Kenaf: The Coimbatore Startup Revolutionizing Period Care With Eco-Friendly Sanitary Pads

What began as a concern about plastic waste has now become a groundbreaking solution for women’s health and environmental sustainability. In Coimbatore, two passionate changemakers, Niveda Ravikumar and Goutham Soundararajan, have launched Kenaf, a brand that’s reshaping the conversation around menstrual hygiene by introducing biodegradable, plastic-free sanitary pads.

Their mission is bold but vital: to make periods healthier, greener, and more dignified for women everywhere.

The Problem: A Monthly Mountain of Waste

India generates over 12 billion sanitary pads annually, most of which are made of up to 90% plastic. These non-biodegradable pads take centuries to decompose and pose serious threats to public health and the environment.

Niveda and Goutham saw the scale of the problem and realized that menstrual health couldn’t be addressed without also talking about waste, pollution, and safety. With a vision to create a pad that’s good for the body and the planet, they co-founded Kenaf.

The Solution: Sustainable, Comfortable, and Safe

Kenaf sanitary pads are made from natural fibers and biodegradable materials, including plant cellulose. They are:

  • Completely plastic-free

  • Chlorine and fragrance-free

  • Comfortable and skin-friendly

  • Compostable within 6 months

By replacing synthetic materials with natural fibers, Kenaf offers a greener alternative that’s just as absorbent and more breathable than conventional pads.

Empowering Women With Every Pack

Kenaf’s mission goes beyond product innovation—it’s about dignity and access. The brand runs awareness programs in rural communities, educating women and girls about menstrual hygiene, breaking taboos, and distributing free or subsidized pads through local NGOs.

They also work with women-led self-help groups to assemble and package the pads, ensuring employment and skill development among underserved communities.

A Brand With Purpose

With rising awareness around eco-conscious living, Kenaf is gaining traction not just in Coimbatore but across India. The founders are working to scale their production, enter school hygiene programs, and expand into related sustainable personal care products.

What makes Kenaf stand out is its deep-rooted commitment to impact, both social and environmental. It's a startup where health, dignity, and ecology intersect—changing not just how people experience their periods, but how they think about sustainability.

The Future of Periods Is Green

Niveda Ravikumar and Goutham Soundararajan have proven that innovation doesn’t always come from large corporations—it can come from a bold idea powered by empathy and action. With Kenaf, they’re not just offering a product—they’re offering a better future for women and the planet.