Biodegradable sanitary napkins

A concept paper
presented to the

Sanjay Gorkhali

In the partial fulfillment of the course

“Management of Sustainable development”

By
Yojana Adhikari
MBA-GLM
Roll No: 20
Introduction

Biodegradable sanitary pads are feminine hygiene products that are designed to break down
naturally and safely in the environment after they are disposed of. These pads are typically
made from biodegradable materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, or other natural fibers
that can decompose without leaving behind harmful residues. Unlike traditional sanitary
pads, which are often made from plastic materials that can take hundreds of years to
decompose and can contribute to environmental pollution, biodegradable pads are an
eco-friendly alternative that can reduce the amount of waste generated by menstrual products.
As the demand for traditional sanitary pads continues to increase, it becomes essential to
adopt a sustainable approach that does not harm the environment. In response to this problem,
biodegradable sanitary pads have been developed. The purpose of this concept paper is to
propose a business idea that will focus on producing and promoting biodegradable sanitary
pads as a solution to the problem of environmental pollution.

Gap Identification

The global sanitary pad market is expected to reach USD 32.9 billion by 2027, and the
majority of these pads are non-biodegradable. The improper disposal of these pads leads to
severe environmental pollution. The lack of awareness regarding the harmful effects of
non-biodegradable sanitary pads has resulted in a significant gap in the market for sustainable
and eco-friendly alternatives. An LCA of biodegradable sanitary pads can help identify
potential gaps in sustainability compared to traditional pads made from non-renewable
materials. These include raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, distribution,
use, disposal, and recycling. Through an LCA, strategies can be developed to address these
gaps, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste and emissions, and
encouraging proper disposal and composting.
T

Objective of the project

Business proposition is to produce and distribute biodegradable sanitary pads made of natural
materials that are affordable, effective, and eco-friendly. The plan is to use sustainable
sourcing and manufacturing practices and ensure that the pads are packaged in biodegradable
materials.

Methodology

The methodology involves the following steps:

● Sourcing of raw materials from sustainable and certified sources
● Manufacturing the pads using eco-friendly processes and machinery
● Packaging the pads in biodegradable materials
● Distribution of the pads to target markets through existing supply chains

Resources Required, Time Frame, and Return from the Venture

The resources required for this venture include raw materials, manufacturing equipment,
packaging materials, and logistics for distribution. The time frame for setting up the
production and distribution processes is approximately six months. The return on investment
will be in the form of increased revenue from sales, improved brand reputation, and reduced
environmental impact.

Market Size and Growth

The market for sustainable menstrual products is growing rapidly, with an estimated worth of
USD 20 billion by 2025. Our strategy to achieve a larger market share includes offering a
competitive price point, innovative marketing strategies, and partnerships with stakeholders
in the healthcare and menstrual hygiene space.

Benefits and Competitiveness

The business will benefit from an increased brand reputation, a growing market for
sustainable menstrual products, and reduced environmental impact. Our products will be
affordable and accessible to all, occupying a space in the sustainable menstrual products
segment.

Consumer and Stakeholder Attraction

We believe that consumers and stakeholders will be attracted to our business proposition
because it addresses a critical need for eco-friendly menstrual products, is affordable and
effective, and prioritizes sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices.

Existing Risks and Suggestions for Overcoming Them

The existing risks include competition from established brands, regulatory barriers, and
supply chain disruptions. To overcome these risks, we plan to focus on product
differentiation, building a strong brand, and establishing strong partnerships with key
stakeholders in the menstrual hygiene space. We will also work closely with regulatory
bodies to ensure compliance and mitigate any potential regulatory risks.

Analysis

The use of biodegradable materials will reduce waste and minimize the carbon footprint,
making the production process sustainable. The marketing strategy will focus on creating
awareness among women about the harmful effects of non-biodegradable pads and the
benefits of using eco-friendly alternatives. The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly
products is increasing, which creates a significant opportunity for this business model.

Timeline
The production process will take approximately six months to set up, and the marketing
strategy will be ongoing. The timeline for the project will be three years, with the first year
focused on production and the next two years on marketing and expansion.

Outputs/ Benefits
The primary outputs of the project are biodegradable sanitary pads made of natural and
biodegradable materials. The benefits of this project include providing women with a safe
and eco-friendly alternative to non-biodegradable pads, reducing waste and carbon footprint,
and creating awareness about the harmful effects of non-biodegradable pads.

Conclusion
The production and promotion of biodegradable sanitary pads will create a sustainable
business model that addresses the problem of environmental pollution caused by
non-biodegradable pads. The use of natural and biodegradable materials will reduce waste
and minimize the carbon footprint, making the production process sustainable. The marketing
strategy will focus on creating awareness among women about the harmful effects of
non-biodegradable pads and the benefits of using eco-friendly alternatives.

References

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