Sanitary Pads Global Market Report 2025

The sanitary pads market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $24.88 billion in 2024 to $26.38 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth observed during the historic period can be attributed to heightened awareness of menstrual hygiene, government initiatives focused on women's health, urbanization in developing nations, increasing participation of women in the workforce, rising disposable incomes, and the impact of health-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The sanitary pads market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $33.11 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period is expected to be driven by a growing demand for biodegradable pads, increased adoption in rural areas, rising health consciousness, support from menstrual health campaigns, and improvements in school attendance among girls. Key trends in the forecast period include a shift toward organic and chemical-free pads, a rise in the use of reusable sanitary products, the incorporation of smart packaging and tracking features, advancements in absorbent technologies, and the development of hybrid pads with skincare benefits.

The increasing awareness of menstrual health is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the sanitary pads market in the coming years. Menstrual health awareness involves understanding and openly discussing the physical and emotional aspects of menstruation, with the goal of improving care and dismantling societal taboos. This rise in awareness is primarily driven by growing advocacy efforts and educational initiatives, which empower individuals to pursue improved hygiene solutions and challenge traditional cultural norms. Sanitary pads play a crucial role in this awareness by offering accessible, comfortable hygiene products that support better menstrual care and help combat stigma. These products enhance personal well-being by providing reliable protection, convenience, and comfort during menstruation. For instance, in May 2024, WASH United GmbH, a non-profit organization based in Germany, reported that Menstrual Hygiene (MH) Day generated 23,400 pieces of media coverage and 293,000 social media contributions, collectively reaching 966 million people around the world. In particular, South America saw a substantial increase in engagement, with social media contributions rising by 191%, from 2,799 to 8,143, and media coverage growing by 801%, from 184 to 1,664 items. As a result, rising menstrual health awareness is driving the expansion of the sanitary pads market.

Leading companies in the sanitary pads market are focusing on product innovation, including the development of biodegradable sanitary pads, to minimize environmental impact and support sustainability goals. Biodegradable sanitary pads are made from natural, compostable materials that decompose without harming the environment. For example, in June 2023, Niine Private Limited, an India-based hygiene and personal care company, introduced sanitary pads made with polylactic acid (PLA), featuring a biodegradable top sheet and a leak-proof layer. These pads are designed to biodegrade more than 90% within 175 days, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional products while meeting consumer hygiene needs and addressing environmental concerns.

In May 2023, Birla Cellulose, a division of the Aditya Birla Group and an India-based producer of man-made cellulosic fibers, partnered with Sparkle Eco Innovations Pvt. Ltd. to create a plastic-free sanitary pad. The goal of this collaboration is to produce eco-conscious, biodegradable menstrual products using Birla’s sustainable fibers. This partnership aims to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmentally responsible menstrual hygiene solutions. Sparkle Eco Innovations Pvt. Ltd. is an India-based company focused on manufacturing sustainable hygiene products, including sanitary pads.

Major players in the sanitary pads market are Procter & Gamble (P&G), Johnson & Johnson, Unilever PLC, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Essity AB, Kao Group, Unicharm Corporation, Drylock Technologies, Soothe Healthcare Private Limited, Lagom Labs Private Limited, Premier FMCG Ltd, The Flex Company, Rael, Natracare, Aakar Innovations Private Limited, Saathi Eco Innovations India Private Limited, Redcliffe Hygiene Private Limited, Veeda, BellaPremier Happy HygieneCare Pvt. Ltd., and Care4 Hygiene.

North America was the largest region in the sanitary pads market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in sanitary pads report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the sanitary pads market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Sanitary pads, also referred to as menstrual pads or napkins, are absorbent products worn during menstruation to absorb menstrual blood. They are typically constructed from layers of soft, absorbent materials and feature an adhesive backing for attachment to underwear. Available in various sizes and absorbencies, sanitary pads are designed to accommodate different flow levels, providing comfort, hygiene, and protection throughout the menstrual cycle.

The primary types of sanitary pads include disposable sanitary pads, reusable sanitary pads, ultra-thin sanitary pads, overnight sanitary pads, and panty liners. Disposable sanitary pads are single-use products designed to absorb menstrual blood during menstruation. These pads are made from a range of materials such as cotton, synthetic fibers, biodegradable elements, bamboo fibers, and charcoal. They come in various sizes, including small, medium, large, extra-large, and double extra-large, with absorption levels that vary from regular, super, and super plus to ultra and double ultra. These products are distributed through multiple channels, including retail and hospital pharmacies, e-commerce platforms, brick-and-mortar stores, and supermarkets or hypermarkets.

The sanitary pads market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides sanitary pads market statistics, including sanitary pads industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a sanitary pads market share, detailed sanitary pads market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the sanitary pads industry. These sanitary pads market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The sanitary pads market consists of sales of biodegradable pads, organic cotton pads, and specialty pads for different flow levels and needs. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, meaning the value of goods sold by manufacturers or producers, whether to intermediaries (such as wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to consumers. These values may also include associated services offered by the manufacturers.

The market value is defined as the revenues that companies earn from the sale of sanitary pads and related services within a specified market and region through direct sales, government programs, or donations, expressed in USD unless stated otherwise.

The revenues for a particular geography reflect consumption values - that is, the revenues generated by companies operating within that region, regardless of where the products are manufactured. It excludes any revenue generated from resale activities along the distribution chain or as bundled parts of other products.

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