Sanitary napkins are a frequently required female hygienic product. However, there is a large carbon footprint for the same as many non-biodegradable materials are used in the making of these sanitary pads.
According to the latest research, if we assume that 10% of Indian women make use of sanitary napkins, they produce around half a kilo of waste every month, per person! Imagine then the stress that is on landfills at present.
Furthermore, you can clearly see the need for creating a more sustainable sanitary napkin, one that is biodegradable to boot. On that note, Varsha Fashions, sanitary napkin making machine sellers, delves into the topic of using eco-friendly materials for sanitary pads.
Conventional Raw Materials Used For Sanitary Napkins
The typical sanitary napkin comprises three layers. They are:
- Top sheet
- Absorbent core
- Barrier Sheet
Let’s take a look at the function of each layer and the materials used in them.
Top Sheet
As this sanitary napkin making machine seller has observed, the top sheet is present to allow the menstrual waste to seep below to the absorbent core. Moreover, a hydrophilic fiber is also present to absorb the fluids. At present, in the market, major sanitary pad makers use polypropylene fibers to make up this layer.
To replace the use of the polypropylene layer, we can use organic cotton. The properties of organic cotton are as follows, which make it a very useful fiber.
- Soft and breathable
- Takes away moisture easily
- Non-irritant
- Superior Liquid retention properties
Absorbent Core
The absorbent core is typically made up of wood pulp. Replacements for this material can be bamboo fiber, jute fiber, banana fiber, flax spinning waste. Several institutes have researched on the following and found that these fibers are better than cotton. To replace SAP or super absorbent polymer, cellulose based hydrogel can be made. Cellulose-based hydrogel is superior to SAP as they are biodegradable.
Barrier Sheet
Barrier sheet is made up of impermeable polyethylene. These are inert components of the sanitary napkins and are not broken down by bacteria. These are the most polluting part of a sanitary napkin. The alternative to this is to use bio-based plastic made from starch.
Wrapping Up
Now, that we have taken a look at the replacement materials for sanitary napkins, it remains to be seen who will participate in the manufacture of these biodegradable napkins.
If you are interested in the production of biodegradable sanitary napkins, get in touch with Varsha Fashions sellers of sanitary napkin making machine. We will help you set up your business from the bottom up. Hurry up and get in touch today!