Menstrual hygiene products are essential for millions of individuals worldwide. Concerns over their environmental impact have prompted a search for more sustainable alternatives. Green Delight Innovations Private Limited has introduced Bliss Pads, a menstrual product crafted from Kenaf fibres to minimize environmental harm in response to this need. Green Delight uses two packaging options for different packaging requirements: paper boxes for specific package sizes and low-density polyethene (LDPE) covers for others

Monk Spaces conducted a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify the environmental impacts of Bliss Natural Sanitary Napkins. The study analyzed the effects of both packaging types. The study followed ISO 14040 and 14044 standards and PCR 2011:14 – Absorbent Hygiene Products per the International EPD System requirements. The LCA examined the entire life cycle of Bliss Pads, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal (as seen in thefigure). The system boundary encompassed upstream processes (A1) like collecting agricultural waste, producing raw materials, and packaging inputs. It also included core processes like transportation (A2) activities and manufacturing (A3) with energy consumption and waste generation. Finally, the downstream processes covered the transportation (C2), recycling, and incineration phases (C4). The environmental impact indicators assessed, as per the requirements of PCR 2011:14, included global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, ozone depletion, and resource depletion.

The assessment methodically quantified impacts across all life cycle stages, identifying key performance indicators and potential reduction mechanisms. Detailed data was collected on material and energy flows, emissions, waste, and other environmental aspects from Green Delight’s manufacturing facilities. Bliss Pads has manufacturing operations in one location and packaging operations in another. Considering the separate locations, this ensured a comprehensive analysis of environmental impacts across the core processes (transportation and manufacturing).

The LCA interpretations encompass several vital components. Foremostly, it involves identifying hotspots and issues by analyzing the LCA results. For Bliss Pads, the critical aspects identified were electricity consumed and biogenic carbon stored due to using Kenaf fibres and fluff pulp as raw materials.

Secondly, the LCA conducts a comparative assessment. The assessment benchmarks the environmental performance of Bliss Pads against other menstrual product alternatives available in Indian and global markets. The comparative assessment used two functional units. Prior, on a per-product basis, the emissions of one Bliss Pad were compared with one unit of other single-use products. Lately, on an annual usage basis, the emissions were extrapolated for an estimated annual usage of single-use products, compared with the annual emissions of reusable products like menstrual cups and reusable pads. The carbon footprints of other commercially available menstrual products, both single-use and reusable, were collected from published research studies and reports. This included data for conventional pads, organic pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and reusable pads from India, Europe, and other regions.

Thirdly, the possibility of reducing emissions was tested through some scenarios. The scenarios included change in the place of packaging, switching to rooftop panels, and avoiding fossil fuel consumption. Monk Spaces identified critical areas for improvement and provided recommendations to reduce the environmental impacts of Bliss Pads. The recommended strategies for decarbonization focused on the optimization and transitioning of resources.

Finally, the evaluation considered various factors such as completeness, sensitivity, and consistency checks to ensure the integrity and reliability of the assessments. Green Delight can leverage these LCA insights to enhance the environmental sustainability of its products. Exploring innovative product designs and manufacturing processes through industry collaboration can be instrumental in market growth. The insights can help to position Green Delight as a leader in the menstrual product market.