Cresa's fix for India's 12-billion sanitary pad disposal problem
Cresa, a Pune startup founded by Sarika Pathak and Mohan Kulkarni in 2021, makes biodegradable, plastic-free sanitary pads that dissolve in water.
India generates nearly 12 billion sanitary pads annually, with 98% ending up in landfills or natural bodies, taking up to 800 years to decompose. Sarika Pathak, a mechanical engineer with a master's in industrial design, questioned the environmental impact of these products during her time at Johnson & Johnson and Padcare Labs. This led to the creation of Cresa, a Pune-based startup founded in 2021 with Pathak and her father, Mohan Kulkarni.
Cresa aims to redesign sanitary pads from the inside out, using plant-based, starch-derived materials and creating a water-soluble product that dissolves in hot water within 80 seconds. The first product, an XL size pad priced at Rs 235 for a pack of 10, is available on various e-commerce platforms. Cresa's product is certified 100% biodegradable, plastic-free, and chemical-free, and has received positive feedback, with 95.6% of beneficiaries describing it as extremely comfortable.
The company also addresses the issue of sanitary waste disposal, which typically ends up in landfills, water bodies, or incinerators. By dissolving in hot water, Cresa eliminates the need for wrapping, collection, or landfill disposal. While Cresa sells online, the startup also partners with corporations, government agencies, and NGOs to reach women in Tier II and Tier III cities.
With over 2.5 lakh pads sold, Cresa is working on a fully water-soluble sanitary pad and has received multiple patents for its innovations.
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