Menstrual products provide us with a shining example of innovation. The earliest moss, cloth, animal skin and softened papyrus variants are unrecognisable when compared to the disposable and reusable options of today. Modern period product innovation has brought better protection against bacterial diseases and infections, and increased quality of life. Despite this progress, the sector faces ongoing challenges—including limited scientific research, ecological concerns, and social stigma—making it a fertile ground for continued innovation and inclusive development.
Lack of scientific research and clinical study data
Ever since disposable menstrual products first became commercially available in 1897 with Johnson & Johnson’s “Sanitary Napkins for Ladies”, very few studies regarding potential health concerns associated with these products have taken place. A scattering of small-cohort studies, combined with an ever-increasing sharing of (mis)information via social media, have resulted in growing concerns over modern period products, such as the presence of toxic metals in tampons. Unfortunately, we don’t yet know whether these metals are absorbed into the vaginal mucous membranes to cause negative health effects, because in-depth scientific research and large-cohort clinical studies specific to menstrual product health risks (not including studies concerning links between toxic shock syndrome and tampon use) are simply not available. This means that any innovation designed to alleviate user fears, regardless of whether these fears are proven justified, will be welcomed.
Strict global standardisation of products used inside or on the body does not yet include menstrual products, although the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is currently working on adding these products to a long list of standardised items, which includes wound care products and condoms.
Concerns around new products
Health is not the only issue when it comes to disposable menstrual products; ecological issues are of similar importance. Disposable menstrual management waste in the UK alone totals upwards of 28,000 tonnes per annum, and, according to the World Health Organization, 49 billion single-use period products are discarded every year across the European Union.
Many users are also concerned about the ‚taboo‘ nature of period products. The reusable menstrual cup, first patented in 1937, failed to take off in the same way as disposable tampons. In addition to the need for safe and hygienic facilities, many individuals experience feelings of aversion when coming into contact with menstrual blood (even one’s own). The same applies to placing washable, reusable sanitary towels in a washing machine. This mental barrier between ecological/reusable and discreet/forgettable is, and will probably continue to be, a hard one for innovation to break.
In short, today’s push for less polluting alternatives – both environmentally and physically – and encouraging open conversations about a somewhat taboo topic make the menstrual product space an ideal candidate for innovation.
Innovation
While modern pads, tampons and menstrual cups have been used for decades, there is still room for innovation. Currently, innovations centre primarily on ecological improvements which lengthen the use of disposable items, shorten decomposition time for used products, protect wastewater management infrastructures or reduce microplastic pollution.
For example, Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. filed a European patent application for an absorbent article (i.e., broad patent language which doesn’t limit their product to a pad or a tampon) comprising polyhydroxyalkanoates and salt-activated microorganisms. Polyhydroxyalkanoates are biodegradable polymers produced from renewable resources, as opposed to the standard petroleum-based plastics. The salt-activated microorganism produces an enzyme which degrades the polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer at an increased rate; the primary aim being to improve waste-disposal processes.
Tampro Inc. was granted a European patent for a reduced-leakage tampon. By including a continuous spiral recess on the outer surface of the elongated body, the tampon reduces leakage before full saturation has been reached. This means that the tampon may require less frequent replacement, and as a consequence, reduce the environmental impact.
Another example comes from Symbioco Ltd, which has a European patent application pending for a water-dispersible fluid dispenser or, in simpler terms, a flushable pad technology. Although pads are not designed to be flushed, they are frequently disposed of this way due to inadequate facilities or social stigma. Once in the sewage system, their absorbent materials expand and combine with fats and other waste to form blockages, contributing to costly infrastructure issues. The idea of flushable pad technology is therefore to reduce blockages of sewage systems and to limit the introduction of micro-plastics into the water supply by using flushable materials such as cellulosic nonwoven fabric.
In future, we are likely to see expansion into other areas of innovation beyond sustainability. Proposed ISO regulations, specifically ISO/TC 388, focus on a global standardisation of menstrual products according to user quality of life, rather than purely ecological factors. This could help to alleviate fears over modern period products, while simultaneously making period products more accessible and available globally.
What’s next for the menstrual products sector?
While innovation in menstrual products has traditionally centred around pads, tampons and menstrual cups – with relatively incremental changes in materials and design – the sector holds significant potential for more transformative developments. Innovative efforts within this sector are well justified, considering the size of the market and the essential nature of menstrual products.
Increasingly, innovation is shifting beyond physical products to encompass digital and data-driven solutions, such as period tracking apps, wearable biosensors, and smart period underwear that monitor flow and cycle patterns.
The ongoing need for menstrual equity alongside a vast ecological burden highlights the importance of inclusive and sustainable innovation.
