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Menstrual Hygiene Industry in India October 2023

This document discusses the menstrual hygiene industry in India. It notes that while awareness of menstrual products is growing, lack of education and adequate sanitation facilities pose challenges. The market for feminine hygiene products in India is estimated to reach $1.67 billion by 2028. Common products include sanitary napkins, period underwear, and tampons. However, adoption of cups and tampons is still low due to lack of awareness. Sanitary napkin use is increasing with government campaigns promoting hygiene.

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Avinash Gupta
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
208 views36 pages

Menstrual Hygiene Industry in India October 2023

This document discusses the menstrual hygiene industry in India. It notes that while awareness of menstrual products is growing, lack of education and adequate sanitation facilities pose challenges. The market for feminine hygiene products in India is estimated to reach $1.67 billion by 2028. Common products include sanitary napkins, period underwear, and tampons. However, adoption of cups and tampons is still low due to lack of awareness. Sanitary napkin use is increasing with government campaigns promoting hygiene.

Uploaded by

Avinash Gupta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 36

FROM TABOO TO TRANSFORMATION

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
INDUSTRY IN INDIA

OCTOBER 2023
ReadOn
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Insights

Contents

1. Executive Summary 3

2. Menstruation: Normal or Taboo? 4

3. Menstrual Hygiene in India: an Overview 5

4. Challenges of Menstrual Hygiene in India 6

5. Menstrual Hygiene in India: Key Trends 7

sights
6. Importance of Menstrual Hygiene 14

On In
7. Menstrual Hygiene Product Categories 16

Read
8. Sustainable Alternatives for Menstrual Products

9. Menstrual Hygiene at the Workplace


22

23

10. Menstrual Waste Management 25

11. Conclusion 29

2
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Insights

Executive Summary

India has the largest adolescent population (both girls and


boys aged 10-19) of ~116 million in the world. Though women 1

constitute to approximately 48% of India’s population,


menstruation, which is a natural biological process, faces
many stigmas and taboos.

Though rising awareness and preference for menstrual


products are boosting demand for feminine hygiene

s
products in India, the lack of menstrual education and

ght
proper sanitation facilities pose major challenges for the

si
In
INR 6,630 Crore Indian feminine hygiene market.
2

adOn
78% of adolescent girls have reported they use a hygienic

Re
3

method of protection during their menstrual cycle in 2019-


21, with majority of them still using sanitary napkins.

This report looks at the different menstrual products and


explores sustainable alternatives to the conventional
menstrual products that are harmful for the environment.
India uses 12.3 billion sanitary napkins every year, 98% of
4

which ends up in water bodies or landfills. This calls for


more sustainable methods for disposal
of menstrual waste.

1
Unicef.org
2 Mordor Intelligence
3 NFHS 2019-21; The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21 collected information about the use of locally manufactured/
produced napkins, sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups among ever-menstruated respondents; Respondents of the NFHS
2019-21 were women aged 15-24 years; around 2,41,112 women were surveyed

3
4 Menstrual Hygiene Alliance India (MHAI)
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Insights

Menstruation: Normal or Taboo?


Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced
by adolescent girls and women starting from menarche to
menopause; the total duration of these days of
menstruation adds up to about seven years of their lives.

Number of women between the ages 15


and 49 menstruating on any given day ~800 Mn
around the world

sights
On In India has the largest adolescent

ad
~116 Mn population (both boys and girls

Re
aged 10-19) in the world

Number of adolescents living in homes


without toilets in India
~63 Mn

Despite the scale, menstruation remains a


taboo subject, shrouded in secrecy, and
suppressed by silence and shame.

