With nearly 50 percent of India's population being women, and 40 percent of them in the menstruating age group of 10 to 45 years, the potential market for biodegradable sanitary pads is vast. However, the organic market faces challenges due to a lack of awareness and perceptions of high costs. Despite this, the demand for eco-friendly menstrual products is slowly gaining traction as more people recognize the environmental impact of traditional pads. As awareness grows, biodegradable pads represent a significant opportunity for sustainable growth in the personal care industry, addressing both health and environmental concerns. Josa Pads, founded by Ria Patil Chandray, offers affordable, high-quality, organic sanitary napkins that prioritize sustainability. With over 27 years in the corporate sector and a strong background in women’s social welfare. Chandray leads the company in advancing eco-friendly menstrual products and expanding sustainable solutions.
“In 2018, while serving as a menstrual hygiene ambassador under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. I was tasked with promoting sanitary napkins to raise awareness about proper menstrual product use and disposal. However, many so-called ‘biodegradable’ pads contain harmful materials like polypropylene. This led me to create Josa Pads, truly organic and biodegradable products that support health and environmental preservation. My mission is to encourage women to choose organic pads for their well-being and the planet”, speaks Ria Patil Chandray.
Empowerment and Affordability
Josa Pads stands out in the market through its unwavering commitment to sustainability, women's empowerment, and affordability. Even the packaging is made from eco-friendly materials, earning Khadi certification as a testament to their quality. Proudly made in India, the company is not only economical but also prioritizing women's health by avoiding harmful imports. The company is woman-led, understanding the unique needs of its consumers, and 80 percent of the workforce comprises women, reflecting its dedication to gender equality. It supports local women through self-help groups, offering opportunities to earn up to 20,000 per month. The company also promotes menstrual hygiene awareness with talks in schools and colleges across Goa and Maharashtra, high lighting its leadership in social impact and innovation.
Josa Pads is revolutionizing menstrual care through 100% organic, biodegradable products that prioritize both health and environmental sustainability
The firm significantly contributes to waste reduction by offering 100 percent organic and biodegradable sanitary pads. Unlike conventional sanitary napkins, which are typically made from plastic and can take 400 to 600 years to degrade, Josa Pads are crafted from cotton and begin degrading after 180 days. “Once disposed of, these pads naturally undergo an oxidization process, leading to complete biodegradation within a short period. This not only reduces the burden on landfills but also eliminates the harmful environmental impact associated with plastic-based products, such as the release of toxic fumes when burned”, adds Ria Patil Chandray.
New Sustainable Facility
Josa Pads is entering an exciting expansion phase, with a new 20,000-square-foot factory set to commence operations. This facility, owned by the company, will significantly increase production capacity, allowing the firm to diversify its product range. Beyond its core product, the firm plans to introduce a variety of sustainable offerings, including upcycled paper items like diaries, notepads, and paper ribs, as well as eco-friendly paper packaging solutions for industrial clients such as Siemens and IRB. Additionally, the firm will begin manufacturing biodegradable and compostable bags and films to produce raw materials in-house. These developments mark a significant step forward in Josa Pads' commitment to sustainability, positioning the company to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products while maintaining control over the entire production process.
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