100% biodegradable banana and sisal fiber pads

• What is the mission of your company or project?

Greenie is a purpose driven manufacturing company that makes eco-friendly hygiene products. Founded by Post graduates from Sheffield Hallam (UK), we are innovators in the use of alternative materials and zero-waste production. Our mission is to create hygiene products that are good for the body, environment, and community.

• Describe the problem you are solving.

Banana fiber pads are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic-based sanitary pads. They are made from natural fibers derived from the stem of the banana plant, and offer several key benefits over plastic-based pads. Some of the most important uses and benefits of banana fiber pads include:

1.      Environmentally friendly: Banana fiber pads are biodegradable and compostable, which means they break down over time into natural substances that are harmless to the environment. This makes them a more sustainable option than traditional plastic-based pads, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill.

2.       Comfortable: Banana fiber pads are soft and comfortable to wear, making them a more appealing option for women who are looking for an alternative to plastic-based pads. They are also free from harmful chemicals, which can cause skin irritation and other health problems.

3.       Absorbent: Banana fiber pads are highly absorbent, making them effective at preventing leaks and keeping women feeling dry and comfortable during their menstrual cycles.

4.       Cost-effective: Banana fiber pads are often more affordable than other eco-friendly options, such as reusable cloth pads. This makes them an accessible option for women who are looking to reduce their environmental footprint, but may not have the resources to invest in more expensive alternatives.

5.      Supporting local communities: Banana fiber pads are often made using traditional hand-weaving techniques, which can help to support local communities in developing countries. By purchasing banana fiber pads, consumers can help to create sustainable livelihoods for women in these communities and support the growth of eco-friendly industries.

Overall, banana fiber pads offer a range of benefits over traditional plastic-based sanitary pads, making them a more sustainable and health-friendly option for women who are concerned about the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste.

• What is the market size/opportunity?

The global market for biodegradable sanitary pads is growing rapidly, driven by growing consumer awareness of the environmental and health impacts of traditional plastic-based sanitary pads. According to a recent report by Allied Market Research, the global biodegradable sanitary pads market was valued at $190.7 million in 2016 and is expected to reach $643.3 million by 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8% during the forecast period.

The target customers for biodegradable sanitary pads are women who are looking for a more sustainable and health-friendly alternative to traditional plastic-based pads. These women are often environmentally conscious and are motivated by a desire to reduce their environmental footprint and minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals.

In order to meet the needs of these target customers, biodegradable sanitary pads must be both effective and affordable. They must be able to absorb menstrual flow effectively and prevent leaks, while also being comfortable to wear and free from harmful chemicals. In addition, they must be priced competitively with traditional plastic-based pads in order to appeal to a wider customer base.

The growing demand for biodegradable sanitary pads is being driven by a range of factors, including increasing consumer awareness of the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste, growing concern about the sustainability of traditional sanitary products, and the increasing availability of biodegradable options in the market. As more and more women seek out eco-friendly alternatives to traditional sanitary products, the market for biodegradable sanitary pads is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Competitive advantage: 

A banana fiber pad company can position itself as a unique and better alternative to plastic pad competitors by highlighting its commitment to sustainability and the health and well-being of its customers. For example, the company can emphasize the eco-friendly nature of its products, which are made from natural, biodegradable materials that are safe for both women and the environment.

In addition, the company can leverage its expertise in the development and production of high-quality, effective banana fiber pads to differentiate itself from competitors. For example, the company may have proprietary technology for producing soft and absorbent pads that offer superior comfort and protection during a woman's menstrual cycle.

Another key aspect of the company's value proposition could be its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. For example, the company may source its materials from sustainable and fairly traded sources, or it may have a strong focus on supporting local communities in developing countries.

Finally, the company may have a strong brand and marketing strategy that sets it apart from its competitors. For example, it may have a powerful marketing campaign that emphasizes the benefits of its products and raises awareness of the impact of traditional plastic-based sanitary pads on the environment.

