HLL Lifecare Ltd, the Central government's Mini Ratna PSU under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has launched Happy Days Earth, a 100 per cent compostable sanitary napkin, marking its entry into the eco-friendly menstrual hygiene segment.
The launch places the public sector enterprise among the pioneers in India's sustainable hygiene market. According to the company, the product is among the first sanitary napkins in the country to meet both the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality specifications and the compostability requirements under IS/ISO 17088.
The launch comes as manufacturers across industries face increasing pressure to reduce plastic waste and adopt environmentally sustainable alternatives.
Conventional sanitary napkins are largely made from polyethylene, polypropylene, and Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP), materials that can remain in landfills for centuries and contribute significantly to plastic pollution and microplastic generation.
HLL said Happy Days Earth addresses this challenge without compromising on performance.
Independent studies showed that the product achieved more than 91 per cent biodegradation within 156 days and also met the required physical disintegration standards during composting.
Unlike conventional sanitary napkins, it decomposes into natural end products such as water, carbon dioxide, biomass, and organic matter without leaving behind harmful residues or microplastics.
The sanitary napkin features a cellulose-based biodegradable absorbent core, plant-derived fibres for the top sheet, and compostable leak-proof layers and packaging.
It also delivers high absorbency without using Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), a synthetic material commonly found in conventional sanitary napkins.
Testing under BIS IS 5405:2025 recorded an absorbency of 35 ml, exceeding the prescribed minimum standard of 30 ml.
The launch is expected to strengthen HLL's portfolio in women's healthcare, which already includes contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices, emergency contraceptives, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins, and other wellness products.
According to HLL officials, the new product reflects the PSU's commitment to promoting both public health and environmental sustainability.
With Inputs From IANS