Development of Eco Friendly Sanitary Napkins Using Kenaf Fiber

Development of Eco Friendly Sanitary Napkins Using Kenaf Fiber

Mehul Shah, Dimple Munne

Department of Textile Manufactures

 Government Polytechnic Nagpur,Maharashtra State, India

INTRODUCTION

• Kenaf usually produce in large amount as it is has high adaption and easily grow.
• Kenaf ( hibiscus cannabinus,L) is an annual fiber crop related to cotton and okra. It is native in Africa. Kenaf is a type of fast growing plant and it can grow to a height about 3.5 to 4.5 meters within a 5 month.
• Kenaf steam is divided into two separate parts, the bark and bast containing relatively long fibers and the stem containing short fibers, called as core.
• Yield of kenaf range from 8-12 metric tones of dry stem per hectare.
• Absorbency of kenaf core particles, chopped kenaf core (2” to 4” in length ), obtained from green natural fibers. 
• Experiment on kenaf revealed that core size range 106-425 microns are the highest water absorbency at saturation up to 12 times its weight. The 425-840 micron range was the next highest and it absorbed water up to 10 times its weight.
• Various chemicals and refining experiments were carried out on the highly absorbent particles sizes (106-840 microns) to enhance their bonding properties and to make handset from them.
• Adolescence is a crucial stage of life and one that is challenging for most girls because of its physical and psysiological changes. One of the major psysiological changes in adolescence girls is menstruation.
• Most of the girls not going to school because they cannot afford to buy the sanitary napkins and fear of staining themselves with blood and in public.Napkins is needed by every women aged from 14years to 45 years. Ideally, in our country every girl should use sanitary napkins during menstruations periods.

RAW MATERIAL USED IN SANITARY NAPKINS

• Nonwoven
• Pulp
• Plastic film  
• Elastic materials
• Fastening devices
• Packaging 

MANUFACTURING PROCESS FROM KENAF FIBER TO SANITARY NAPKINS

PROPERTIES OF KENAF FIBER

• ABSORBENCY – The most important quality of feminine hygiene product is absorbency to keep area dry without leaking or cause any discomfort. Kenaf revealed that core of size range 106-425 microns are highest water absorbency at saturation up to 12 times its weight the 425-840 micron range was the next highest and it absorbed water up to 10 times its weight. Adding polyvinyl acid the absorbency of kenaf fiber is increased by 254%.
• PH CONSIDERATION-  PH of fluff pulp is an important criteria which need to be consider in the production of absorbent for hygiene product. Inappropriate PH level of chemicals treatment absorbent produce may cause yeast infection or mycosis as the natural of bacteria flora is affected. It is necessary to maintain the PH level of 5.5 to ensure proper intimate for hygiene women.
• MOISTURE CONTENT-  moisture content of kenaf at harvest is usually at 75%

CHARACTERISTICS OF SANITARY NAPKINS

• No Leakage
• No odour
• Stay in place
• Comfortable to wear
• Must be Hygienic 
• No unaesthetic appearance or color  

ESTIMATE OF NEED 

• Sanitary Napkin is needed by every young women aged from 14 years to 45 years. Ideally in our country every young girl should use sanitary napkins during menstruation period.
• The number of pads used by women during their estimated 32 reproductive years is staggering.
• Assuming 13 menstrual cycle in a given year, with a requirement of 11 napkins cycle, the average women requires 4,500 napkins throughout her lifetime. Currently many of the women in developing countries rely on using old rags that propagate disease and that are insufficient in protection from leakage. 
• Further and perhaps beyond the scope of this study, cultural taboos surrounding menstruation in many countries prevent large-scale or public charges. 

LOW COST SANITARY NAPKIN (WORKING COST):

• Machinery cost- 218713 (inclusive GST) One Time Investment.
• Raw material cost – 97024 (inclusive GST) for 60,000 napkin.
• Production capacity- 2500 napkin per day.
• Labour requirements-5 labour
• Salary of labour- 6000rs per month i.e. rs 30,000 per month for 5 labour.
• If you produce 2500 napkin per day and work only 25 days in month. Production is 62500 napkin per month.
• Rate of branded ultra thin sanitary napkin (MRP) is Rs. 69/-per packet for 7pcs. i.e. Rs 9.78 for 1 napkin. 
• If you produce 62,500 napkin per and sell only for rs 4 per napkin.
• 62,500 X 4 = Rs 2,50,000 /- gross selling income per month.
• Therefore bifurcation of profit it as follow: 
• total sales 62500 selling price rs 4 per napkin.

Total income for selling 62500 napkin in a month ie. Rs.2,50,000/-

Less – Raw material cost                       Rs. 105000

Less – Salary of labour                          Rs. 30000

Less – Rent                                            Rs. 8000

Less – Administrative cost                    Rs. 10000

Less – Misc. exp                                    Rs. 5000

Less – Electricity bill                             Rs. 2000

Profit in a month                                  Rs. 90000/-

BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY

• Low cost technology
• Easy operation and maintenance
• Low power requirement
• Women empowerment
• Environment friendly

CONCLUSION

• Nature has encompassed every solution within itself. With more and more use of natural fiber in hygiene product will make it co-friendly. Use of natural fiber in sanitary napkins will reduce the cost of the product will lower accessible to low income group women. As the product is bio-degradable prevent non-biodegradable waste generation.
• It has been demonstrated in the present work. Kenaf based absorbent layer is efficient, cost efficient , eco-friendly and hygienic alternatives to be present sanitary napkins available in the market.