Each month, over 1.8 billion people around the world menstruate. Yet, more than 500 million of them struggle with inadequate access to menstrual products, clean sanitation facilities, and proper education on menstrual health. In India, where period poverty remains a pressing yet under-addressed issue, the opportunity—and responsibility—for businesses to innovate in this space has never been more urgent.

Following the urgency of the issue and the taboos prevailing around menstruation, each year on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed to highlight good menstrual hygiene practices during periods and to raise awareness about the importance of access to menstrual products, period education, and sanitation facilities. Moreover, it is a day to acknowledge the contribution of revolutionary reusable period hygiene products that have not only helped strengthen women’s health during menstruation but also contribute to the environment by reducing waste. 

The Need for Menstrual Care Innovations

The history of menstrual care products has been limited to the most unhealthy and unhygienic ways since the proper means and awareness were not widely accessible. Women have resorted to using homemade cloth pads in earlier times, which were washed and reused. This led to some of the most serious infections because of residual bacterial or other microbial infestations that may not have been washed off properly. Considering such implications, sanitary pads were introduced. 

However, a new generation of innovations—rooted in sustainability, affordability, and inclusivity—is challenging the status quo. As leaders, we must ask: Are we designing products that reflect the realities of India’s diverse socio-economic landscape? Are our supply chains optimised for last-mile delivery in underserved areas? Are we creating value beyond transactions through education, dignity, and impact?

This is not just a social cause—it’s a business case for building a future-ready, values-aligned category in personal care.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

India generates an estimated 12 billion disposable sanitary pads annually, most of which are non-biodegradable and laced with harmful chemicals. In response, eco-conscious innovations are reshaping the product mix:

• Biodegradable sanitary pads made from bamboo fibre and organic cotton are replacing plastic-heavy versions. These pads decompose within months and reduce landfill pressure.
• Reusable cloth pads, made from breathable, skin-friendly materials, are especially useful in rural areas where water access allows for hygienic reuse.
• Menstrual cups, made from medical-grade silicone, offer a low-cost, long-term solution that lasts up to 10 years with proper care.
• Period underwear, featuring built-in absorbent layers, is gaining traction as a convenient, non-intrusive option for younger demographics.
• Organic tampons and pads, free from synthetic additives, are appealing to urban consumers who are actively seeking chemical-free products.

Each of these solutions represents more than innovation—they represent a shift in how businesses can serve communities and the environment simultaneously.

Inclusive Design for Diverse Needs

India’s menstrual care market cannot be viewed through a singular lens. Needs differ based on geography, age, income, disability, and cultural context. Products, therefore, must be designed with inclusivity as a core tenet. 

Take, for instance, the need for adaptive menstrual products for individuals with disabilities. Or designs that cater to the physiological needs of adolescent girls entering puberty. There’s also a growing demand for gender-neutral packaging and branding that acknowledges the experiences of trans and non-binary individuals who menstruate.

From an industry perspective, inclusive design is no longer a niche—it’s a differentiator and a catalyst for market expansion.

Technology: The Game Changer

Wearables and femtech solutions are creating a new layer of intelligence in menstrual health. Smart menstrual cups, for example, can track volume and frequency, while cycle-monitoring apps provide predictive analytics on hormonal shifts, mood, and ovulation.

For healthcare providers, such technologies open up new possibilities for early diagnosis of conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. For product manufacturers and retailers, it offers data-led insights into usage patterns, informing demand forecasting and personalisation strategies.

As the femtech market grows, Indian startups have an opportunity to build solutions tailored for local contexts—low-bandwidth regions, vernacular language support, and offline data sync. Tech is not just enhancing care—it’s democratising it.

Looking Ahead: From Product Innovation to Purpose Innovation

Menstrual hygiene is not just a women’s issue—it’s a public health issue, a gender equity issue, and a sustainability issue. For industry leaders, this is a moment to align innovation with impact.

The winners in this space will not be those who merely sell more products but those who build ecosystems of knowledge, access, empathy, and trust. A truly reimagined menstrual care industry in India will be one that puts purpose at the centre of product design, supply chain innovation, and community engagement.

As we reflect on Menstrual Hygiene Day, let’s shift the narrative from hygiene to dignity, from consumption to choice, and from innovation for the few to innovation for the many.

Because in the future of health and wellness, period equity is not a side note—it’s a cornerstone.

Views expressed by: Mahipal Singh, Founder & CEO, Revaa

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