The study highlights using a biodegradable material called polylactic acid (PLA)—a product made from cornstarch. PLA pads dramatically reduce environmental harm. Even though their production takes up more land, the overall impact is far lower because of their renewable sourcing and less toxic manufacturing processes.
“Research into sustainable sanitary materials has consistently shown that while many alternatives to traditional products exist, the key to widespread adoption lies in ease of production, price and scalability,” said Alice Medeiros de Lima, corresponding author of the study.
“Given the detrimental effects of plastic based sanitary products on the environment, transitioning to cornstarch-based products can significantly reduce waste and provide a more sustainable solution for the future.”