The absence of trash cans in the wild while camping is a deliberate choice to minimize environmental impact, promote self-sufficiency, and reduce the risk of wildlife conflicts. However, a distinct concern arises for women engaging in outdoor adventures, specifically related to the disposal of menstrual hygiene products. 

While most homes have separate bins for wet and dry waste, sanitary pads belong in neither. Due to their potentially infectious nature, sanitary pads are classified as bio-hazards, along with medical wastes.

According to a research from India, Where dustbins are not placed they leave the soiled pads wrapped or unwrapped in the toilet corners.  This makes the toilets dirty, breeding place for flies and mosquitoes, and also unhygienic for other toilet users and cleaners.  In many cities, the persons who manage the public toilets always complain of blockage of sewage system because of flushing of sanitary pads or rags in the toilet.

The absence of trash cans in the wild while camping is a deliberate choice to minimize environmental impact, promote self-sufficiency, and reduce the risk of wildlife conflicts. However, a distinct concern arises for women engaging in outdoor adventures, specifically related to the disposal of menstrual hygiene products. 

Existing solutions, such as carrying personal trash bags or wrapping used pads in regular bags, prove to be imperfect. The lack of adhesive in used pads can lead to awkward moments, while the blood can grow bacteria and contaminate other objects, and the smell can spread. Some resort to burying used pads in the ground, unaware that these products can take up to 800 years to decompose naturally. 

Prototyping

One hand squeeze to open.

User 1: Day 2 of her period

Feedback: 

· The opening is too small;

· The pad I use is too big for the pocket to hold.

Ergonomic design for open the pocket, and maximum opening.

A playful and relaxed style that lets people get rid of the emotional distress and shame that comes with menstruation. The illustration also contain instruction for use. Advocates taking the used pad away from nature.

Addressing this dual challenge, a design solution becomes imperative—a thoughtfully crafted package for the discreet and hygienic disposal of menstrual products during outdoor activities. This innovation not only protects the environment but also enhances hygiene and privacy for women, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable outdoor experience.

Change the orientation for better hold on one hand.

Squeeze to Open

Final Pocket Design

Graphic Design

Final Look

Single Pad Packaging

User 2: Day 6 of her period

Feedback: 

· “I don’t know where to put my used pad before I changed to a new pad since the pocket to put the used pad is under the new pad. “

User Experience Design

Appropriate disposal of used menstrual material is still lacking in many countries of the world. Most of the countries have developed techniques to manage their fecal and urinary wastes but, because of lack of menstrual management practices in the world, most of the women dispose of their sanitary pads or other menstrual articles into domestic solid wastes or garbage bins that ultimately become a part of solid wastes.

Problem Statement

Design Objectives

User Experience I

The user wraps the package around the used pad instead of folding it into a paper bag, even though the packaging seems intentional. The current prototype requires propping up the package to insert the used pad. To improve the prototype, steps can be combined for convenience, such as taking out a new pad and folding the package together. Illustrations can also be used to guide movements.