Menstrual access
Cost and availability can make reliable menstrual hygiene products difficult to access for many women and girls.
Menstrual health · Circular materials
Sustainable menstrual care, naturally.
EcoFem is developing affordable and biodegradable sanitary pads using water hyacinth fibres—bringing menstrual health innovation and environmental sustainability together.
Prototype development and validation in progress
The challenge
Three connected problems. One thoughtful response.
Access, waste and invasive biomass call for solutions that work together—not in isolation.
Persistent waste
Conventional sanitary products often contain non-biodegradable materials that can remain in the environment long after use.
Invasive biomass
Water hyacinth can disrupt waterways and livelihoods, yet its fibrous biomass may also hold useful material potential.
From invasive biomass
to useful material
to useful material
Our solution
Reimagining a local resource for menstrual care.
EcoFem processes water hyacinth fibres for use as part of the absorbent core in a biodegradable sanitary pad prototype.
The product is being designed toward a careful balance of performance, comfort, affordability and reduced environmental impact.
Affordable by design
Comfortable
Absorbent
Environmentally conscious
Locally developed
Resource-efficient
Explore the innovation
How EcoFem works
A material journey with purpose
Each stage is being refined through research, prototyping and testing.
Responsible harvesting
Water hyacinth biomass is collected with environmental responsibility in mind.
Fibre extraction
Useful fibres are separated from the prepared plant material.
Fibre treatment
Fibres are cleaned and processed for material development.
Core development
Treated fibre is developed as part of an absorbent core structure.
Prototype & testing
Pad prototypes are assembled, compared, evaluated and improved.
Why EcoFem matters
Designed for dignity and a lighter footprint.
A single innovation can open several pathways for positive change.
Menstrual health
Aiming to support dignified access to dependable menstrual care.
Environmental protection
Exploring a useful pathway for invasive biomass and lower-impact materials.
Affordability
Designing with accessible pricing and local realities in view.
Local innovation
Building material knowledge and product capability close to the challenge.
Our progress
Building carefully, one stage at a time.
EcoFem is a product under development. Progress means learning, testing and improving before commercialization.
Learn about validation- 01ConceptProblem and opportunity identified
- 02ResearchMaterial potential explored
- 03Prototype developmentEarly product forms developed
- 04Absorbency testingPerformance comparisons and refinement
- 05Market validationUser and stakeholder learning
- 06Product improvementIterative material and design work
- 07Certification preparationEvidence and process readiness
- 08Commercialization preparationPilot and scale planning
This timeline describes a development pathway and does not indicate final regulatory certification.
People behind the work
View full team
Meet the team
Team profiles are being prepared
Confirmed EcoFem team members will be introduced here as their profiles are added.
Visit the team pageFrom the project
View all updates
Latest updates
Updates will be published here
Research progress, prototype milestones and community activities will be shared once confirmed.
A shared future
Help us build a healthier and more sustainable future.
Whether you work in research, health, education, manufacturing or community development, there may be a meaningful way to collaborate.