Source: Unicef.org, Report on sanitation and hygiene for women and girls, Domestos, Water Aid, WSSCC, Population Projections of India
and States, 2011-2036, Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections, NCP, MOHFW, July 2020, Dignity for Her, Dasra
4
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Insights

Menstrual Hygiene in India: an Overview

By 2028, the India Feminine Hygiene Market size is


estimated to reach INR 13,260 Crore.
India's Feminine Hygiene Market Size (in INR Cr):

15,000
13,260
Amounts in INR Crore

11,475
10,030
10,000
8,670
7,565
6,630

5,000

sights 0

In
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

adOn
The term 'feminine hygiene' refers to the use of sanitary

Re
protection and personal care products such as:
Sanitary napkins / pads
Period underwears
Tampons
Menstrual cups
Panty liners

Growth drivers for demand for feminine hygiene


products:
Increasing awareness about importance of intimate hygiene
Rising urbanisation and changing lifestyles of women have
led to a rise in demand for convenient menstrual products
Growing disposable income (for both men and women) to
spend on personal care products, including intimate hygiene
products

Source: Mordor Intelligence 5


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Challenges of Menstrual Hygiene in India


Though rising awareness and preference for menstrual
products are boosting demand for feminine hygiene
products in India, the factors below have predominantly
impacted menstrual hygiene in India:
Lack of menstrual education
Women in India are not aware about menstruation
before its onset, leaving no choice but to resort to
unhygienic products like cloth

sights
This lack of awareness also causes stigma and
taboos around menstruation

On In
d
Lack of adequate facilities

Rea Poor sanitation facilities and lack of toilets at homes


makes it difficult for women to maintain proper
hygiene during menstruation

Inadequate disposal facilities at schools and


workplaces lead to absenteeism

Lack of disposable income

High prices of menstrual products makes it difficult


for all sections of the society to use hygienic
products for protection

Paid use of public toilets may also become financially


inconvenient for some women in India

6
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What does the


current landscape
of menstrual
hygiene look like
in India?
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Insights

Menstrual Hygiene in India: Key Trends

Adoption of menstrual cups and tampons is still very


low in India due to lack of menstrual awareness

The use of sanitary napkins is increasing due to more


acceptability and government/NGO campaigns

Percentage of women aged 15-19 (of 2,41,112 women surveyed) who have ever
menstruated by type of protection used during their menstrual period in India:

ts
NFHS IV NFHS V

h
75%

sig
64.4

n
62.5

50%

dOn I 49.6

a
42.2

Re
25%

0%
16.6 15.0

2.4 1.7 0.3 0.4 0.2


Sanitary Napkins Cloth Locally Prepared napkins Tampons Menstrual Cup Nothing

78% of adolescent girls have reported they use a hygienic


method of protection during their menstrual cycle (2019-21),
a substantial increase from 58.3% about five years back.

58.3% 2015-16
78% 2019-21

Source: NFHS 2019-21; The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21 collected information about the use of locally manufactured/
produced napkins, sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups among ever-menstruated respondents; Respondents of the NFHS
2019-21 were women aged 15-24 years; around 2,41,112 women were surveyed

7
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Menstrual Hygiene and Schooling

It is observed that girls with higher than secondary level of


education are more than twice as likely to be using a
hygienic method than girls with no schooling.
Percentage of women aged 15-24 (of 2,41,112 women surveyed) who use a hygienic
method of protection during menstruation in India:
100%
90.3%
84.7%

75% 71.9%

59.4%

s
51.3%

ht
50% 43.5%

n Insig
O
25%

Read
0%
no
schooling
< 5 years
complete
5-7 years
complete
8-9 years
complete
10-11 years
complete
> 12 years
complete
g

p l rs

p l rs

p l rs

et s

rs
ho o
in

pl ar
N

m ea

m ea

m ea

et a
e
ol

e
m Ye

pl Ye
et

et

et
co 5 Y

co 7 Y

co 9 Y

c o - 11

m re

e
Sc

5-
<

8-

co m o

Only
10

or

43.5%
12

women without any schooling use a hygienic method of


protection, while

90.3%
women with higher than secondary level of education use
a hygienic method of protection during menstruation.

