Founded in 2015, Saathi is an Indian purpose-driven manufacturing company that set out to address two interconnected challenges: access to menstrual hygiene products and the environmental burden created by conventional disposable sanitary pads. The company was founded by Kristin Kagetsu, Tarun Bothra and Grace Kane, who brought together backgrounds in sustainable product design, renewable energy, materials, engineering and social impact. Kristin and Grace are MIT graduates, while Tarun is a graduate of Nirma University. Together, they set out to develop hygiene products that could benefit the body, community and environment.
The idea behind Saathi emerged from a desire to create menstrual products that would be both environmentally responsible and better suited to the needs of women in India. Kristin Kagetsu had previously worked on sustainable natural-dye crayons made by local artisans in Uttarakhand and was passionate about developing sustainable products that could positively impact women. Tarun Bothra brought experience in renewable energy and materials, along with a personal connection to the menstrual-health taboos faced by a family member.
Grace Kane shared a strong interest in sustainable product design, innovation and women’s empowerment. Their complementary experiences eventually came together around the idea of creating an eco-friendly sanitary pad using locally available materials.
The founders began exploring banana fibre as a solution because banana stems are typically discarded after harvesting. Saathi’s mission was to transform this agricultural residue into a useful raw material for sanitary products while creating a more circular production model. Based in Gujarat, the company sources banana stems from local farmer collectives and extracts the fibre that would otherwise be discarded.
Conventional sanitary pads typically contain significant amounts of plastic and synthetic materials, which can persist in the environment for long periods. In contrast, Saathi developed biodegradable and compostable pads using plant-based materials. The company describes its approach as a “cradle to cradle” model, combining sustainable materials, local sourcing and zero-waste production principles.
By sourcing banana stems from farmers in Gujarat, the enterprise transforms what would otherwise be waste into a valuable raw material. This approach reflects the principles of the circular economy, in which resources are reused and kept in circulation for as long as possible. The use of banana fibre also reduces dependence on cotton. According to Saathi, banana fibre requires six times less water per tonne produced than cotton and ten times less fertiliser.Saathi’s manufacturing model is closely tied to its social mission. The company employs women from local communities in its production facilities, creating employment opportunities while contributing to women’s economic empowerment. Farmers also gain an additional source of income through the sale of banana stems that would otherwise have little commercial value.
The environmental motivation behind biodegradable sanitary pads is particularly relevant in India, where disposable menstrual products contribute significantly to solid waste. Saathi states that its pads are designed to decompose within six months when disposed of appropriately, providing an alternative to plastic-based sanitary products. The company’s approach seeks to address menstrual hygiene while reducing the environmental burden associated with conventional pads.
Beyond manufacturing, Saathi has also engaged in menstrual health education. The team organises workshops and discussion groups to raise awareness among women, particularly in rural communities, about the importance of menstrual hygiene. Such efforts are significant in areas where limited access to sanitary products, information and sanitation facilities can affect women’s and girls’ wellbeing.
The enterprise frames its work around three interrelated pillars: body, community and environment. The “body” aspect focuses on developing hygiene products using plant-based materials and without the chemicals found in conventional products. The “community” dimension encompasses employment generation, support for farming communities and menstrual-health education. The “environment” pillar centres on reducing plastic waste and encouraging the use of renewable, biodegradable materials.
Saathi’s model illustrates how innovation in everyday products can intersect with broader goals of sustainability and social development. By combining the founders’ expertise in engineering, business and sustainable product design with local sourcing and community engagement, the company has developed a model that connects menstrual health with circular-economy principles.
As concerns about waste, resource use and public health continue to grow, initiatives such as Saathi demonstrate how agricultural by-products can be repurposed into practical consumer goods. The story of its founders also highlights how diverse professional experiences and a shared commitment to sustainability can come together to address a complex social and environmental challenge. Saathi’s journey shows that menstrual hygiene can be approached not only as a health and access issue, but also through the lenses of environmental stewardship, circularity and social impact.
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