Global Sanitary Pad Market Outlook, 2029

Sanitary pads, also known as menstrual pads or sanitary napkins, are absorbent products designed to manage menstrual flow. They are typically made of layers of cotton, rayon, or other absorbent materials, often with a moisture-wicking top layer and an adhesive backing to keep them in place within undergarments. The history of sanitary pads dates back to ancient civilizations, where women used makeshift materials like rags, grass, or sea sponges to manage menstruation. The modern disposable pad was first introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Johnson & Johnson producing the first commercial sanitary napkins in 1896. However, it wasn't until the 1920s that disposable pads gained popularity, largely due to the advent of cellulose bandages during World War I, which inspired the development of highly absorbent sanitary products. By the mid-20th century, innovations like adhesive strips and improved materials further enhanced the convenience and effectiveness of sanitary pads, making them an essential part of menstrual hygiene for women worldwide. In terms of geography, the market is classified into Europe, North America, Asia, South America, and Middle East & Africa. Of all the regions, Asia is expected to create huge opportunity for the sanitary napkin market during the forecast period. Usage of sanitary napkins is low in rural areas due to a lack of awareness about menstrual hygiene. For example, in India, nearly 80% to 90% of rural women are still using cloth at the time of menstruation. As a result, women face health issues like vaginal infection, which is expected to drive the total sanitary market during the forecast period. Apart from this, governments in various African countries are distributing free sanitary napkins to schoolgirls to promote menstrual education. According to the research report "Global Sanitary Pad Market outlook, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Global sanitary pad market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 39 Billion by 2029. Several factors influence the production, demand, and trends of sanitary pads, reflecting changes in technology, consumer preferences, and socio-economic conditions. One significant factor is the growing awareness and education about menstrual health, leading to increased acceptance and demand for sanitary pads, especially in developing regions. Enhanced accessibility and affordability have also played a crucial role, with manufacturers introducing cost-effective options to cater to a broader demographic. Technological advancements have resulted in the development of more comfortable, discreet, and highly absorbent pads, featuring innovations such as ultra-thin designs, odor control, and organic materials that appeal to health-conscious consumers. Environmental concerns have driven a shift towards eco-friendly products, with an increasing demand for biodegradable and reusable menstrual products as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of disposable pads. This trend has prompted companies to invest in sustainable materials and production methods. Additionally, cultural shifts and the breaking of taboos surrounding menstruation have led to more open discussions and marketing strategies that normalize menstruation, further boosting demand. E-commerce has significantly influenced the market, providing convenient access to a variety of products and enabling personalized shopping experiences. Subscription services have gained popularity, offering customized menstrual products delivered directly to consumers' doors. Marketing strategies now often emphasize inclusivity and empowerment, resonating with a diverse consumer base and encouraging brand loyalty.

The high per capita income levels coupled with the increased health consciousness among consumers has positively influenced the demand for premium quality sanitary napkins in regions like North America and Europe. Moreover, various technological advancements, such as super-absorbent fibre technology, the introduction of organic products, and the absence of chemicals in sanitary napkins, are expected to catalyse the market's growth in the upcoming years. Menstrual pads account for the highest share of the demand for feminine hygiene products due to their ease of availability as well as affordability. Greater awareness and the involvement of existing manufacturers in providing differentiated goods will also benefit the industry in the forecast period. Based on distribution channels, pharmacies exhibit a clear dominance in the industry as they are generally located in or around residential areas. Natural organic sanitary napkins are sterile and free of plastic and chemicals, which makes them comfortable to use. These factors associated with eco-friendly sanitary napkins are expected to drive the demand for sanitary napkins during the forecast period. The feminine personal hygiene industry is changing rapidly and offers customizable products and services. New product developments and the usage of natural organic materials instead of plastic and synthetic materials help to increase the demand for sanitary napkins. Therefore, consumers prefer organic sanitary napkins. Moreover, women are becoming more health-conscious and leaning toward eco-friendly products. Sanitary pads can be broadly categorized into disposable and reusable types, each offering distinct features to meet varying needs. Disposable sanitary pads are single-use products made from a combination of absorbent materials such as cotton, rayon, and synthetic fibers, often with an adhesive backing to secure them to underwear. They are designed for convenience, providing reliable protection for a wide range of menstrual flows, from light to heavy, and come in various sizes and absorbency levels, including regular, overnight, ultra-thin, and maxi pads. Some disposable pads also feature wings to prevent leakage and added comfort, as well as scented options for odor control. Their primary advantage is ease of use, as they can be discarded after each use, eliminating the need for washing and maintenance. Reusable sanitary pads, on the other hand, are designed to be washed and reused multiple times, making them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative. These pads are typically made from natural fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or hemp, and often include multiple layers for added absorbency. They come in various sizes and shapes, similar to disposable pads, and some also have wings with snap closures to keep them securely in place. Reusable pads require regular washing and drying, which can be a consideration for some users, but they significantly reduce waste and can be more economical over time. Additionally, many reusable pads are free from chemicals and synthetic materials, making them a suitable choice for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. The distribution channel of sanitary pads encompasses a multi-faceted network that ensures these essential products reach consumers efficiently. Manufacturers typically distribute sanitary pads through several key channels: retail, online, and direct-to-consumer. Retail distribution is the most traditional and widespread, involving supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores, where consumers can purchase products off the shelf. These physical retail outlets provide immediate access and are particularly vital in regions where digital penetration is low. Online distribution has grown significantly, driven by the rise of e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and specialized health and wellness sites. This channel offers consumers the convenience of browsing and purchasing from a wide range of products, often with the added benefit of home delivery. Subscription services, a subset of online distribution, have become increasingly popular, offering regular, customized deliveries that ensure consumers never run out of supplies. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) models, where manufacturers sell directly through their websites, have also gained traction. This approach allows brands to build closer relationships with customers, provide personalized recommendations, and gather valuable feedback. Additionally, non-profit organizations and government programs play a crucial role in distributing sanitary pads, particularly in underserved and rural areas. These entities often partner with manufacturers to provide free or subsidized products to improve menstrual hygiene and access.

