The startup EcoCiclo, founded in July 2018 through the Pro Líder impact leadership and entrepreneurship program, has stood out on the national scene with a powerful mission: to positively impact the lives of at least one million people through the revolution in the intimate pads market in Brazil.
The inspiration for EcoCiclo came in the railroad suburb of Salvador, where Hellen Nzinga, CEO of Startup, was born and raised. One day, upon witnessing a neighbor counting coins to buy a pack of sanitary napkins, Hellen decided to act. “In the end, I bought her the tampon and brought this situation to my colleagues, who are now my partners. We talked and together we looked for an alternative that was sustainable, practical and that would not harm women and the environment,” Hellen recalls.
Along with Hellen, there are Patrícia Zanella and Adriele Menezes, united by the desire to make a difference, they founded EcoCiclo with the objective of democratizing access to sanitary napkins and employing women in situations of social vulnerability.
EcoCiclo's biodegradable absorbent is composed of cellulose and bamboo fiber, materials that guarantee a performance comparable to traditional absorbents, but with a great environmental advantage. While a common absorbent can take up to 500 years to decompose, EcoCiclo's product degrades in just six months.
“The performance in relation to durability, resistance and absorption is the same as products with plastic in the composition. The difference is that our absorbent is sustainable,” Hellen points out.
A Journey in Search of Transformation
From its conception to the realization of the product, EcoCiclo's journey was marked by intense research and tests to ensure quality according to international criteria. “Our big dream is to set up a factory to employ more women. From 2018 to 2019, we had the idea, but the product was still a project. We did research so that the absorbent was of quality and, in this process, we discovered how to make it and created a patent,” explains Hellen.
EcoCiclo not only aims to offer a sustainable alternative for women's intimate health, but also combats menstrual poverty, a problem that affects around seven million Brazilian adolescents and women. The lack of access to tampons prevents many of them from attending school or working, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. “Absorbent is a basic necessity for women's health, so no one should have to experience this embarrassment.”
The Future of EcoCiclo
With the support of larger companies in the manufacture of biodegradable absorbents, EcoCiclo is prepared to grow and expand its impact. The startup aims not only to conquer the Brazilian market, but also to bring its innovation to the world. Every step taken by Hellen, Patrícia and Adriele's team reinforces the mission to create a more sustainable and just future for all women. EcoCiclo is more than a healthtech startup; it's a movement that combines sustainability, entrepreneurship and social responsibility, transforming lives and preserving the environment.
Recently, Hellen was one of two Brazilians selected for the International Gist's Business Incubation Program, for a Startup incubation at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, in the United States. Georgia Tech is among the 100 best universities in the world according to specialized rankings, and is among the top 10 worldwide.
We spoke with Hellen to understand a little more about the universe they are building with the startup. Check out the interview below.
What was the initial starting point for the creation of EcoCiclo? What revolution do you want to bring to the market?
EcoCiclo was born to be a sustainable and affordable alternative to menstrual protectors. We are the solution at the intersection of two major problems. The first is environmental: a person who menstruates uses between 10 and 15 thousand tampons during their lifetime, which take 500 years to break down in nature. The second is the social issue, because, as women from the suburbs, we are familiar with the lack of tampons up close. In Brazil, 26% of girls do not have access to sanitary napkins, and as a result they miss about 45 days of school a year.
EcoCiclo is a women-led startup, responsible for developing the first 100% biodegradable absorbent in Brazil, consolidating itself as a global reference by promoting sustainable practices at all stages of production. Currently, thanks to technological advances, EcoCiclo provides sustainable products for large corporations, manufactured by female entrepreneurs. This promotes women's financial empowerment and strengthens ESG practices in companies.
Additionally, the impact of our educational programs encompasses thousands of women, addressing issues of menstrual dignity, leadership, and sustainability.
What are the main pillars of the Regenerative Economy that served as the basis for founding EcoCiclo? What guides you as a Company in these issues?
EcoCiclo was founded on the pillars of sustainable development, which seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We are inspired by international certifications, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and System B. These pillars include environmental sustainability, social justice, economic empowerment, ESG practices, innovation and technology, and education and awareness.
We are dedicated to developing 100% biodegradable menstrual products, including pads, panties, bikinis, and swimsuits to reduce environmental impact, in addition to addressing inequalities in access to hygiene products. During the process, EcoCiclo promotes women's financial empowerment by employing vulnerable women and supporting production by female entrepreneurs and providing sustainable products to large corporations, strengthening ESG practices.
Innovation is central to creating effective and accessible solutions, while educational programs encompass menstrual dignity, leadership, and sustainability. EcoCiclo is guided by a deep commitment to the regeneration and restoration of natural and social systems, seeking to create value beyond profit and promote a virtuous cycle of sustainability.
When we stop to think about innovation and technology, how do you believe that EcoCiclo can benefit from new tools to further boost communication and the product creation process, in a sustainable way?
First, advanced data analysis technologies can help to better understand consumer needs and market trends, allowing the development of products that more precisely and efficiently meet women's demands.
In addition, digital communication tools, such as social media platforms and messaging apps, can facilitate the dissemination of information about menstrual dignity and sustainability, expanding the reach of EcoCiclo's educational programs. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can optimize production processes, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency in the use of natural resources.
3D printing and generative design can be explored for rapid prototyping and custom product creation, reducing the need for materials and promoting sustainability. Blockchain technologies can ensure transparency and traceability in the supply chain, strengthening ESG practices and ensuring that all materials used are of sustainable origin.
In addition, advanced and integrated e-commerce platforms can improve the customer experience and facilitate access to EcoCiclo products, promoting digital inclusion and expanding the consumer base. Online collaborative tools can foster open innovation, allowing EcoCiclo to collaborate with other startups, researchers, and communities to co-create innovative and sustainable solutions.
We believe that the adoption and integration of new technologies and digital tools not only improve the efficiency and sustainability of EcoCiclo's production processes, but also strengthen communication and education, promoting a wider positive impact on society and the environment.
