Sustainable Menstrual Underwear with Zero Waste
PATRICK SILVA SZATKOWSKI
Problem
Developing a Next-Generation Sustainable Menstrual Underwear (Santoni x Kelheim Fibres)
Context / Opportunity
The intimate apparel and hygiene market is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by increasing demand for sustainable, high-performance alternatives to traditional products.
Menstrual underwear, in particular, represents a fast-growing category, but existing solutions often rely on:
Multi-step production processes
Synthetic materials
High waste and limited scalability
This created a clear opportunity to develop a next-generation product platform combining sustainability, performance, and industrial efficiency.
Solution
Co-developed and positioned a fully integrated, seamless menstrual underwear solution, leveraging:
Santoni XT-Machine technology for multi-layer seamless construction
High-performance, wood-based viscose fibers from Kelheim
Key innovations included:
Seamless integration of multiple functional layers in a single production process
Replacement of synthetic materials with bio-based fibers
Engineered comfort, absorption, and performance within a single garment
Significant reduction in production steps and material waste
Execution
Positioned the project as a scalable alternative to traditional cut & sew hygiene products
Built a cross-industry collaboration narrative combining machinery, materials, and product innovation
Supported market introduction through industry platforms and targeted brand interactions
Enabled understanding of the technology among non-technical stakeholders (brands, product teams, sourcing)
Impact
Reduced production time and costs
Enabled zero-waste production
"This collaboration has resulted in an excellent product that meets
all the requirements of sustainability, comfort, and functionality."
My role
Led the strategic positioning, partner integration, and go-to-market narrative of a joint innovation project between Santoni and Kelheim Fibres.
Acted as bridge between R&D, product development, and commercial teams
Defined the market positioning and value proposition for global brands in the intimate apparel segment
Supported business development and brand engagement activities around the project
Translated complex technical innovation into clear commercial and sustainability benefits
Like this project
Posted Apr 5, 2024
As a machine technology expert we have developed an energy-efficient and waste-free production hygiene products replacing synthetic with wood-based fibres.
