What pads are best for the environment?

If you're looking for the best pads for the environment, the key is to choose products that are:

  • ✅ Biodegradable or compostable

  • ✅ Made with organic, plant-based materials

  • ✅ Plastic-free or minimal plastic

  • ✅ Produced by ethical, low-impact brands

Here’s a blog-style guide to help you find the most eco-friendly pads — along with brand recommendations and what to avoid.

What Pads Are Best for the Environment?

Your Guide to Sustainable, Planet-Friendly Period Care 🌍

Most conventional pads contain 90% plastic, synthetic fibers, and chemical-laden gels — all of which can take up to 800 years to decompose. Thankfully, the rise of eco-friendly menstrual pads means you can now care for your body and the planet, without compromise.

Let’s explore what makes a pad sustainable and which brands lead the way.

🌱 What Makes a Pad Environmentally Friendly?

To qualify as “green,” a pad should be:

  • Made from natural materials: like organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp

  • Free from harmful chemicals: no chlorine, dyes, fragrances, or synthetic gels

  • Plastic-free or low-plastic: including biodegradable backings and packaging

  • Compostable or biodegradable: breaks down within months, not centuries

  • Ethically produced: with fair labor and eco-conscious manufacturing

♻️ Best Types of Environmentally Friendly Pads

1. Biodegradable Disposable Pads

These pads look and function like regular disposables but are made from compostable materials like organic cotton and cornstarch backings.

Top picks:

  • ✅ Nyx Collection

    • Organic cotton pads

    • Free of plastic, bleach, fragrance, and dyes

    • Naturally biodegradable

    • Gentle on skin, safe for the planet

  • ✅ Natracare

    • Certified organic

    • Compostable and plastic-free

    • Water-neutral manufacturing

  • ✅ Rael Organic Cotton Pads

    • No toxins, chlorine, or dyes

    • Partially biodegradable

    • Affordable and widely available

  • ✅ Organyc

    • 100% organic cotton

    • Biodegradable wrapper

    • OEKO-TEX certified

2. Reusable Cloth Pads

Reusable pads made from natural fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo are washed and reused for years — massively cutting down on waste.

Why they’re great:

  • Last for 3–5 years

  • Zero waste after purchase

  • Breathable and skin-friendly

Recommended brands:

  • GladRags

  • Hannahpad

  • Aisle (formerly LunaPads)

  • Rael Reusable Pads

3. Hybrid Pads (Compostable + Reusable Packaging)

Some brands combine reusable pad storage systems with compostable inserts. These are great for transitional users.

Example: Tree Hugger Cloth Pads – sustainable and zero-waste packaging, plus fun designs.

🚫 Pads That Are NOT Eco-Friendly

Avoid pads with:

  • Plastic top sheets and backings

  • Synthetic absorbent gels

  • Fragrance or bleach

  • Plastic wrappers

  • Excessive packaging

These can take centuries to break down and release toxins into soil and water.

🌍 Final Thoughts: What Pad Should You Choose?

Type of Pad Best For Sustainability Score
Nyx Collection Daily comfort, biodegradability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reusable Pads Zero-waste lifestyles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Natracare Composting, natural feel ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Rael Organic Accessible eco-option ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Organyc Sensitive skin, ethical sourcing ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

🛒 Where to Start

✨ Want an eco-upgrade today? Try Nyx Collection Pads — soft, toxin-free, and fully biodegradable.
✨ Ready to commit to zero waste? Pick up a starter set of reusable cloth pads from trusted brands like GladRags or Aisle.

Back to blog