Public Funding for &Sisters Ltd

This industrial research project will enable &SISTERS and the University of Leeds to develop an innovative, fully-biodegradable heavy incontinence pad made entirely from natural and biodegradable materials. Urinary incontinence affects ~300m worldwide (7m UK) at any time, including \>10% of women (due to pregnancy, hormonal changes, menopause and ageing) and 5-6% of men (particularly following prostate surgery, neurological disorders), increasing to 50% in nursing home residents (IncontinenceUK,2022). Simultaneously, disposable incontinence pads and nappies are the third largest consumer item in landfills, representing 30% of non-biodegradable waste, with 3bn products thrown away every year in the UK (Wrap). Their manufacture uses volatile chemicals that end up in ecosystems, with many of the 1bn disposable incontinence pads purchased annually (UK) being flushed down toilets and exiting into waterways, adding to ocean plastic pollution (Innovo,2022). There is a clear and urgent need for reusable, fully biodegradable incontinence products that offer necessary absorbency without compromising on environmental impact. &SISTERS will partner with the University of Leeds to identify, test and develop a wide variety of natural fibres and assemblies which can be used to create a prototype product. Once achieved, the innovative absorbent core will enable &SISTERS to enter the growing incontinence market. We can develop our own heavy incontinence products, improve absorbency and comfort of our existing menstruation and maternity products and licence the technology to major nappy manufacturers. Our existing sales channels and stockists offer rapid commercialisation opportunities. We already market eco-friendly menstruation products, including plastic-free pads and period cups, that are used by almost 100,000 women globally each year, giving us a strong base of potential early adopters. This project provides an exceptional opportunity for &SISTERS and the UK to establish a foothold in the incontinence market, and a wider opportunity to reduce the immense environmental damage of disposable incontinence products