Following long-term, detailed studies of the overgrowing of L ake Victoria in K enya, this plant-based sanitary towel has been developed from water hyacinths.

This is the plant that makes a major contribution to the overgrowing of the lake because of its extreme growth rate. The plants ability to absorb in a dried condition makes it an excellent raw material for sanitary towels.

Jury`s verdict

The Jani sanitary towel is an impressive example of the respectful treatment of a culture into which the designer has entered organically and made a specific, positive contribution. The towel is produced locally, either individually or in packs, and is offered at a very reasonable price.

This means that a lot more girls and women can be active for the entire month. They can avoid unhygienic solutions, can work and go to school and are no longer isolated when they have their period. At the same time, nature benefits from the removal of plants that represent a major problem.

Design: Marc Hoogendijk, Sophie Thornander, Karin Lidman, Kristin Tobiassen, Lars Marcus Vedeler

Project group design company: Kristin Tobiassen(Arkitektur- og Designhøgskolen i Oslo, AHO), Lars Marcus Vedeler(AHO), Marc Hoogendijk(Chalmers University of Technology), Sophie Thornander(Chalmers), Karin Lidman(Chalmers). - Produksjonskompetanse: Beril Mark v/Kvarnbyns Handpappersbruk, Gøteborg


Award / year: Young Talent Award - 2010

Category: Open class