PUNE: Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is a big issue these days as synthetic sanitary pads have more than 90 per cent of plastic content, which takes years to dispose of in the soil and hence creates huge loads of indisposable waste for the environment. As the issue of disposal of sanitary pads is getting grave day by day, a group of Maharashtra-based ayurvedic doctors have come up with an initiative of providing biodegradable sanitary napkins named ‘Cute Sanitary Napkins’ to the city women.
Dr Shripati Bhosale, head of Corboscience (manufacturers of Cute Sanitary Napkin), said, “The concept was to provide an ultimate product that not only meets the health benefit of women but is also environment-friendly.”
He further added, “The sanitary pads have seven layers, which makes it effective to meet the hygienic demands of women. First comes the protective layer, which protects side leakages, second is the organic cotton, which gives a dry feeling, thirdly, it has a unique ‘anion’ or antibacterial and bio-magnetic chip, which is also best known to help relieve stress, alleviate depression and boost energy. This anion (negative ions) helps to prevent stomach pains or muscular cramps that are common during the menstrual period. In the fourth layer is a sterilised, recyclable paper, which guides the menstrual fluid towards the super absorbent centre. The fifth layer consists of a biodegradable polymer gel made up of papaya powder, corn powder and aloe vera gel, which ensures effective fluid absorption and reduces the chances of infection.
“The sixth layer is the same recyclable paper, which helps sandwich the polymer gel and the last base is a permeable material, which allows gaseous exchange and eliminates moisture and heat. The glue used in the sanitary napkin is non-toxic and basically used in the food industry.”
Shivani Gagneja from Pimple Saudagar and a distributor of Cute Sanitary Pads said, “There are around 25 to 30 distributors scattered all over Maharashtra. Since March, when the product was launched in the market, we experienced a huge response from the customers. We have also received positive feedbacks, good reviews on social media and a lot of queries about the product.
The users are happy with the feel and comfort of the product. The price is Rs 150 for a pack of 8 pads.” Rashmi Shukla, a resident of Kunal Icon, Pimple Saudagar, said, “I have been using the Cute Sanitary Napkins for a month and can feel a huge difference compared to various other products. I had to change from the normal ones as it would irritate the skin and I would get rashes.”
“After the use of Cute Napkins, I didn’t feel any kind of skin problems and it also gave the same amount of absorption like the other products.”
Dr Parag Biniwale, gynaecologist and President of Pune Menopause Society, said, “Many people have complained about irritation while using the synthetic sanitary pads as it contains some chemical substances, which are not good for genitals. Also keeping in mind the disposable factor, biodegradable sanitary pads is something, which is necessary to reduce the burden on the environment.”
“The pads are disposed of like normal pads, it is just that the further decomposition of it is environment-friendly,” said Gagneja.
As the issue of disposal of sanitary pads is getting grave day by day, a group of Maharashtra-based ayurvedic doctors have come up with an initiative of providing biodegradable sanitary napkins to the city women.