By highlighting its unique value proposition, a banana fiber pad company can differentiate itself from its plastic pad competitors and position itself as a better alternative for women who are looking for a more sustainable and health-friendly option.

• What is your company/product about and how does it solve the problem? 

The use of plastic-based sanitary pads can have serious health and environmental consequences. Some of the key dangers associated with using plastic pads include:

1. Chemical exposure: Plastic-based sanitary pads can contain harmful chemicals, such as dioxins and phthalates, which can leach into the skin and enter the bloodstream. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems, including hormonal disruption, reproductive problems, and cancer.

1. Skin irritation and infection: Plastic-based sanitary pads can cause skin irritation and promote the growth of bacteria and yeast, which can lead to infection. This is particularly true in hot and humid climates, where the skin is more likely to become irritated.

2. Landfill waste: Plastic-based sanitary pads take hundreds of years to decompose, which means that they contribute to the growing problem of landfill waste. This can have serious environmental consequences, including the release of harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater, and the generation of methane gas.

1. Micro plastics: Plastic-based sanitary pads can release micro plastics, which are tiny plastic particles that can harm marine life and enter the food chain. This is particularly concerning because the particles are so small that they cannot be filtered out of water supplies and are easily ingested by marine life.

1. Health costs: The long-term health costs associated with the use of plastic-based sanitary pads can be significant. These costs can include the treatment of health problems associated with chemical exposure, the cost of treating skin irritation and infections, and the cost of managing landfill waste.

In light of these dangers, many consumers are seeking alternatives to plastic-based sanitary pads, such as biodegradable pads made from natural materials like banana fiber. These alternatives offer a more sustainable and health-friendly option, and can help to reduce the negative environmental and health consequences associated with plastic pads.

Greenie pads are Biodegradable; Compostable, using plant-based materials for the leak-proof outer layers of the napkin.

Many consumers have issues with irritation or rashes from the plastics / chemicals in standard pads. The average conventional sanitary pad contains 3.4g of plastic. This means that over her lifetime, the average woman will generate 23kg of plastic from sanitary pads alone. In 2016, there were 150,000 tons of sanitary pad waste in India. When disposed of, Greenie pads degrade within six months – 1200 times faster than plastic pads! Since Greenie pads don’t contain chemicals, they provide a rash and irritation free experience.

How does banana fiber compare to other natural fibers?

Greenie pads are made with banana fiber because of its highly absorbent properties, and the environmental and social benefits of its supply chain. Banana fiber comes from the stem of the banana tree, which after harvesting is normally discarded. Greenie instead buys the stems from collectives of local farmers. After we extract the fiber, the residue left over can be fermented and used by farmers as an organic fertilizer. Most plastic sanitary pads use chlorine-bleached wood pulp as an absorbent, while most other eco-friendly pads use cotton.

Banana fiber uses six times less water per ton produced than cotton, and 10 times less fertilizers. Most importantly, since bananas are an existing food crop, no extra land is being taken up by the production of this fiber. There are already 9 million hectares dedicated to banana farming worldwide. By trailblazing the use of banana fiber as a consumer product raw material, Greenie hopes to champion its expanded use.

• Why are you seeking funding and how will you spend the funding?

Greenie have developed a unique process to convert banana fibers into a soft and comfortable material that offers excellent absorbency and durability. Our pads are free from harmful chemicals and are hypoallergenic, making them a safe and healthy choice for women. Additionally, our pads are priced competitively and offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional sanitary pads.

The crowd funding which we receive is focused on  promoting the environmental and health benefits of our products, and we plan to expand our distribution network both nationally and internationally

• Who is on your team?

 We have a team of 20 woman working for greenie

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our amazing backers who supported us in our crowd funding campaign. Your generous contributions have made our dreams a reality, and we are truly humbled by your trust and belief in our project. Your support not only provided us with the necessary resources but also gave us the motivation to push through challenges and create something extraordinary. We are immensely grateful for your belief in our vision and for being a part of our journey. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us make a difference!