Recent breakthroughs in medical textiles, particularly biodegradable sanitary napkins, are reshaping both menstrual hygiene and environmental sustainability. Traditional pads, laden with plastic and synthetic materials, take centuries to decompose, clogging landfills and worsening pollution. In contrast, biodegradable alternatives—crafted from bamboo, banana fiber, corn starch, and organic cotton—are revolutionizing the industry.
These eco-friendly pads break down within months, slashing their environmental footprint. Free from harmful chemicals, they offer a safer option, reducing the risk of rashes, allergies, and infections. Some brands are even integrating plant-based antimicrobial properties to enhance hygiene.
Yet, affordability and accessibility remain significant hurdles. Biodegradable pads often cost more than conventional ones, limiting widespread adoption. However, rising awareness, government support, and technological advancements can help bridge this gap. Many startups and NGOs are driving change by promoting decentralized production, enabling rural women to manufacture and distribute these pads at lower costs.
This shift in medical textiles marks a vital step toward a greener, healthier future—one where menstrual hygiene aligns with environmental responsibility. The next challenge is scaling production to make biodegradable options the standard rather than the exception.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Arpan B. Kharva, a research scholar in textile engineering, delves into his pioneering work in medical textiles. He explores the potential of biodegradable sanitary napkins, outlines strategies to reduce raw material imports, and shares insights into his latest innovations. Here are the key takeaways from his compelling discussion.
Q: What key innovations or groundbreaking research have you contributed to the medical textiles sector, and how do they enhance functionality, safety, or sustainability?
A: I am deeply engaged in research on medical textiles while also manufacturing biodegradable sanitary napkins on a small scale. These napkins are entirely biodegradable, decomposing within 136 days upon contact with soil or exposure to sunlight. Unlike conventional pads laden with synthetic materials, they provide a safer and more sustainable alternative. Free from harmful chemicals, they minimize the risk of rashes, allergies, and infections. Additionally, they are designed to be cost-effective, making them accessible to a broader population. By combining affordability, eco-friendliness, and health benefits, these biodegradable napkins represent a crucial step toward a more sustainable menstrual hygiene solution.
Q: What potential do you see in the market for biodegradable sanitary napkins, and how can they contribute to sustainability and consumer adoption?
A: The opportunity lies in repurposing silk waste for manufacturing biodegradable sanitary napkins. India, a leading producer, exports 95% of its silk waste to China. Instead of relying on exports, we can reprocess this waste into fabric and integrate it into sanitary napkins, creating a sustainable and locally sourced solution. The key challenge is developing efficient methods to transform silk waste into a usable material for eco-friendly hygiene products. The potential is immense, yet India remains dependent on China. With imports steadily rising, it is crucial to establish domestic processing capabilities and reduce reliance on external supply chains.
Q: What strategies can be implemented to reduce the reliance on imported raw materials for sanitary napkins and promote domestic sourcing?
A: Currently, China imports biodegradable material from India while we export silk waste at just ₹200 per kilogram. However, China processes the same fiber and sells it back to us at ₹1,200 per kilogram—charging us more than six times the original cost. This dependency inflates our expenses and limits our control over production. By developing reprocessing capabilities within India, we can drastically cut costs, reduce import reliance, and create a self-sustaining supply chain. Investing in domestic processing would not only strengthen our economy but also position India as a leader in sustainable and biodegradable material innovation.
Q: Can you share insights into the innovations you are currently developing in medical textiles and how they improve upon existing solutions?
A: Abundant natural materials are available, but the challenge lies in harnessing them effectively. Beyond manufacturing, we must build a robust industry for long-term sustainability. Sanitary napkin production operates on a massive scale—it’s not about making just 100 pieces but millions every day. To meet this demand, we must develop raw materials that are both natural and scalable. Innovation must accelerate to create high-quality biodegradable materials domestically, reducing costs and minimizing dependence on imports. By prioritizing research, efficiency, and sustainability, we can transform the industry and establish India as a leader in eco-friendly hygiene solutions.