Source: NFHS 2019-21; The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21 collected information about the use of locally manufactured/
produced napkins, sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups among ever-menstruated respondents; Respondents of the NFHS
2019-21 were women aged 15-24 years; around 2,41,112 women were surveyed

8
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Insights

Menstrual Hygiene and Schooling

According to UN's child protection agency, UNICEF, 71% of


adolescent girls in India remain unaware of menstruation
until they get their first period. When they do so, many drop
out of school.

girls drop out of school annually in

~23 Mn India due to a lack of menstrual


hygiene management facilities.

sights Key reasons for early school dropouts

On In
Read
Lack of
sanitary pads
Lack of
Functional toilets
Lack of awareness
and knowledge

Access to menstrual hygiene vs women staying in school:

Source: UNICEF, NGO Dasra, NFHS-4, 2015-16, International Institute for Population Sciences, 2017, Book - Winning Middle India: The Story of India’s New-Age

9
Entrepreneurs
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Insights

Menstrual Hygiene and Castes

The percentage of girls using a hygienic method of


menstrual protection has seen a rise across various caste
categories due to rising awareness and acceptance.

Caste based percentage of women aged 15-24 (of 2,41,112 women surveyed)
who use a hygienic method of protection during menstruation in India:

NFHS IV NFHS V
100%

83.7

s
77.7

t
76.7

h
75%

ig
65.6 67.6

s
63.3

In
54.5 57.3

On
47.5

d
50%

a
40.3

Re
25%

0%
Scheduled caste Scheduled Tribe OBC Other Don't Know

83.7%
women in categories other than SC, ST and OBC use a
hygienic method of protection.

Under recognizable castes, scheduled tribes have the


lowest percentage of using a hygienic method, at just

65.6%
Source: NFHS 2019-21; The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21 collected information about the use of locally
manufactured/ produced napkins, sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups among ever-menstruated respondents;
Respondents of the NFHS 2019-21 were women aged 15-24 years; around 2,41,112 women were surveyed

10
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Insights

Menstrual Hygiene and Wealth Quintile

Women in the higher income segments have a higher use


of a hygienic method of protection during menstruation as
education and availability of hygienic products increase.

Income based percentage of women aged 15-24 (of 2,41,112 women


surveyed) who use a hygienic method of protection during menstruation:

100% 95.1
89 88.8
82.1
76.2
71.1

s
75%

sight 53.6
60.4

In
50%

n
41.3

adO
Re
25% 21.1

0%
Lowes Secon Middl Fourt Highes
t d e h t

Only

53.6%
women in lowest wealth quintile use a hygienic method of
menstrual protection.

95.1%
women in the highest wealth quintile use a hygienic
method of menstrual protection.

Source: NFHS 2019-21; The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21 collected information about the use of locally manufactured/
produced napkins, sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups among ever-menstruated respondents; Respondents of the NFHS
2019-21 were women aged 15-24 years; around 2,41,112 women were surveyed

11
ReadOn
ReadOn Insights
Insights

Menstrual Hygiene in Rural India


Percentage of women aged 15-24 (of 2,41,112 women surveyed) using
hygienic menstrual method in rural areas significantly increased from 2015-
16 to 2019-20:

75% 72.6%

48.2%
50%

25%

sights
In
0%

n
NFHS NFHS

O
IV V

Read
This rise in hygiene adoption has been majorly due to:

Accessibility and awareness has increased with the


help of various SHGs and NGOs.

Penetration of internet has helped brands reach


villages through social media apps.

Multiple government initiatives like SABLA, NHM etc


target menstrual issues in rural areas.

According to a report by the NSSO, the average


monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) in rural
areas increased by 17% from 2011-12 to 2017-18.

12
Source: NFHS-4 2015-16, NFHS-5 2019-21, National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO)
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Insights

Menstrual Hygiene in Different States


State/union territory distribution of percentage of women aged 15-24 (of 2,41,112
women surveyed) using hygienic methods during menstruation across India:

sights
On In
Read
BEST PERFORMING WORST PERFORMING
Puducherry (99.1%) Bihar (59%)
vs
Andaman and Nicobar
Madhya Pradesh (61%)
Islands (98.8%)

Tamil Nadu (98.4%) Meghalaya (65%)

Hygienic menstrual practices vary across India due to different


levels of education, access to hygiene products, and cultural
beliefs. Tamil Nadu, with a 73.44% female literacy rate, is one
of the best performing states, while Bihar, with a 53.57%
female literacy rate, faces more challenges.

