Commercial sanitary napkins typically consist of three to four distinct layers, each engineered to perform a specific function. Most branded products incorporate a permeable top sheet composed of polypropylene to facilitate fluid transfer, an absorbent core consisting of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) or cotton fibers for fluid retention, and an impermeable back sheet made of polyethylene to prevent leakage. However, these materials are predominantly synthetic, non-biodegradable, and pose significant environmental challenges due to their persistence in landfills.

This study addresses the environmental implications associated with conventional sanitary products and aims to develop an eco friendly alternative utilizing agricultural waste. Specifically, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) a fibrous byproduct of the sugar industry—has been processed into a fine cellulosic pulp and evaluated for its suitability as an absorbent core material. A laboratory-scale prototype sanitary napkin was fabricated using a permeable top layer of absorbent cotton gauze, a three-layered core of sugarcane bagasse pulp, and a hydrophobic cotton fabric as the back sheet.

The research focuses on replacing petroleum-based synthetic components with biodegradable and sustainable materials without compromising performance. Preliminary findings indicate that the sugarcane bagasse-based sanitary napkin demonstrates favorable absorbency and fluid retention characteristics while being fully biodegradable, offering a viable solution for reducing environmental impact.