Decoding our journey to unveil the true impact of our Saukhyam Reusable Pads

A survey as part of the project Amrita SeRVE revealed to us the desperate need for sustainable and cost-effective menstrual solutions in rural villages of India, where conventional options were often out of reach for many. Motivated by a commitment to address this crisis, a dedicated team, under the guidance of Amma, was assembled to explore innovative solutions. 

The quest for a sustainable menstrual product brought us to a groundbreaking discovery – the Saukhyam Reusable Pads.  Unlike disposable sanitary napkins that use cellulose fiber as absorbent material, Saukhyam pads use banana fiber, which is an agro-waste. The choice of banana fiber not only proved to be eco-friendly but also economically viable, aligning with our goal to make menstrual hygiene accessible to all. Using pure cotton cloth, banana fiber and a leak proof layer, Saukhyam pads provide a wholesome period experience, devoid of rashes, itching and any worries of leakage. With proper care, Saukhyam pads can last for three to four years, substantially lowering the overall expenses for menstruators in managing their menstrual cycles each month. 

Saukhyam pads not only provide a practical solution to the menstrual hygiene challenge but also contribute to the larger vision of sustainability. Inorder to get a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of our pads, we partnered with VNV Advisory Services for implementing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Saukhyam Reusable Pads. LCA enables us to analyze the complete life cycle of Saukhyam pads, including raw material extraction, production, distribution, usage, and eventual disposal or recycling.