Make this report your own

Have queries/questions regarding a report?

Take advantage of intelligence tailored to your business objective

Ask an Expert

Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

On the other hand, when menstruating, many women often find it difficult to sleep soundly at night due to heavy flow or the fear of soiling their sheets and clothes. This issue can be solved to some extent by replacing regular pads and switching to overnight pads. Manufacturers have designed overnight pads with a wide hip protector to give leakage protection while sleeping in a comfortable position. An antibacterial layer helps prevent the growth of bacteria to protect the user from infections. The dual absorbent core rapidly absorbs liquid and locks it inside to prevent stains. These overnight pads contain a dry liner to keep women comfortable even during strong flow. Moreover, the odour control mechanism uses natural oils to prevent odour. These trends boost the demand for overnight sanitary pads and consequently propel the hygiene products market. Sanitary pad sales statistics indicate that manufacturers are developing 100% biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fiber, one of the most absorbent natural fibres and abundant in India. Eco-friendly sanitary napkins are safer for the user because they do not contain bleach that has carcinogenic dioxins; they are completely natural sanitary napkins, thus reducing CO2 emissions during production. These new products can drive the demand for advanced products in the global sanitary napkin market. Moreover, manufacturers should innovate on cloth sanitary pads to expand their revenue streams. Major companies present in the market Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Hengan International Group Company Limited, Edgewell Personal Care Company, Kao Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Unicharm Corporation, Daio Paper Corporation, Essity Aktiebolag, Ontex, First Quality Enterprises Inc Considered in this report • Geography: Global • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029

Don’t pay for what you don’t need. Save 30%

Customise your report by selecting specific countries or regions

Specify Scope Now

Aspects covered in this report • Global Sanitary Napkins market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Region and Country-wise toy market analysis • Various divers and challenges • Ongoing trends and developments • Five force models • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation Countries covered in the report • North America (US, Canada, Mexico) • Europe (Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, France, Russia) • Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia) • South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia) • Middle East & Africa (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa) By Product Type • Sanitary Pad • Tampons • Panty Liner • Menstrual Cup • Internal Cleansers ,Disposable Razors & Blades By Type •Disposable •Reusable By Material Type • Biodegradable • Non- Biodegradable By Sales Channel • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets • Pharmacies • Convenience Stores • Online • Others (Specialty Stores, Hospitals) The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and analyzing the government- generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have verified the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to Industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to feminine hygiene products industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry. Keywords Feminine Hygiene, Sanitary Pad, Tampons, Panty Liner, Menstrual Cup, Internal Cleansers ,Disposable Razors & Blades, Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Pharmacies, Convenience Stores, Online, Specialty Stores, Hospitals, Disposable, Reusable, Global, North America, US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Germany, UK, Spain, Russia, Italy, France, Asia-Pacific, China, India, Japan, Australia, South America, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Middle East & Africa, UAE, Qatar, South Africa, Saudi Arabia. questions: 1. What is the impact of COVID-19 on the global sanitary napkin market? 2. What are the major regions in the global sanitary napkin market? 3. What are the major trends in the global sanitary napkin market? 4. Which region is more attractive for vendors in the sanitary napkins market? 5. What are the global sanitary napkin market drivers? 6. Who are the prominent players in the sanitary napkin market? Answers: 1. With the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sales of sanitary napkins have shifted from brick-and-mortar distribution channels over to online retail platforms. 2. Region-wise, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America, where Asia Pacific dominates the global market. 3. The emergence of eco-friendly and biodegradable sanitary napkins to reduce carbon footprints represents one of the key trends in the global sanitary napkin market. 4. The growing consumer awareness towards the need for maintaining good feminine hygiene during menstruation represents one of the key drivers for the global sanitary napkin market. 5. Asia Pacific is a more attractive region for vendors in the sanitary napkin market 6. Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Edgewell Personal Care Company, Hengan International Group Company Limited, Kao Corporation, Lil-lets UK Limited, Ontex, Organyc, Sanofi S.A., and Unicharm Corporation.