Sustainable, Plant-Based Menstrual Pads
According to researchers at Stanford University, sustainable, plant-based menstrual pads could improve access to hygiene products.
Previously published studies estimate 500 million individuals don’t have access to the facilities and products they need to utilize during their periods. A lack of pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or proper hygienic facilities. Manu Prakash, an Associate Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford, and his project collaborators have developed a method by which to harness fibers from the Sisal plant, Agave sisalana, into a fluffy material for menstrual pads (link). The team addressed potential environmental concerns by trying to ensure the usage of minimal chemicals that can be sourced and implemented on-site.
Methodology
The first step in their methodology was to find the best material for creating plant-based pads, looking at existing products and biological resources being implemented around the world. The goal was to create a biodiversity map. Prakash stated the team wanted to look at as many products as possible that would ultimately be most conducive to high absorption products.
Copper was too costly and water-intensive.
Timber only had large supplies available in a few countries.
The team identified Sisal, a large succulent, due to a long-term friendship Prakash had with Alex Odundu, a Kenyan engineer who had been developing technology to enable the processing of Sisal more efficiently. It was ultimately chosen due to the low-maintenance needed and its ability to thrive in drought conditions.
The sisal was broken down to isolate the lignan, a polymer in plant cells that provides structure and repels water, from the sisal fibers. A blender was then used to break the macro cellulose fibers into microfibers; this resulted in an absorbent, airy fluff.
The resultant product was virtually indistinguishable from cotton.
Benefits
The microscale properties of the Sisal enable them to stand out. Thus, the plant serves as a better alternative to hemp or flax. Even more so, the Sisal-based pad exceeds the performance quality of commerically-available cotton pads.
The chemicals used in processing are easy to source and can be recycled into other products or harmlessly transformed into carbon dioxide and water.
The development of this pad is crucial to the end of period poverty. The manufacturing process is rather simple and contains adequate control measures. Additionally, the measures have been made open-source for everyone to access.
Future Directions
The team plans on compiling a database of plant-based materials and methods that are being used/tested.
This research has been highly interdisciplinary, involving learning and collaboration with researchers around the world! The work was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Science Foundation.
