Dear David,

thank you for sharing this very interesting and innovative product approach.
I was wondering what exactly are the components of the compostable pads?

The project I currently work for, Sanitation for Millions, is implementing MHM-related activities in Uganda and Pakistan.
Menstrual waste is still an unresolved issue, thus I look forward to getting in touch with you on the details of the compostability of pads.

Best regards,
Alice

It is important to read my two previously contributed documents which were the culmination of over six months of intense research , contacting all those that were involved or could be involved in creating a bio-cycle that includes compostable sanitary pads. There was initially huge enthusiasm to implement across Africa, this came to a standstill when the low cost pad producers were not willing to move to a compostable product. The composting processes are ready to go, the hold up is a source of low cost compostables.
Many recommend a reusable sanitary pad as a better solution. I would agree that would be so for those that have the hygienic means of washing /cleaning the pads for re-use. However for the poor, the target of compostable pads, water is often precious and scarce and hygienic conditions are risky. The compostable pad eliminates these issues, it being simpler for disposal, either in a collection system as established by Sanergy in Nairobi or community and family composting (remote areas). The successful system established around the Anandi compostable pad in India is desirable for implementation across Africa and many countries of poverty, certainly desirable for the remote Aboriginal communities of Australia.
Low cost African manufacturers of pads for the poor in Africa have not yet been willing to accept a change from bio-degradable to compostable pads, even when substitute compostable materials and a source supplier have been identified. Bio-degradable pads comprise plastic material that degrades to nano plastic that does not contribute to a good environmental outcome ie not acceptable for composting that can be applied to cropping.
The compostable path is environmentally sustainable. There is a need to move forward, a need for acceptance and meaningful funds to get to bio cycle established. Welcome responses.

It was surprising to see the initial quoted cost of sanitary pads as US$20/month. In a further post $2 -$5 was quoted. * Certainly sanitary pads are made in African specifically for the poor at low cost. Unfortunately they are not compostable. The only low cost pads that are compostable are made in India. I have a great deal of information on this subject in terms of pad sources, some of the issues with pad use and compostable facts. I attach two documents that should be useful.

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Notes by moderator:
See also this article: Compostable sanitary pads: a green solution in menstrual hygiene? (www.thethirdpole.net/en/2018/01/25/compo...n-menstrual-hygiene/)

* This post was originally here: forum.susana.org/231-menstrual-cups/2306...al-inside-cloth-pads but has now been moved into its own thread.