboo, these soft, airy textiles are gentle. They offer a smooth, cozy surface free from discomfort.
Lamination
This is where the many parts come together:
The top sheet and the leak-proof back sheet are positioned between the absorbent core.
By laminating the pad, the shape and functionality are preserved, and all the layers are kept firmly in place.
Packaging & Wrapping
The last actions guarantee appearance and hygiene:
- To keep them discrete and clean, the completed pads are individually wrapped in compostable or biodegradable materials.
- Recycled paper or cardboard is frequently used for the outside packaging, reducing its environmental impact.
- Throughout the process, quality checks are carried out to guarantee that the pads fulfill performance and hygiene requirements.
Tests used to assess sanitary pad performance:
Test for absorbency:
The material's overall absorption capability is ascertained using this technique. The test standard ISO 5405-1980 states that a sample must be placed on a clear, level surface so that the pad's underside may be seen. 30 ml of the fluid, which must be kept at a temperature of 2702 °C, must be dripped onto the center of the sanitary pad at a rate of 15 ml per minute, from a height of around 1 to 2 mm. The standard weight of 1 kg is placed above the sample in the area where the fluid is absorbed for a minute after the napkin has completely absorbed the fluid.
Fluid retention capacity
The ASTM D 461 standard is utilized to calculate the fluid retention measurement. To fully wet out a sample of the pad, immerse it in a room-temperature liquid for five minutes. The sanitary napkin soaked in fluid is weighed, dried, and then weighed again. The fraction of dry mass that is fluid retention is computed.
Test for liquid strike-through
The sample is exposed to a drop of test solution, and the amount of time it takes for the solution to move from the napkin's outer layers to its inside is recorded. This is determined by intently examining the drop until the dull wet spot on the sample's wet area is visible. Every example
Josa Pads: A Sustainable First Step
We provide organic, biodegradable cotton pads called Josa Organic Biodegradable Pads. We make sure Our products are safe for consumers and the environment by using sustainable materials like bamboo and banana fiber. But just like every product, We have drawbacks of their own, such as price and availability.
Conclusion
India's efforts to produce biodegradable sanitary pads are evidence of the nation's dedication to sustainable menstruation hygiene. Women may ensure their safety and comfort while simultaneously making a positive impact on the environment by selecting these eco-friendly choices. Is switching to biodegradable sanitary pads something you're ready to do as we head towards a more sustainable future?