Thiruvananthapuram | A fully compostable sanitary napkin, Happy Days Earth, has been launched by HLL Lifecare Ltd, a public sector enterprise under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, offering women a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional disposable pads.
Among the first sanitary napkins in India to meet Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms, the product combines menstrual hygiene with a focus on reducing environmental impact, an HLL release said here on Friday.
According to it, studies demonstrated more than 91 per cent biodegradation of Happy Days-Earth within 156 days, along with successful physical disintegration and compliance with compostability requirements.
"During composting, microorganisms break down the materials into natural end products such as carbon dioxide, water, biomass and organic matter. The process does not produce microplastics or harmful residues, offering a more environmentally friendly disposal option than conventional sanitary products," the release said.
The company said the absorbent core of Happy Days-Earth is made from cellulose-based material that effectively absorbs menstrual fluid while remaining biodegradable.
"The soft top layer is made from plant-derived fibres that provide breathability and facilitate rapid fluid transfer. Instead of conventional plastic films, the leak-proof layer uses compostable materials, while the packaging materials are also made using biodegradable components," it said.
Happy Days-Earth offers high absorbency, effective leakage protection, user comfort and skin compatibility. The product absorbs approximately eight to 12 times its own weight without the use of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), a material commonly used in conventional sanitary napkins.
Testing in accordance with BIS IS 5405:2025 recorded an absorbency value of 35 ml, exceeding the BIS minimum requirement of 30 ml, the release said.
HLL officials said the launch of Happy Days Earth reflects HLL's commitment to developing sustainable menstrual hygiene products.
They said most regular sanitary napkins are made using materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), synthetic adhesives and Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP).
"While these materials provide effective absorbency and leakage protection, they create significant environmental challenges after disposal. Such products remain in landfills for hundreds of years, do not decompose naturally, generate plastic waste, contribute to microplastic pollution and create disposal challenges in both urban and rural areas.
"Happy Days-Earth is designed to reduce the environmental burden associated with conventional sanitary napkin disposal while maintaining effective absorbency and leakage protection," an official added.
HLL said women's healthcare remains a key focus area for it, with the company offering a range of products, including contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), emergency contraceptives, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins and wellness products, to women across the country.