Page 55 - RASAS 2025

10 Ruhuna Arts Student’s Annual Sessions (RASAS) -2025
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Exploring Consumer Adoption of Biodegradable Sanitary Pads for Sustainable
Menstrual Hygiene Management in Sri Lanka

E.M.D.O. Nadapala
Department of Economics, University of Ruhuna.
dasunadapala@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the market potential for biodegradable sanitary pads as a sustainable alternative to

conventional menstrual products in Sri Lanka. Traditional pads, composed of plastic and synthetic materials,
significantly contribute to environmental pollution, highlighting the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions.
Our research examines consumer behavior, awareness, and willingness to adopt these products among Sri

Lankan women. A quantitative research approach with a descriptive survey design was employed. Data were
collected from a sample of 60 women using a self-administered, structured questionnaire distributed via
Google Forms. A convenience-sampling method was used to gather insights into key factors influencing

purchasing decisions, including price sensitivity, environmental awareness, product accessibility, and health
considerations. The collected data were analyzed using simple graphical methods to present the findings. The
results indicate a growing interest in biodegradable menstrual products, particularly among younger,

environmentally conscious consumers. However, significant barriers to adoption persist, including limited
availability, lack of awareness, and higher costs compared to conventional pads. As an illustrative case, the

study refers to the “Nari” brand to highlight the type of sustainable innovations entering the market. The
findings emphasize the need for policy support, educational campaigns, and affordable pricing to strengthen
the market for biodegradable sanitary pads in Sri Lanka. This research contributes to the limited academic

literature on sustainable menstrual hygiene products and offers valuable insights into how eco-friendly
innovations can address both public health and environmental concerns.

Keywords: biodegradable, consumer behavior, environmental sustainability, menstrual hygiene, sanitary
pads

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