Leafline exclusively tells Africa Talks Business about the longevity and durability of their sanitary products and how they are made of pineapple fibre!
Tell us more about Leafline and how it started?
“Leafline manufactures affordable and bio-degradable sanitary products,
breast pads, nappies, chair- and bed covers which are made from natural
fibres. This washable, cost effective and environmentally-friendly range uses
the inner part of the cayenne pineapple leaf; a South African innovation. The
fibre absorbs moisture and odours and is easy to wash and dry.
The owner, Candy Androliakos saw a billboard highlighting the different uses
for pulp fibre, and started experimenting with pineapple fibre for washable
and re-usable inner liners for sanitary products. The fibre was tested and
found to be free from bacteria, and have no harmful effects on the skin.
Candy is a beauty therapist turned philanthropist and social entrepreneur.
The company is extremely environmentally-conscious, and places high value
on the impact its products and manufacturing practices have on the
environment.
Restoring dignity to the elderly, the disabled, and the poor is one of Leafline’s
core values, and the reason why Candy pioneered a green, re-usable solution
to incontinence and female personal hygiene.
Leafline was created when Candy found a way to address the need and use for
sanitary products by people who have limited budgets, and who cannot afford
costly disposable products.”
How are disposable nappies harming our environment?
“The disposable nappies on landfill sites are a huge challenge, while adulting continent products and sanitary towels add considerably to the environmental damage which disposable alternatives are causing. Disposable items take between 500 and 800 years to decompose. They increase greenhouse gas emissions which impact climate change. Disposable alternatives contaminate groundwater and can cause harm to people and animals. Animals also eat the exposed used nappies. Landfills pollute the environment by the emission of harmful greenhouse gases caused by decomposing disposable materials which are harmful to people living in close proximity to landfill sites. Nappies are often disposed of in rivers and open areas, sometimes made worse by poor service delivery in certain communities.”
What objectives does Leafline hope to accomplish this year?
“To partner with organisations which are making a significant impact in communities to end period poverty. Our washable and re-usable sanitary towels, if proper usage and washing instructions are followed, can last a user up to one year. This will enable young girls to go to school when
they’re menstruating, and/or participate in their favourite sport. Our re-usable sanitary products also eliminate the need to use newspaper and other harmful fabrics and products which can cause health and reproductive issues. We hope to have a significant presence in retail stores which support
environmentally friendly products on their shelves so that our sanitary range may reach more users.”
How is Leafline different from other competitors in the industry?
“Fibre is locally sourced and the product is locally manufactured in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. We employ people with disabilities from the local community, which means that job creation happens at the source. The employment of people with disabilities mean that they are meaningfully integrated into society. Our products are made from the fibre of the cayenne pineapple leaf, which
is a South African innovation.”
How can more people support Leafline?
“People can pay it forward by purchasing sanitary towels for young girls which we will ensure gets to communities where it is needed the most around South Africa. A pack of 4 – 5 sanitary towels will ensure that one girl is taken care of for a year.
People can support us by purchasing and using our products, and telling others about it too.
They can purchase online: Shop – Leafline Products http://www.leafline.co.za
They can place orders by email (candy@leafline.co.za) or by telephone (073
165 5632).”
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