Study Reveals PLA Sanitary Pads Have 17x Lower Impact than PE Alternatives

By Muhammad OsamaReviewed by Laura ThomsonMay 8 2025

In a recent article published in the journal Sustainability Science and Technology, researchers conducted a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of replacing polyethylene (PE) with polylactic acid (PLA) in disposable sanitary pads. The goal was to address sustainability concerns associated with conventional fossil-based materials and assess the environmental benefits of adopting biopolymer alternatives in menstrual/sanitary products.

Importance of Alternative Materials in Menstrual Products

Sanitary pads have evolved significantly, with disposable versions gaining popularity for their convenience. However, most conventional pads are made with PE, a fossil-based polymer that contributes to plastic pollution and poses challenges for waste management. In response to growing sustainability concerns, PLA, a biodegradable biopolymer derived from renewable sources like corn starch, is being investigated as an eco-friendly alternative.

PLA aligns closely with circular economy principles and offers a reduced carbon footprint, although it needs industrial composting for effective degradation. Transitioning to PLA-based pads supports global sustainability efforts, mainly the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). Replacing PE with biopolymers in menstrual products is critical to reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible material use.

Evaluating PLA as a Sustainable Alternative to PE

In this paper, the authors conducted an LCA of disposable sanitary pads made from PE and PLA to evaluate their environmental impacts. Using OpenLCA software and data from Ecoinvent and Agribalyse databases, they modeled the entire product life cycle, including raw material extraction, polymer production, manufacturing, usage, and disposal.

The study focused on two product types: the conventional Always® Suave SuperProteção pad, which includes PE components, and an alternative version in which PE was replaced with PLA.

The PE-based pad comprises a top layer of nonwoven polypropylene (PP) or PE, an absorbent core of fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and a waterproof PE bottom layer. In the PLA variant, PE was substituted throughout with the biopolymer.

To standardize the comparison, the functional unit was defined as 240 sanitary pads, representing the average annual usage by one person. Key impact categories, such as resource use, greenhouse gas emissions, and human health effects, were assessed using the ReCiPe 2016 method. This approach allowed the researchers to quantify ecological trade-offs and highlight the potential environmental benefits of biopolymer alternatives.

Environmental Impact of PE and PLA-Based Sanitary Pads

The outcomes showed that conventional PE sanitary pads have significantly higher environmental impacts than PLA ones. Specifically, the total impact score of PE pads was approximately 17 times greater than that of PLA pads, highlighting the ecological advantages of biopolymer-based alternatives.

Due to their renewable sourcing and lower emissions during production, PLA pads contributed less to global warming, human toxicity, and resource depletion. However, challenges associated with PLA include its reliance on corn cultivation, which raises concerns related to land use, acidification, and eutrophication from fertilizer runoff. PLA's biodegradability also depends on industrial composting conditions that are not widely accessible.

Applications for Sustainable Menstrual Products

This research has significant implications for the clean technology sector, particularly in advancing sustainable menstrual hygiene products.

As concern over plastic waste grows, the shift to PLA-based sanitary pads offers a promising alternative that reduces plastic pollution and supports renewable resource use. The study highlights the importance of developing innovative materials to replace fossil-derived plastics in consumer goods.

The successful adoption of PLA requires coordinated efforts among manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers to improve waste management infrastructure and ensure proper disposal of biodegradable products.

This transition aligns with sustainability goals and appeals to environmentally conscious consumers by reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.

Although challenges remain, such as high production costs and limited availability, advances in biopolymer technology and supportive policies can accelerate broader adoption. Beyond menstrual products, this study supports the development of sustainable alternatives across fields, including diapers and other disposable hygiene items.

Toward Sustainable Menstrual Products

Replacing PE with PLA in sanitary pads represents a significant step toward sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. The findings indicate that PLA significantly reduces dependence on fossil resources and lowers environmental impacts. However, to fully leverage its potential, advancements in sustainable agriculture, especially in corn cultivation, and the development of composting infrastructure are essential.

Addressing these challenges is crucial to minimizing PLA’s environmental footprint and strengthening its role in a circular economy. Overall, this study contributes to the clean technology movement and highlights the promise of biopolymers in reducing plastic waste. Future work should explore alternative PLA feedstocks and foster industry collaboration to improve the accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of eco-friendly hygiene products.

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