Menstrual cycle and environmental impact? An "odd pair" of challenges, each challenging in its own way. In fact, many products to handle "that" time of the month contain plastic and can take up to 500 years to decompose. The British startup Fluus has decided to have its say on both the cycle and the environment, creating the first biodegradable sanitary towel that can also be flushed down the toilet.
Absorbent pollution is an absurdly underestimated problem
A traditional sanitary pad it is made up of 90% plastic: One box contains the equivalent of four large envelopes. If we think about the daily use of these products all over the world, it's easy to imagine the enormous environmental impact they generate. Do you want a hand to imagine? Okay. Millions of tons of plastic waste.
What if biodegradable sanitary pads were enough to solve the problem? Fluus believes it. The eco-friendly pad he developed is composed primarily of three materials: plant cellulose for the top and bottom, a core of biodegradable polymers and plant cellulose as the "filler", and tree sap instead of the adhesive found in traditional pads. .
How does it work?
Once flushed down the toilet, Fluus absorbent disintegrates in the sewage system and, when it reaches the purifier, it is reduced to minimal dimensions. At that point it is treated together with toilet paper and waste water, turning into clean water and fertilizer.
A solution that also makes "disposal" easier in situations where you often feel uncomfortable having to dispose of a used pad. Good for us, good for the environment: traditional sanitary towels take centuries to decompose in landfills, an exaggerated time for a product that is only used for a few hours. No?
A greener (and more comfortable) future
Fluus biodegradable sanitary pads represent an interesting step in the direction of a more sustainable future. This solution reduces pollution and also offers more comfort to those who choose it.
A way to change the color of this special traffic light, transforming a "red" period into a "green" occasion.
The planet thanks!