Source: Population Census 2011, ResearchGate, NFHS 2019-21; The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-21 collected information about the use of locally
manufactured/ produced napkins, sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups among ever-menstruated respondents; Respondents of the NFHS 2019-21
were women aged 15-24 years; around 2,41,112 women were surveyed
13
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Insights

Importance of Menstrual Hygiene

Proper health and well-being


Proper menstrual hygiene practices are essential to
maintain physical and emotional health of women.

Access to education
Inadequate menstrual hygiene can force girls to miss
school during their periods or dropping out. Ensuring
good menstrual hygiene enables girls to attend

ts
school and access future opportunities.

Insigh
Proper disposal of menstrual waste

adOn
Improper disposal of menstrual waste can harm the

Re
environment. Promoting eco-friendly menstrual
products and proper disposal methods can help
reduce this impact.

Prevention of skin irritation


Prolonged contact with wet sanitary products can
lead to skin irritation. Using eco-friendly products can
help reduce rashes and irritation.

Prevention of infections
Introduction of bacteria into the urethra may cause
urinary tract infections. It can happen anywhere in
the urinary tract and can be fatal. Proper menstrual
hygiene can prevent such infections.

14
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Results of Poor Menstrual Hygiene

Reproductive tract infection


Bacteria can proliferate quickly in the reproductive
system, beginning with the cervix and progressing
higher, resulting in sepsis and other complications.

Urinary tract infection


When hazardous bacteria enter the urinary system,
they can irritate the mucosal area, causing infections.

ights
Yeast infection

s
n In
Improper menstrual hygiene can cause Candidiasis,

O
d
a fungal infection caused by yeast.

ReaHepatitis B
Poor menstrual hygiene like neglecting to wash
hands after changing menstrual products can lead
to the spread of infections like hepatitis B and thrush.

Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer, developed in the cervix (entrance to
the uterus from the vagina) can be caused by the
Human Papillomavirus, if proper menstrual hygiene
practices are not followed.

Fungal infections
Using unclean sanitary napkins and other products
can lead to health hazards, including fungal infections.

15
ReadOn Insights

With the growing


awareness around
menstrual hygiene,
what are the
different menstrual
products?
ReadOn
ReadOn Insights
Insights

Menstrual Hygiene Product Categories

Sanitary Napkins or pads


KEY
PLAYERS

Absorbent pads designed for comfortable and


hygienic menstrual protection.

igh
INR 5-8

s ts 4-6 Hours
Use and Low to
moderate

n
per piece Throw

I
leakage

adOn
Re Menstrual Cups
KEY
PLAYERS

Bell-shaped cup (made of silicone, latex, or elastomer)


inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid.

INR 250- Low to low -


300 per 12 Hours Reusable moderate
piece leakage

16
ReadOn
ReadOn Insights
Insights

Menstrual Hygiene Product Categories

Tampons
KEY
PLAYERS

A plug of soft material inserted into the vagina to


absorb menstrual blood.

ig
INR 15

s ht
per piece
s 4-6 Hours
Use and
Low to
moderate

n
Throw

I
leakage

adOn
Re Menstrual Discs
KEY
PLAYERS

It is like a traditional “cup” that has a more shallow


design like a disc. It helps in mess-free sex and also
reduces cramps.

INR 450- Low to low -


800 per 12 Hours Reusable moderate
piece leakage

17
ReadOn Insights

There is a new
product
category
in the market...
ReadOn
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Insights

Menstrual Hygiene Product: Period Underwear

About the Product


Like regular panties, period panties come
with extra layers and highly absorbent
fabrics in the crotch area that helps
absorb menstrual blood.

1st layer: Moisture transport - The innermost layer is cotton,


wicking away fluids and comfortable against the skin.

ts
2nd layer: Moisture absorption - It can absorb blood up to

h
four times that of a tampon.

n Insig 3rd layer: Protective membrane - It prevents leaks and

dO
stains by being impermeable to water.

