Niine Launches India’s First PLA-Based Sanitary Napkins

Niine Sanitary Napkins, a leading provider of premium and affordable hygiene solutions in India, introduces the country's first PLA-based biodegradable sanitary pads. These pads are CIPET-certified, with more than 90% of the pad decomposing within 175 days and the rest within a year. The entire packaging, including the outer cover and disposable bags, is biodegradable. They offer exceptional performance in absorption, comfort, and leakage protection, comparable to regular sanitary pads. Moreover, these pads are 100% chemical-free and vegan, providing a safe and sustainable alternative. PLA (Polylactic acid), derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, is a biodegradable and compostable polymer, exemplifying Niine’s commitment to reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. With the prestigious CIPET (Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology) certification, Niine sets a new industry standard, emphasising its dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation. 

India faces a staggering challenge with the disposal of approximately 1.021 billion soiled disposable sanitary napkins every month. These pads are heavily composed of plastic and take an alarming 500-800 years to decompose fully. Improper disposal methods, including burning, flushing down toilets, or leaving them in exposed landfills, not only pose a severe threat to the environment but also endanger the health of sanitation workers. In response to this critical issue, Niine has taken a significant step by introducing one of the most environmentally friendly sanitary napkins. These napkins are crafted using a combination of eco-friendly materials such as wood pulp, bio-based resins and oils, and PLA-based materials. They adhere to the highest standards of biodegradability, certified by renowned institutions like CIPET and ISO.

Notably, Niine's pads exhibit enhanced compostability, decomposing effectively even in underground environments without requiring specific conditions like exposure to sunlight or air. By offering a sustainable solution, Niine aims to mitigate the adverse impact of conventional sanitary napkin waste, ensuring a healthier environment for all. Commenting on the launch, Amar Tulsiyan, Founder, Niine Sanitary Napkins said, “Five years ago, we were challenged with a crucial question: ‘Can you develop a sustainable solution?' Today, we proudly present our resounding answer. After extensive research, development, and certifications, we launch our biodegradable sanitary napkins—a leap towards the future, embodying an evolution for a better tomorrow. Importantly, this milestone aligns with the UN's sustainable development goals, emphasising a cleaner environment for all. As pioneers, we take pride in leading the way, championing sustainability and empowering individuals with a responsible choice.”

Niine is a revolutionary brand in India, offering the country's first biodegradable sanitary napkins with a PLA-based top sheet. These napkins are crafted from pure, safe, and skin-friendly materials, providing a soft and cotton-like feel. With superior masking and faster absorption, Niine ensures dryness and leakage protection. They are free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, making them ideal for sensitive skin. These vegan napkins feature extra-long pads and each pad comes with a disposable bag, and they maintain their shape and structure even on heavy flow days. Niine's commitment to sustainability is evident in their partnerships with international suppliers from Italy, Germany, and the USA, adhering to strict compostability standards. With large-scale production capabilities, Niine aims to lead the eco-conscious revolution and disrupt the sanitary products ecosystem in India.

Amar Tulsiyan also mentioned that the biggest opportunity that they could see in sanitary napkins and baby diapers was that the penetration was quite low and with sanitary napkins it was as low at 18 per cent. In baby diapers it was only 3 to 4 per cent. It is not a matter of affordability, it is because of lack of awareness. He concluded by saying that they have created the requirements for all the users in India. 

The Co-Founder, Gaurav Bathwal stated that, “When we started doing the R&D of this biodegradable product we evaluated many products already in the space. The youth want to adopt a sustainable lifestyle but at the same time even If you develop a product you need to take care of the basic needs. We have PLA (Polylactic acid) based products which are different and no other player has it in their product, but it is present in our product. It gives good masking, absorbance and durability which Indians want in the product.” 

The CEO, Ameya Dangi of Niine mentioned that, “The company has expanded a lot in the last 5 years. From an expansion standpoint we are growing rapidly in the west and south and even the east now. The growth will continue through innovation. We are making the consumers more aware. We have concentrated on a fluff category. Based on a philosophy of making high quality innovative products, available at affordable rates and accessible to all. Our distribution made sure that the 35 crores of menstruating women in our country have access to our product. We will drive our growth agenda forward by increasing education and more awareness. We are looking into the Middle East and USA after Nepal.”

It is a CIPET-certified product: Ensuring compliance with rigorous biodegradability standards. The napkins are crafted from a blend of wooden pulp, bio-based resins and oils, and 100% biodegradable PLA-based materials derived from plant starches like corn, cassava, maize, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. Uncompromised performance with faster absorption and leak protection and gentle and chemical-free, make Niine napkins are safe for the environment and sensitive skin.

Present at the unveiling ceremony were Niine’s Founder Amar Tulsiyan, Femina Miss India World 2023 - Nandini Gupta, Femina Miss India 2023 - 1st Runner-up: Shreya Poonja, Femina Miss India 2023 - 2nd Runner-Up: Thounaojam Strela Luwang. Niine also hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on the theme "Empowering Women and the Planet: How Biodegradable Sanitary Pads Are Changing the Game," shedding light on the transformative impact of biodegradable sanitary pads.