A bold Coimbatore start-up is making waves in women’s health with an innovative, eco-friendly solution. By harnessing the power of a humble plant, they’re offering women a healthier, more sustainable alternative to traditional sanitary pads. Driven by the mission to reduce plastic waste, this start-up is paving the way for greener, more comfortable periods.
At the heart of this revolution is kenaf, an ancient plant native to India. Traditionally used for textiles, paper, and even culinary purposes, kenaf is now being reimagined as the star ingredient in eco-friendly sanitary pads. The brainchild of two visionary students, Niveda Ravikumar and Goutham Soundararajan, this innovation is challenging the status quo of women’s hygiene products.
Turning a Vision into Action
In 2017, while working on a final-year project at Kumaraguru College of Technology in Coimbatore, Niveda and Goutham stumbled upon kenaf’s unique potential. Originally focused on textiles, they soon discovered that the plant’s fibers could offer a game-changing solution for menstrual care. With antimicrobial properties and impressive absorbency, kenaf became the foundation of a revolutionary new product—sanitary napkins made from this sustainable plant.
Fueled by a desire to tackle India’s growing plastic waste crisis, Goutham, in particular, was determined to find a sustainable solution. As they delved deeper into the environmental impact of traditional sanitary pads—which generate over 1,13,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually—they knew they had to create a cleaner, greener alternative.
Bliss Naturals: A Breakthrough for Women’s Health
By late 2017, Niveda and Goutham had created their first prototype of kenaf-based sanitary pads. Despite initial setbacks—skepticism from family and rejections from entrepreneurship programs—they pushed forward with their vision. By 2018, they launched Bliss Naturals, a brand focused on delivering organic, eco-friendly menstrual care.
Their breakthrough came during the Coimbatore Codissia Shopping Festival in December 2018, where they gained 1,000 customers in just 10 days. This rapid success set them on a path to refining their product and expanding their reach. Today, Bliss Naturals offers a wide range of sanitary pads, panty liners, and sweat pads, all designed to promote rash-free, eco-friendly periods.
A Greener Future for Menstrual Care
Bliss Naturals’ kenaf-based sanitary pads are not just healthier—they’re also more sustainable. The brand’s products emit 143 times less carbon than traditional sanitary pads, and they biodegrade completely within months, leaving no waste behind. This innovation aligns with global sustainability efforts, providing women with an environmentally friendly menstrual care option that doesn’t compromise on comfort or health.
The company’s commitment to giving back is also evident in its outreach programs. Bliss Naturals donates sanitary pads to rural communities through partnerships with organizations like Thozhargalinkaram Charitable Trust. Additionally, their Varam fundraising initiative has raised over 10 lakh pads, which have been distributed to women in need.
Empowering Women, One Pad at a Time
Bliss Naturals isn’t just about creating eco-friendly products—it’s about empowering women through job opportunities and education. By partnering with local women, the brand supports micro-entrepreneurship programs, enabling them to sell Bliss pads within their communities. The company also runs awareness campaigns to educate women about menstrual hygiene, proper usage, and the importance of using organic products.
Through these initiatives, Bliss Naturals is not just transforming women’s health but also uplifting entire communities, proving that a simple idea—rooted in nature—can lead to lasting, positive change.
Source: The Better India – Bliss Natural Bio-Based Pads Using Kenaf