Rea 4th layer: Fabric - the outermost layer of femtis period


panties consists of different fabrics.

Materials used

Organic cotton

Spandex

Bamboo

Nylon

Elastane

Polyester fabric

18
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Insights

Period Underwear: Pros and Cons

Pros Cons

Some period underwears can High pricing (~700) is a


be reused for six months to significant concern with
two years. these undergarments.

s
Made of soft, breathable May require 24-48 hours of

ht
material for comfort. drying time.

n Insig
adO
Aid as a prevention method for Changing in public restrooms

Re
toxic shock syndrome. may be a hassle.

Can be worn for a longer Some period panties are not


duration (12 hours). odour free.

Environment friendly as they Anti-bacterial abilities may


can be reused for two years. diminish after multiple wash.

19
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Insights

Period Underwear Brands In India

Period
Products
Brands About Underwear Price
Offered
features

12-15 hours
It manufactures protection
period panties Eco-friendly
Period INR 1,000-
Naarica designed in France
Underwear
and sustainable
1,100
and engineered in Antimicrobial
Germany. Reusable for 3
years

s
Organic lingerie

t
Range of sizes,

h
It offers innovative Period panty
styles, and

ig
reusable period Menstrual cup

s
absorbencies
SochGreen products designed Cloth pad INR 299-1,899

In
Skin-Friendly
to revolutionise Daily discharge

n
Latex-free
menstrual experience. pad

O
elastic

d
Urine leak panty

ReaAdira
Started by Yashram
Lifestyle Brands Pvt
Ltd., Adira pioneered
innovative products
including period
panties, starter bras,
Panties
Period panties
Starter Bras
Camis
Support patch
to hold pad in
place
INR 350-500

and more

Absorbs 6 times
India's top-ranked
more than pads
leak-proof reusable
Period Eco-friendly
period panty, with top
Underwear Breathable
HealthFab ranks in global
Period pain fabric
INR 500-1,250
markets, including
relief cream Rash free
Amazon India's top
Reusable for 2
100
years

Full coverage
Sustainable baby
with high waist
products like diapers, Diapers
design
innovative period Period panty
Super Comfortable INR 500-
products including Underwears
Bottoms and soft 1,000
underwear, cloth Wipes
Stretchable,
pads, and bladder Langots
breathable
leak solutions
Rash free

20
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ReadOn Insights
Insights

Economics of Menstrual Hygiene Products

Avg Price Number of pieces needed in a Average


Product
per piece year Yearly cost

Considering 6 days of periods (3


heavy flow days and 3 non peak
days), and a pad lasts 5 hours in peak
days and 8 hours in non peak days,

Number of pads needed on peak days


= 24/5 = 5 pads/day INR 2,016
Pads INR 7
Number of pads needed in non peak (=288*7)
days = 24/8= 3

hts
Number of pads in one month = 5*3 +

ig
3*3 = 24

ns
Number of pads in one year = 24*12 =

n I
288

adO Considering that the average usage

Re
time is the same as pads,

INR 4,320
Tampons INR 15 Number of tampons needed in a
(=288*15)
month = 24
Number of tampons needed in a year
= 288

Menstrual cups are reusable as they


can be washed and reinserted.
Menstrual INR 600
INR 300
Cups Considering a new cup is used after (=300*2)
every wash (during a cycle of 6 days),
2 cups would be needed every year.

Total cost= INR


1,800 (600*3)

A period panty usually lasts for 10-12


But a period
Period hours. Considering the time for
INR 600 panty usually
Underwear cleaning and drying, a woman
lasts for 3 years,
should have at least have 3 panties
so yearly cost =
1,800/3 = INR
600

21
ReadOn
ReadOn Insights
Insights

Sustainable Alternatives for Menstrual


Products

Bamboo
Biodegradable pads harness the natural properties of
bamboo to provide comfort and reduce the ecological
impact of menstrual product waste.

