Sakhi pad
Plastic-free sanitary pads from agri-waste
The project is a biodegradable sanitary pad made from a blend of banana pseudostem fibre and cotton, with chitosan from shrimp shell waste providing natural antimicrobial protection. It is suitable for women and girls seeking safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene. The product is plastic-free, compostable, and derived from renewable and waste materials. Its innovation lies in a waste-to-value material blend that improves hygiene while enabling low-cost, sustainable production.
Company/Institution
IISER TVM
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram is a premier public research university established by the Government of India. The institute focuses on high-quality education and interdisciplinary research in science and technology, with strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and translating scientific research into societal impact through student-led and faculty-guided initiatives.
Country
India
Designer(s)
Navaneetha K – Independent Designer (Student Project)
Navaneetha K is an undergraduate chemistry student in India working at the intersection of sustainable materials, waste valorization, and product design. Her work focuses on developing affordable, biodegradable hygiene solutions using agricultural and bio-waste, including banana fibre–based sanitary pads. She is driven by environmental responsibility, circular design, and improving access to safe menstrual hygiene through low-impact innovation.