Corn-based pads could cut 220,000 tons of plastic waste dumped in oceans yearly
Researchers suggest cornstarch-based products could replace plastic sanitary products, reducing environmental impact while remaining scalable and cost-effective.
A new study has revealed a potential game-changer in the fight against sanitary waste. Researchers found sanitary pads made with cornstarch are 17 times more environmentally friendly than plastic-based ones.
Traditional sanitary pads contain about 90% plastic, equal to the plastic found in four grocery bags per pad. The environmental cost is staggering, with around 220,000 tons of sanitary products thrown away yearly. Much of this waste ends up in oceans, contributing to global plastic pollution.