: In a roundtable held here, Saukhyam Reusable Pads MD Anju Bist, also known as the "Pad Woman" of India, emphasised the need for sustainable menstrual hygiene in Odisha.
Representatives from Odisha Menstrual Health and Hygiene Alliance, Oil India and Indian Railways also spoke, outlining their plans for taking forward the sustainability initiative.
Oil India has provided support for the construction of India’s largest reusable pad factory in Kerala. India's adoption of ISO standards for reusable sanitary pads (IS 17514:2021) signals a growing recognition of the need for sustainable menstrual hygiene products. Praveen Bist, CIO of Amrita Hospitals said, "Reusable menstrual pads are clearly an idea whose time has come. For communities, they are the best way to make menstrual hygiene solutions accessible and affordable."
“Phthalates and volatile organic compounds are found in many commonly available brands of disposable sanitary napkins and these are very harmful for our health,” stated Dr Archana of Indian Railways.
Saukhyam Reusable Pads, lasting up to three years, have gained popularity among more than 5 lakh women and girls in India and internationally. This shift is helping prevent the emission of 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. An estimated 43,750 tons of non-biodegradable menstrual waste has also been eliminated.
At the roundtable, Sneha Mishra on behalf of Odisha Menstrual Health and Hygiene Alliance handed over a Saukhyam pad set to national athlete Subhasmita Rath, signalling the impending change. The roundtable concluded with a call to action, urging individuals, communities, and businesses to embrace the principles of a circular economy and choose sustainable alternatives for a healthier planet.
