According to 2024 World Bank data, women make up 49.7% of the global population. Menstruators rely on self-care products during their periods, which represent a large part of the global market and contribute significantly to waste, particularly single-use items. The environmental impact of these products raises important questions, which this article will address.
The evolution of menstrual products and challenges
The commercialization of menstrual hygiene products began in the early 20th century. The introduction of disposable pads in the 1920s and tampons in the 1930s revolutionized menstrual care, making it more convenient. By the 2000s, the industry had expanded significantly, offering various absorbent and leak-proof products. However, the environmental cost of single-use items remained largely unaddressed.
Most commercial pads, tampons, and pantyliners are made from synthetic fibers like rayon and polyethylene. These materials are non-biodegradable and significantly contribute to plastic pollution. Additionally, manufacturing disposable menstrual products requires vast amounts of natural resources, including cotton—often cultivated with pesticides—and synthetic materials, further increasing their environmental footprint. The rising demand for sanitary pads in low- and middle-income countries, fueled by urbanization, creates challenges in managing menstrual waste. Improper disposal methods, like burning or flushing, harm air and soil quality, strain sanitation systems, and pose health risks for people.
The global environmental impact of menstrual products is staggering. According to the World Health Organization, every year, an estimated 12 billion disposable period products are used worldwide, contributing to 245,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. In the U.S. alone, around 20 billion pads and tampons are discarded annually, generating 240,000 tonnes of solid waste. Most of these products contain over 90% plastic, taking centuries to decompose. In Europe and the U.S., more than 80% of them end up in landfills, while in many developing regions, improper disposal leads to pollution of air, water, and soil.
Despite efforts to make menstrual products more accessible and affordable, many policies still overlook their ecological consequences. Not all women have access to adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. The World Bank estimates that 500 million women face these challenges. To address period poverty, some countries have removed taxes on menstrual products, with Kenya being the first in 2004. Today, 48 countries have similar laws. In 2021, Scotland became the first country to offer free menstrual products. New Zealand has also amended its policy to provide free menstrual products in schools, including eco-friendly alternatives.
Sustainable alternatives: can reusables make a difference?
The global menstrual hygiene management market, valued at approximately USD 24 billion in 2024, is expected to grow, driven by rising women’s literacy rates and increasing urbanization, which will boost awareness of menstrual hygiene and related products.
Eco-friendly menstrual products like menstrual cups, period underwear, and cloth pads offer a promising solution. They are reusable, reduce plastic waste, and can be more cost-effective over time. A recent study shows that using a menstrual cup, for instance, can prevent around 5kg of non-recyclable waste per year per person, which is about 99% of the typical waste generated. If 20% of menstruators switched to reusable products instead of single-use ones, the total waste from menstrual products could drop by almost 100,000 tonnes annually. This would reduce overall waste generation from 590,000 tonnes to 490,000 tonnes per year.
However, adoption faces challenges, including social stigma, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, and affordability barriers—especially for vulnerable communities such as the homeless, displaced persons, and those in informal settlements.
Menstrual cups, made of medical-grade silicone or rubber, can last up to 10 years, significantly reducing waste. Reusable cloth pads, often crafted from organic cotton and bamboo fiber, offer a biodegradable alternative. Period underwear, designed with absorbent layers, provides a sustainable option for those seeking comfort and convenience. While these products require an initial investment, their long-term cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits make them a compelling choice.
Policy and industry shifts
Policy changes are starting to emerge. In 2023, the European Commission introduced new EU Ecolabel standards for reusable menstrual products. Nordic countries are also revising sustainability criteria for sanitary items under the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, promoting a lower carbon footprint and resource efficiency. Some governments, including Scotland and New Zealand, have taken steps to provide free menstrual products, including eco-friendly options, in schools and public institutions.
The private sector is also responding to the demand for greener menstrual products. Companies are developing biodegradable and compostable pads made from plant-based materials. Brands specializing in reusable menstrual products are expanding their reach, making sustainable options more widely available.
Transitioning from single-use menstrual products to sustainable alternatives can significantly reduce waste and pollution. Greater public awareness, supportive policies, and improved accessibility to reusable products are key to driving this change. With governments, businesses, and consumers working together, the future of menstrual care can be both eco-friendly and inclusive.
