About Us
ABOUT US
Greenie is a purpose-driven manufacturing company committed to creating eco-friendly hygiene products. Founded by postgraduates from Sheffield Hallam University (UK), we are innovators in the use of alternative materials and zero-waste production methods. Our mission is to develop hygiene products that are beneficial for the body, the environment, and the community.
How Did the Story Begin?
Greenie’s journey began in 2012 when its founders, Mrs. Shakthi and Mr. Shanath, both postgraduates from Sheffield Hallam University (UK), came together with a shared vision to create fully eco-friendly, compostable sanitary napkins. Drawing inspiration from their home state of Tamil Nadu, Greenie focuses on using locally sourced banana fiber for its products.
Shakthi's passion for sustainable materials and her personal experience with a family member facing the societal taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene in India further fueled the mission. After seven years of dedicated research and development, they found a way to create eco-friendly sanitary pads using natural materials that not only positively impacted women but were also better for the environment.
Motivated by the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women in India, they combined their technical and business expertise to create a biodegradable, compostable sanitary pad. This innovative product follows a cradle-to-cradle approach, with a completely sustainable and circular economy business model. In 2019, after years of hard work, Greenie’s 100% Banana Fiber Sanitary Napkins were launched for sale.
Why Biodegradable Pads?
At Greenie, we believe in a cleaner, healthier alternative to conventional sanitary products. Our pads are biodegradable, compostable, and made using plant-based materials for the leak-proof outer layers.
Many consumers suffer from irritation or rashes due to the plastic and chemicals present in standard pads. The average conventional sanitary pad contains 3.4 grams of plastic, leading to over 23 kilograms of plastic waste over a woman’s lifetime. In 2016 alone, India generated 150,000 tons of sanitary pad waste. Greenie pads, however, break down within six months, 1200 times faster than plastic pads, offering a rash- and irritation-free experience, thanks to the absence of harmful chemicals.
Why Banana Fiber?
Greenie pads are made with banana fiber due to its high absorbency and the environmental and social benefits associated with its production. Banana fiber comes from the stem of the banana tree, which is typically discarded after the fruit is harvested. Greenie partners with local farmers to purchase these stems, and after extracting the fiber, the remaining residue is fermented and used as organic fertilizer.
Compared to cotton, banana fiber requires six times less water per ton produced and 10 times less fertilizer. Since bananas are an existing food crop, no additional land is needed to produce this fiber. With 9 million hectares already dedicated to banana farming worldwide, Greenie’s innovative use of banana fiber aims to increase its use in consumer products and promote more sustainable practices across industries.
At Greenie, we are dedicated to developing environmentally-friendly products that make a difference. Our journey is just the beginning, and we are excited to expand our impact for a greener future.