Going Green: How Swapping Polyethylene for Polylactic Acid in Sanitary Pads can Reduce Environmental Impact - A Life Cycle Assessment Comparison

Abstract

Millions of people worldwide rely on disposable sanitary pads, but the high concentration of fossil-based polymers in their composition has negative effects on the environment. This includes the impact of extracting raw materials and the disposal of used products. While sustainable alternatives to traditional pads exist, they are not widely adopted due to their low level of commoditization. This makes them less attractive to companies who prioritize high levels of consumption. One promising alternative is the use of biopolymer-based disposable absorbents, particularly polylactic acid, which is derived from corn starch and is biodegradable. This study used the Life Cycle Assessment and found that using sanitary pads made with polyethylene for one year generates impacts about 17 times higher compared to using absorbents made with polylactic acid.