Cornstarch
Bioplastics derived from cornstarch create a soft and

s
absorbent core, blending innovation and sustainability.

Hemp

sight
n In
Hemp has antibacterial properties, high tensile strength,

O
ad
mildew resistance and biodegradable attributes, making it

Re
an excellent choice for menstrual products.

Banana Fibre
Biodegradable banana fibres are highly absorbent and
can handle heavy flows, promoting environmental
conservation and community involvement.

22
ReadOn
ReadOn Insights
Insights

Impact of Menstrual Hygiene on Workforce


Participation and Productivity

Absence in the workplace


Access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products
is essential for workforce participation. Without such
access, women may face difficulties in managing their
periods during work hours. This may lead to discomfort,
lower productivity and even absenteeism at work.

s
Discomfort at work

ight
Access to clean sanitation facilities is crucial for women

s
In
to maintain menstrual hygiene. The lack of such

On
facilities can make it challenging for women to

ad
Re
maintain menstrual hygiene affecting their comfort
and productivity at the workplace.

Loss of productivity
Menstruation can be accompanied by various
symptoms such as pain, fatigue and mood changes.
These symptoms can affect women’s overall well-
being and work performance.

Economic implications
Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene practices can
lead to absenteeism, lower productivity and economic
losses to companies. Proper menstrual hygiene
management can contribute to the economic
empowerment of women by enabling their active and
uninterrupted participation in the workforce.

23
ReadOn
ReadOn Insights
Insights

Challenges in Integrating Menstrual Hygiene


Management at Workplace

Stigma and Taboos


Menstruation is still considered a taboo subject in many parts
of India. There is a lack of awareness and understanding about
menstrual hygiene, and the associated stigma can make it
difficult to openly discuss or implement policies related to
menstruation in the workplace.

Lack of Awareness

sights
Many organisations lack awareness about the importance of

In
menstrual hygiene. This can result in a lack of understanding

n
of the need for facilities and support related to menstruation.

adO
Re
Cost concerns
Companies may be concerned about the costs of
implementing menstrual hygiene management practices.
Providing facilities, education, and free or subsidized sanitary
products can be costly, especially for SMSEs.

Companies offering menstrual leave

In many countries like Japan, South Korea and Italy,


menstrual leave is a part of women employees’ leave policy.

24
ReadOn Insights

Menstrual hygiene
is important. But
menstrual waste
management is
equally important.
ReadOn
ReadOn Insights
Insights

Menstrual Waste Management

12.3 Billion sanitary napkins used every year in India


98% ends up in water bodies or landfills
800 years to decompose a single sanitary pad

Throwing away in the dustbin or in the open (rivers, lakes)


is the most common menstrual waste disposal practice in

s
India.

sight
n
Problems with sanitary napkin disposal:

dOn I
a
Health risk

Re Environmental risk

Long term economic burden

Solutions:
Biodegradable alternatives like bamboo pads, banana
fiber pads and cloth pads could be used instead of
sanitary pads.

Sanitary napkin incinerators can be installed in


schools and larger public toilets to safely burn used
sanitary products, reducing waste and eliminating
hygiene concerns.

25
Source: Menstrual Hygiene Alliance India (MHAI)
ReadOn
ReadOn Insights
Insights

Moving towards Sustainable Menstrual Waste


Management

PadCare Labs is an innovative menstrual waste


management startup that focuses on finding
greener alternatives to harmful menstrual
waste disposal methods.

It manages menstrual waste, including sanitary napkins,


diapers, and absorbent hygiene products.

ts
It uses an automated system to convert used pads into

Insigh
harmless, recyclable byproducts.
It has a 5D process that transforms menstrual waste into

adOn
two valuable by-products: cellulose and plastic.

