Biodegradable Sanitary Pad/Napkin Business Idea

Overview of the Biodegradable Sanitary Pad Industry

Biodegradable sanitary pads are made of highly absorbent materials that absorb menstrual fluid during the menstrual cycle of women. Biodegradable sanitary pads are made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo-corn, cotton, banana fiber, etc. However, pads made from cotton dominate the industry as it is the most commonly used material for making sanitary pads. The total sales of biodegradable sanitary napkins in the U.S. were valued at $184.3 million in 2019. It is expected to increase to $224.2 million by 2024.

Key Drivers

Some of the key drivers for the biodegradable sanitary pad industry are as follows:

Improved Awareness

A key driver for the global biodegradable sanitary pads industry is the growing awareness among women on the importance of menstrual hygiene. More women are now using sanitary pads due to this increased awareness. There has been an increase in disposable income across regions that have propelled the consumers to consider using biodegradable sanitary pads. People also understand that these sanitary pads are biodegradable and do not pose any threat to the environment.

Better Alternative to Regular Sanitary Pads

Regular sanitary pads use chemicals like dioxins, furans, chlorines, fragrances, etc. that can cause skin irritation. These chemicals can also adversely affect the environment. Biodegradable sanitary pads are made from eco-friendly materials that are gentle on the skin and environment. They also have a higher absorbing capacity and are more comfortable than regular sanitary pads.

Conducive Policy Environment

Governments in most countries provide a conducive policy and regulatory environment for manufacturing and marketing sanitary pads. This is more evident in developing countries where many women lack access to sanitary pads. Governments are trying to promote the use of sanitary pads during the menstrual cycle for better hygiene and health. Considering the impact on the environment, governments are keen to push the adoption of biodegradable sanitary pads. There is a strong push towards improving the distribution networks and last-mile availability of these sanitary pads.

Future Scope and Demand

Europe is the most lucrative market for biodegradable sanitary pads with maximum market share. This can be attributed to high disposable incomes and awareness. During the period 2019-2027, the Asia Pacific region is expected to clock the highest CAGR for the industry. There is a growing awareness among women in the Asia Pacific region on the importance of using biodegradable sanitary pads. Women’s participation in the labor force is also increasing which means increased disposable income and more purchasing power. Urbanization is also on the rise in most countries in the Asia Pacific region. These are some key reasons for the robust expected growth during 2019-2027.

Manufacturers are quick to realize the growing awareness of women using sanitary pads. They are offering customized solutions to tap more customers. Some manufacturers are offering a subscription-based model where they ship a customized pack of sanitary pads every month to their customers based on their requirements. This strategy is likely to build a loyal customer base and ensure sustained revenues in the long run. Customers are also willing to pay a premium price for such offerings as the sanitary pads packs are customized and delivered at their doorsteps.