Spacerpad - a reusable sanitary pad
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Högskolan i Borås - A2 |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 9 434 649 |
| Project duration | December 2019 - January 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-driven innovation - Phase 2 Collaboration |
Purpose and goal
The project has aimed to further develop and test a reusable sanitary pad - Spacerpad, and to identify production processes and ways of distribution, to make the product available to women in different socio-economic segments; low-income and high-income context. The project´s objectives; verified products, identified production processes and business models, as well as channels for communication, have been fulfilled. The project´s overall vision is “ A sustainable society with equal conditions for menstrual health”.
Expected results and effects
The result in the form of verified product 3.0 and identified production provides a basis for being able to implement a small-scale production in Sweden and in Kenya. When the results are implemented in the form of identified business and distribution models, as well as channels for communication and marketing, end users in different socio-economic segments can be reached. In this way, women´s conditions for health and autonomy can be strengthened and we can contribute to a more equal society for menstrual health.
Planned approach and implementation
Technology concepts are verified through lab tests examining absorption, re-wetting, dispersibility, bacterial growth, drying times and durability. User tests have examined how women experience the sanitary pad´s function, comfort, manageability, acceptability and how it allows freedom of movement and a sense of well-being in Kenya, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, Nepal, and India. Possible subsystems in production have been identified and evaluated to optimize a final process. Distribution and communication channels have been identified through communication with parties.