Re
PadCare has three products:

PadCare bin PadCare X PadCare Vend


stores hazardous waste recycles 15,000 sanitary a sanitary napkin
for 30 days without napkins into wood pulp vending machine
bacteria or smell and high quality plastics

2,40,00,000 1,07,000
pads are recycled by PadCare litres landfill area saved by making
every year paper from recycled waste

42,80,000 50,000+
kg carbon equivalents kg material processed at PadCare
conserved recycling station

26
Source: PadCare’s website, Forbes India
ReadOn
ReadOn Insights
Insights

Methods Currently Used for Disposal of


Menstrual Products

Disposal method of Concerns with the


menstrual waste disposal method

In this disposal method, the menstrual waste


Thrown with routine undergoes the same treatment as other solid waste.
waste via a dustbin This involves being placed in landfills, where it can

ts
take ~800 years to break down.

Insigh
n
Thrown away in the open
Menstrual waste has the potential to pollute water

O
(rivers, lakes, wells,

d
sources and obstruct drainage systems.

a
roadside etc.)

Re Burning (open)
When commercially available pads are burned at low
temperatures, it can produce unpleasant odour and
potentially expose nearby populations to them.

Inefficient burial methods, coupled with the absence


Burying of suitable composting, can result in waste taking
several centuries to break down.

The combination of used pads with fecal sludge


In toilets (flushing down
poses challenges for the disposal of this sludge in
the toilet, throwing in
septic tanks and disrupts the generation of usable
pit latrine)
manure in the context of leach pits.

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Recommendations for Proper Disposal of


Menstrual Waste

Tampons:
• Tampons should never be flushed down the toilet as they can
cause blockages in plumbing systems.
• Used tampons should be wrapped in toilet paper or a
disposal bag and placed in the trash bin.

Sanitary Pads (Disposable):


• Sanitary pads should not be flushed down the toilet due to

sights
their size and potential to cause blockages.
• Used pads should be folded in half and wrapped in a wrapper

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or toilet paper before placing it in a trash bin.

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Read
Menstrual Cups:
• Contents should be emptied into the toilet and the cup should
be rinsed with warm water before reinserting it.
• At the end of your cycle, the cup should be boiled in water for
a few minutes to sterilize it.

Reusable Cloth Pads:


• Cloth pads should be rinsed in cold water to remove blood.
• They can then be washed with regular laundry but avoid
using fabric softeners or harsh detergents.
• After washing, they should be left for air dry.

Period Underwear:
• They should be rinsed in cold water to remove blood.
• They can be washed with regular laundry, and left for air dry.

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Conclusion

A comprehensive analysis of the menstrual hygiene


landscape in India reveals a complex interplay of
challenges and opportunities. While there is a growing
awareness and demand for menstrual hygiene products,
significant hurdles such as cultural stigmas, limited access
to proper education, and unsustainable waste
management practices persist.

To address these issues effectively, it is imperative that

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India focuses on comprehensive menstrual education and
awareness programs, encouraging the adoption of

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sustainable and eco-friendly menstrual products. This shift

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d
not only promotes women's health and well-being but also

Rea
contributes to environmental conservation by reducing the
ecological footprint of menstrual waste.

Partnerships between the government, private sector, and


NGOs are essential in developing infrastructure and
policies that provide affordable, accessible, and eco-
friendly menstrual solutions. By breaking the taboos around
menstruation and fostering a supportive environment,
India can empower its female population, improve overall
public health, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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October 2023

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Contact Us
Email: [email protected]

About Us
ReadOn is a research focussed digital content company led by Shantanu
Jain.

Shantanu completed his graduation from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata.


After he qualified as a Chartered Accountant with an All India Rank 10, he
took the path less travelled and joined a startup - Swiggy. After working
across different strategic functions at Swiggy, he started working with

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other new-age businesses to help them scale. Over the last 3 years,

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Shantanu has given lectures on business and finance at prestigious
institutions like IIM-Kozikode, NIT-Jamshedpur, Lady Shree Ram College-

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Delhi, MDI-Gurgaon, NMIMS-Mumbai and Hyderabad, Ramjas College-

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Delhi and many more. His typical day involves talking to founders and

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helping them solve their business problems.

ReadOn Insights is our initiative to make quality industry insights


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enable them to think sharper, deeper, smarter.

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