Sparsa Business Model: Gender-responsive entrepreneurship and market access

This initiative is part of the Sparsa Solution, a Nepali non-profit organization that locally produces and distributes compostable menstrual pads with an absorbent core made from banana fiber.
The Sparsa business model, rooted in gender responsive entrepreneurship and strategic market access to ensure the sustainable distribution of biodegradable menstrual pads. As a nonprofit social enterprise, Sparsa integrates ongoing market evaluation, seasonal hiring practice, and active user committees at both factory locations to enhance responsiveness and community ownership.

The model emphasizes adaptability across diverse geographic and cultural contexts and explores innovative marketing strategies such as distribution through women’s groups and community leaders. Internal and external feedback sessions are conducted to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. Strategic efforts include building a four-year financial plan, conducting market research and forming strong partnerships with NGOs, municipalities, schools, hostels

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Engineering the Production of Compostable Menstrual Pads Using Plant-Based Fiber as the Main Absorbent Core

This initiative is part of the Sparsa Solution, a Nepali non-profit organization that locally produces and distributes compostable menstrual pads, which have an absorbent core made from banana fiber.,
Conventional fluff pad production machines are either manual-making them labor-intensive and unhygienic-or fully automated, which requires high upfront investment and is often incompatible with eco-friendly materials. To overcome these challenges, engineers from NIDISI, Sparsa, and Grit Engineering developed a semi-automatic, low-cost system tailored to local Made in Nepal.
Built with limited resources, the system produces 3,500–4,000 pads per day and includes:

A paper shredder for uniform fiber cutting;
A custom mattress-making machine for the fluffy absorbent core;
A modified pad assembly machine that seals different layers using ultrasonic sealing and compostable glue.

This setup enables safe, small-scale production while reducing plastic waste and supporting menstrual health for the benefit of women and the environment.

Building networks and relationships to strengthen and promote the compostable menstrual pad production in Nepal

This initiative is part of the Sparsa Solution, a Nepali non-profit organization that locally produces and distributes compostable menstrual pads with an absorbent core made from banana fiber.

To scale impact and ensure sustainability, Sparsa actively builds strong relationships with government bodies, grassroots organizations, and global partners. We engage municipalities, schools, and women-led NGOs to expand awareness, build trust, and ensure our solutions are locally relevant and widely accessible. We are a proud member of the Menstrual Health Management Partner Alliance (MHMPA) Nepal, enabling national-level advocacy and knowledge exchange. By completing all legal steps and aligning with government frameworks, we ensure full compliance and credibility. These partnerships—ranging from policy support to grassroots mobilization—have enabled Sparsa to extend its reach, foster innovation, and integrate menstrual health into broader development goals.

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