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Jul 28, 2023

Going Green With Red: Saathi

Do you know that India produces tonnes of sanitary waste every year? Scroll down to read the story of a brand that is creating pads using banana and bamboo fibres. You must have heard several brands

Do you know that India produces tonnes of sanitary waste every year? Scroll down to read the story of a brand that is creating pads using banana and bamboo fibres.

You must have heard several brands claiming that they make biodegradable sanitary pads. Have you ever wondered about the base that makes these sanitary products environment-friendly? Saathi, a purpose-driven manufacturing company started by MIT (US) graduates Tarun Bothra and Kristin Kagetsu, creates sanitary napkins using banana fibre.

A post shared by Saathi (@saathipads)

The founders started the company in 2015 with an aim to create compostable and eco-friendly pads. They started sourcing banana fibre from Gujarat, where the start-up is based.

Bothra and Kagetsu wanted to boost the accessibility quotient for menstruators in India to use quality sanitary pads.

A video shared by the Savage Humans on Instagram showcases that the brand uses banana stems and bamboo fibres to create a pad that can decompose within six months.

After sourcing bananas, the stems have no use, and farmers have to clear the land for the new product. Saathi uses the skin to create pads that feel soft on the skin and prevent the contamination of our environment with hazardous menstrual waste.

A banana tree is one of the most versatile of resources. Apart from its fruits, its leaves are used in many parts of India as makeshift and biodegradable parts. The bark of the tree is sturdy enough to create wooden artefacts to adorn the corners of a house.

The middle part of the stem is rich in fibre but is hardly ever used. Saathi uses innovative technology to convert these fibres into pads. It claims that they do not use any harmful chemicals or plastic while crafting the pads, and also offer an opportunity to banana planters to earn some extra amount.

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A post shared by Saathi (@saathipads)

According to the fifth National Family Health Survey, 50% of menstruating women in India still use makeshift cloth pads, which ignited the fire in Bothra and Kagetsu to create something that would be accessible and as well as environmental-friendly.

According to their claim, they have distributed millions of free sanitary pads to rural parts of the country with the help of many NGOs.

50% of women in India aged between 15-24 years still use cloth for menstrual protection. pic.twitter.com/pxGP5k5hZD

According to the Saathi website, banana fibre uses six times less fibre than cotton while producing a ton of harvest. The tree also requires fewer fertilisers to grow. The brand also claims that its sanitary pads decompose 1200 times faster than pads containing plastic.

According to a report published in DownToEarth, around 12.3 billion sanitary napkins generate around 113,000 tonnes of waste every year in India. It is another reason to switch to biodegradable pads.

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One of the biggest achievements of the startup is that it employs local women to produce pads, thus, empowering them with a means to earn their livelihood. Their team also conducts workshops in rural areas to spread awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene.

You can directly buy their banana fibre pads on the website. A pack of eight biodegradable XL-size pads costs around ₹180. You can get a trial pack for

₹99 or order a combo pack. They also have options available in Bamboo fibre pads.

Your skin and body like you are unique. While we have taken all measures to ensure that the information provided in this article and on our social media channels is credible and expert verified, we recommend you consult a doctor or your dermatologist before trying a home remedy, quick hack or exercise regime. For any feedback or complaint, reach out to us at [email protected]