Menstrual Hygiene Industry in India October 2023
Menstrual Hygiene Industry in India October 2023
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
INDUSTRY IN INDIA
OCTOBER 2023
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Contents
1. Executive Summary 3
sights
6. Importance of Menstrual Hygiene 14
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7. Menstrual Hygiene Product Categories 16
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8. Sustainable Alternatives for Menstrual Products
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11. Conclusion 29
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Executive Summary
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.
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78% of adolescent girls have reported they use a hygienic
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3
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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On In India has the largest adolescent
ad
~116 Mn population (both boys and girls
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aged 10-19) in the world
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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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
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The term 'feminine hygiene' refers to the use of sanitary
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protection and personal care products such as:
Sanitary napkins / pads
Period underwears
Tampons
Menstrual cups
Panty liners
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This lack of awareness also causes stigma and
taboos around menstruation
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d
Lack of adequate facilities
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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
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
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75% 71.9%
59.4%
s
51.3%
ht
50% 43.5%
n Insig
O
25%
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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
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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Lack of
sanitary pads
Lack of
Functional toilets
Lack of awareness
and knowledge
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
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Entrepreneurs
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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.
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
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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
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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
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75% 72.6%
48.2%
50%
25%
sights
In
0%
n
NFHS NFHS
O
IV V
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This rise in hygiene adoption has been majorly due to:
12
Source: NFHS-4 2015-16, NFHS-5 2019-21, National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO)
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BEST PERFORMING WORST PERFORMING
Puducherry (99.1%) Bihar (59%)
vs
Andaman and Nicobar
Madhya Pradesh (61%)
Islands (98.8%)
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
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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
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Improper disposal of menstrual waste can harm the
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environment. Promoting eco-friendly menstrual
products and proper disposal methods can help
reduce this impact.
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.
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Yeast infection
s
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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.
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igh
INR 5-8
s ts 4-6 Hours
Use and Low to
moderate
n
per piece Throw
I
leakage
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Re Menstrual Cups
KEY
PLAYERS
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Tampons
KEY
PLAYERS
ig
INR 15
s ht
per piece
s 4-6 Hours
Use and
Low to
moderate
n
Throw
I
leakage
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Re Menstrual Discs
KEY
PLAYERS
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There is a new
product
category
in the market...
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2nd layer: Moisture absorption - It can absorb blood up to
h
four times that of a tampon.
dO
stains by being impermeable to water.
Materials used
Organic cotton
Spandex
Bamboo
Nylon
Elastane
Polyester fabric
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Pros Cons
s
Made of soft, breathable May require 24-48 hours of
ht
material for comfort. drying time.
n Insig
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Aid as a prevention method for Changing in public restrooms
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toxic shock syndrome. may be a hassle.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Discomfort at work
ight
Access to clean sanitation facilities is crucial for women
s
In
to maintain menstrual hygiene. The lack of such
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facilities can make it challenging for women to
ad
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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.
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Lack of Awareness
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Many organisations lack awareness about the importance of
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menstrual hygiene. This can result in a lack of understanding
n
of the need for facilities and support related to menstruation.
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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.
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Menstrual hygiene
is important. But
menstrual waste
management is
equally important.
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India.
sight
n
Problems with sanitary napkin disposal:
dOn I
a
Health risk
Re Environmental risk
Solutions:
Biodegradable alternatives like bamboo pads, banana
fiber pads and cloth pads could be used instead of
sanitary pads.
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Source: Menstrual Hygiene Alliance India (MHAI)
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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
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two valuable by-products: cellulose and plastic.
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PadCare has three products:
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
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Source: PadCare’s website, Forbes India
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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.
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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.
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their size and potential to cause blockages.
• Used pads should be folded in half and wrapped in a wrapper
n In
or toilet paper before placing it in a trash bin.
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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.
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
sights
India focuses on comprehensive menstrual education and
awareness programs, encouraging the adoption of
n In
sustainable and eco-friendly menstrual products. This shift
O
d
not only promotes women's health and well-being but also
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contributes to environmental conservation by reducing the
ecological footprint of menstrual waste.
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