In Pakistan, approximately 23 million women currently use plastic and chemical-based sanitary napkins, contributing to environmental challenges.
The cleantech firm She-Guard, located in Pakistan, made headlines when it became victorious at the ‘ClimateLaunchpad Asia-Pacific’ finals with their innovative plastic-free and biodegradable sanitary products.
With a focus on converting banana crop waste into reasonably priced, biodegradable, and plastic-free sanitary pads, the firm hopes to provide a long-term solution to Pakistan’s triple problems of solid waste, health issues, and climate change.
Competing against 172 teams from six countries in the Asia-Pacific region, She-Guard emerged victorious in the finals, hosted by national partner Centre4 Creativity & Sustainability and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland (Irish Aid).
The jury lauded She-Guard for its realistic and scalable business plan, recognizing its potential to make a substantial impact on both sustainability and the socio-economic circumstances of women globally.
Mehreen Raza, founder and CEO of She-Guard, expressed gratitude for the support of ClimateLaunchpad and pride in the women associated with the startup. Raza emphasized the fundamental right of all women to hygienically manage their periods and the commitment to achieving this in a sustainable manner.
In Pakistan, approximately 23 million women currently use plastic and chemical-based sanitary napkins, contributing to environmental challenges. Globally, tens of millions of women face obstacles in managing their periods due to the lack of access or affordability of essential sanitary products.
ClimateLaunchpad, recognized as the world’s largest green business competition for climate innovators, is held across four continents. Organized by Europe’s leading climate innovation initiative, EIT Climate-KIC, since 2013, the program offers a platform for individuals committed to making a difference in confronting the climate emergency.
Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of EIT Climate-KIC, highlighted the significance of addressing the climate emergency as an opportunity for positive change. Over the past decade, ClimateLaunchpad has served as a vibrant platform for individuals dedicated to developing climate solutions through entrepreneurship.
The runner-up in the competition was the Vietnamese startup Alterno, presenting a low-cost thermal energy storage solution for renewable energy. The technology aims to distribute heat and is particularly intended for drying agricultural products such as tea, coffee, and rice.
Securing the third position was the Japanese startup Aonbarr, proposing an innovative idea that utilizes seawater to generate hydrogen as a green energy source. The diverse range of ideas presented in the competition underscores the global commitment to fostering climate innovations and addressing pressing environmental challenges.
She-Guard’s victory not only reflects a significant stride in sustainable feminine hygiene but also exemplifies the potential for innovative solutions to drive positive environmental and social change. The recognition at ClimateLaunchpad Asia-Pacific marks a pivotal moment for the startup, showcasing the impact of entrepreneurial endeavors in advancing sustainability on a global scale.