Niine Sanitary Napkins, a leading company in India's hygiene solutions sector, has launched the country's first Polylactic Acid (PLA)-based biodegradable sanitary pads. Certified by the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET), these novel sanitary pads, composed of PLA derived from renewable sources such as corn starch and sugarcane, decompose over 90 per cent within 175 days and the remainder within one year.

In addition, all packaging components, including the outer cover and disposable bags, are biodegradable, supporting Niine's dedication to sustainability, the company said in a press release.

Despite the shift towards eco-friendly composition, these pads offer ideal performance in terms of absorption, comfort, and leakage protection. They are also completely free from chemicals and are vegan-friendly, providing a safe, comfortable, and eco-conscious alternative to traditional sanitary pads.

India is currently wrestling with a mammoth waste disposal issue, with an estimated 1.021 billion disposable sanitary napkins discarded every month. These predominantly plastic products take between 500-800 years to fully decompose. Traditional disposal methods, such as burning or flushing, pose serious environmental threats and can potentially harm the health of sanitation workers.

Niine's innovation comes as a response to this pressing environmental and public health issue. Their new sanitary pads are made from eco-friendly materials like wood pulp, bio-based resins and oils, and PLA-based materials. These materials comply with the strictest biodegradability standards and have been certified by reputed institutions like CIPET and ISO.

One of the features of Niine's new pads is their enhanced compostability. They decompose effectively even in underground environments, without the need for specific conditions such as sunlight or air exposure.

“Five years ago, we were challenged with a crucial question: 'Can you develop a sustainable solution?' Today, we proudly present our resounding answer. After extensive research, development, and certifications, we launch our biodegradable sanitary napkins—a leap towards the future, embodying an evolution for a better tomorrow. Importantly, this milestone aligns with the UN's sustainable development goals, emphasising a cleaner environment for all. As pioneers, we take pride in leading the way, championing sustainability and empowering individuals with a responsible choice," said Amar Tulsiyan, founder, Niine Sanitary Napkins.