The first 100% biodegradable menstrual pad is made from plant fibers and can be flushed down the toilet.
This month, the UK began selling 100% biodegradable menstrual pads. Developed by Flux, the model is made from vegetable fibers and natural adhesives and starts to fall apart six hours after being flushed down the toilet.
According to the manufacturer, the product has a decomposition similar to biodegradable toilet paper and can easily pass through the screens of sewage galleries, where it dissolves until it disappears completely within a month. The device is still 15% more absorbent than traditional models.
Environmental problem
Disposing of regular menstrual pads is considered a serious problem for the environment. With 90% plastic in its composition, the product – which is non-recyclable – takes around 400 years to decompose in landfills.
According to a study by the Agadu Institute, a Brazilian non-profit organization focused on raising awareness of conscious consumption, it is estimated that a person can use 15,000 disposable pads in a lifetime. About 15 billion sanitary pads end up in landfills in Brazil every year.
Concern for the environment has led menstruators to seek alternatives to products such as absorbent pads and menstrual cups over the past decade.
Conscious removal
In a study conducted by Fluss with 2,000 participants, up to half found themselves in situations where they couldn’t find a proper place to dispose of used pads. Seven in ten had bathrooms without a litter box, and two-thirds of them kept pads in their bags to dispose of later.
European countries encourage people to flush toilet paper down the toilet because the product is biodegradable and prevents waste from piling up in landfills. Bathrooms are often not equipped with sinks, making it difficult to dispose of non-biodegradable pads. The new absorber is indicated as a solution to the problem.
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Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.