Saathi
Products: Products – Bio degradable sanitary pads
How did the story begin?
Saathi began in 2015, when its four co-founders Kristin Kagetsu, Tarun Bothra, Amrita Saigal, and Grace Kane - graduates of MIT, Harvard and Nirma University - came together on a mission to create fully eco-friendly, compostable sanitary napkins using locally sourced banana fiber from the state of Gujarat, where Saathi is based. We were inspired by the idea of improving women's access to sanitary pads in India. Kristin was passionate about making a product that is sustainable using natural materials and impacts women. She had previously commercialized and launched sustainable natural-dye crayons made by local artisans in Uttarakhand, India. Tarun brought his business experience in renewable energy, materials and passion for improving the lives of the masses to set up this new social venture. Tarun also had personal experiences with a family member who was affected by having to face the taboos around menstrual hygiene in India. Grace and Amrita were also passionate about sustainable product design and innovation as well as impacting women. We found a way to source natural eco-friendly materials for sanitary pads to make a product that not only positively impacted women but was also good for the environment. We were motivated by the potential to make a positive difference for women in India while using an engineering approach focused on ecology and sustainability. Together we combined our experiences to conceive and develop a biodegradable and compostable sanitary pad with a cradle to cradle (completely sustainable) business model which also embodies circular economy. Our team has a business, technical, and local expertise to develop new products and set up manufacturing. We aim to apply this to other absorbent products.
As the taboos around menstruation are targeted, eco-friendly products for menstruation hit the markets and awareness reaches the farthest corner of the country, an initiative like a baboo
How does bamboo fibre compare to other natural fibres?
Saathi pads are made with bamboo fibre because of its highly absorbent properties, and the environmental and social benefits of the pads. Most plastic sanitary pads use the chlorine-bleached wood pulp as an absorbent, while most other eco-friendly pads use cotton. Bamboo fibre pads contain no plastic, are biodegradable, compostable and thereby, eco-friendly. Furthermore, Saathi uses its income to provide access of pads to women in Indian rural areas. The pads made from the bamboo fibre are 100% chemical-free, perfume-free and unbleached.
