Exploration of Various Issues Associated with Sustainable use of Sanitary Napkins

Abstract

Sanitary napkins are layered designs, as they need to satisfy different end-use properties simultaneously. The most common issues with current napkins include leakage, odor, and the need for frequent change. To address these problems, a comprehensive survey was conducted among 500 women residing in two selected villages within the study area. The survey covered women's expectations of sanitary napkins, their perceptions of these products, performance characteristics, and the challenges encountered with existing sanitary napkins. In the initial segments of the overview, the expectations from sanitary napkins, perception of sanitary napkins, performance characteristics and the problems in current sanitary napkins were addressed. The findings indicated that women prioritize absorption properties such as leak-proofing and dryness, as well as an odorless and soft surface. The most desirable functional characteristic was antibacterial activity. There were notable differences in the expectations, selection factors, and issues reported by women across different age groups. The collected data was used to design a cost-effective sanitary napkin made up of more than 80% biodegradable materials, promoting sustainability in the production of sanitary napkins.