Ajinkya Dhariya: The Innovator Behind the World's First Sanitary Pad Recycling Revolution

Ajinkya Dhariya, a mechanical engineer by training, identified a significant environmental and health issue when he observed used sanitary pads and diapers discarded in open spaces and landfills. He saw ragpickers handling these hazardous wastes with bare hands, which ignited his determination to find a solution. Recognizing the absence of existing technology to address this problem, Dhariya decided to create one himself. Launching PadCare Labs In 2018, Dhariya founded PadCare Labs with a mission to transform menstrual hygiene and waste management. The Pune-based startup developed PadCareX, a pioneering recycling technology that converts absorbent sanitary waste into valuable by-products such as pulp and plastic, which can be reused in various industrial applications. The collected waste is sent to a central processing unit called SANECO, which operates on a mechanical chemo principle and provides the 5Ds: Disinfection, Deodorization, De-colorization, Disintegration, and Deactivation (super absorbent polymer). Impressively, the waste processed through this unit can be reused and recycled, achieving over 80% material recovery by separating cellulose from plastic. The sterilized output waste can be repurposed into plant pots, paper, fuel, or handed over to recyclers for added value. This compact installation is free of cost and doesn't require electricity. This innovation marked a significant step towards solving the pollution caused by sanitary waste and improving the health and well-being of waste pickers. Source: Google Images Overcoming Initial Challenges Despite the innovative nature of his idea, Dhariya faced initial resistance from many who rejected his concept. However, he persevered. At just 28 years old, he became the first to introduce this market-changing technology. His hometown of Mhasla in Maharashtra's Raigard district served as the backdrop for his journey, where he drew inspiration from the challenges faced by his community. PadCare Labs has made remarkable strides in its six years of operation. The company now operates in 19 cities, partnering with 550 organizations to reach one million women. Their efforts have significantly reduced the environmental impact of sanitary waste, saving 100 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. Sanitary napkins, which are largely composed of plastic, typically take 500 to 800 years to decompose. Through PadCare’s efforts, 138 metric tonnes of sanitary waste have been collected and recycled to date. Scaling Technology Dhariya's relentless pursuit of innovation led to the optimization of PadCareX, increasing its processing capacity from handling 1,000 pads per day to 60,000. In 2023, PadCare Labs inaugurated the world’s first material recovery facility in Pune, capable of processing 1.5 metric tonnes of sanitary waste per day.  PadCare Labs gained widespread recognition and support, including an appearance on Shark Tank India. During the show, Dhariya secured funding from Lenskart founder Peeyush Bansal and Emcure Pharma’s Namita Thapar. The startup raised ₹5 crore, with additional participation from Nithin Kamath’s Rainmatter and Social Alpha. Ajinkya Dhariya has successfully addressed a critical environmental and public health issue. PadCare Labs is making a profound impact on communities and the environment. Dhariya’s innovative spirit and dedication to positive change continue to inspire and pave the way for sustainable solutions in the field of menstrual hygiene and waste management.