Reusable Menstrual Products in India: Benefits, Brands, and a Path to Sustainable Hygiene
- Marpu Foundation
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
In India, menstrual hygiene remains a vital public health concern affecting millions of women and girls. While disposable sanitary products offer convenience, they contribute to significant environmental degradation and potential health risks. Reusable menstrual products in India present a sustainable, cost-effective, and empowering alternative, promoting better health outcomes and ecological responsibility for future generations.
Menstrual Hygiene Challenges in India
Menstrual hygiene management is fundamental to women's dignity, health, and socio-economic participation. Despite progress, significant challenges persist across India, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019–2021), approximately 77.3% of women aged 15–24 years use hygienic methods during menstruation. However, a substantial portion relies on disposable sanitary pads, which are often inaccessible or unaffordable for many.
Period poverty affects millions, forcing women and girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives such as old cloth, leaves, or newspaper, increasing risks of reproductive tract infections.
Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation exacerbate these issues. In many regions, periods are stigmatised, leading to social exclusion and restricted access to facilities. This contributes to school absenteeism, with studies indicating that girls miss up to 20% of school days due to inadequate menstrual management. Regional disparities are stark: urban areas show higher adoption of hygienic methods, while rural penetration remains lower.
Environmentally, the reliance on disposable products creates a massive waste burden. India generates around 12.3 billion disposable sanitary pads annually, resulting in approximately 113,000 tonnes of menstrual waste. Most pads contain non-biodegradable plastics, taking hundreds of years to decompose and contributing to landfill overflow, soil contamination, and marine pollution when improperly disposed.
These intertwined challenges health risks, economic barriers, cultural stigma, and environmental impact underscore the urgent need for sustainable menstrual hygiene in India. Transitioning to eco-friendly period products in India offers a pathway to address these multifaceted issues comprehensively.
Why Switch to Reusable Products?
Adopting reusable menstrual products in India brings transformative benefits across health, economic, and environmental dimensions, making them a superior choice for long-term well-being.
From a health perspective, reusable options significantly reduce exposure to chemicals found in many disposable pads, such as dioxins, fragrances, and adhesives. These can cause skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions.
Reusable cloth pads and period panties, made from breathable organic cotton, allow better airflow, minimising moisture buildup and infection risks. Menstrual cups, crafted from medical-grade silicone, eliminate the risk of toxic shock syndrome associated with high-absorbency tampons while providing leak-proof protection.
Economically, the initial investment in reusable products yields substantial savings. A woman may spend thousands of rupees annually on disposables, whereas a menstrual cup or set of cloth pads lasts several years, often recouping costs within months. This is particularly empowering in low-income households, alleviating period poverty and enabling better resource allocation.
Environmentally, the impact is profound. By switching to reusable menstrual products India can drastically cut plastic waste. One user avoiding disposables prevents thousands of pads from entering landfills over a lifetime. This aligns with global sustainability goals and India's commitments to reducing single-use plastics.
Overall, reusable options foster autonomy, comfort, and confidence, empowering women to manage periods sustainably while contributing to planetary health.
Types of Reusable Menstrual Products
Reusable menstrual products come in diverse forms, catering to varying needs, flows, and lifestyles. The primary categories are menstrual cups, reusable cloth pads, and period panties.
Menstrual Cups
These are bell-shaped devices made from medical-grade silicone, inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood.
Pros:
Holds up to 12 hours of flow
Leak-proof when properly positioned
Reusable for 5–10 years
Ideal for heavy flows and active lifestyles
Cons:
Initial learning curve for insertion/removal
Requires access to clean water for rinsing
Reusable Cloth Pads
Washable pads with absorbent layers of cotton or bamboo, fastened with wings and snaps.
Pros:
Familiar feel similar to disposables
Breathable and rash-free
Customisable absorbency levels
Suitable for all flows
Cons:
Requires washing after use
May need multiple sets for rotation
Period Panties/Underwear
Absorbent underwear with built-in multi-layer technology for leak protection.
Pros:
Easiest to use just wear and wash
No insertion required
Comfortable for light to moderate flows
Can be worn alone or as backup
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Multiple pairs needed for full cycles
Less effective for very heavy flows
These eco-friendly period products in India provide versatile, reliable alternatives to disposables.
Popular and Trusted Brands Available in India
The market for reusable menstrual products in India has grown significantly, with several reputable brands offering high-quality, safe options.
For best menstrual cup India options:
Sirona: Premium medical-grade silicone cups with easy-grip stems
SheCup: Affordable, Indian-made, available in various sizes
Asan: Innovative ring-stem design for effortless removal, ideal for beginners
GynoCup: Soft, flexible with sterilisation containers
Sanfe: Collapsible models for portability
Leading reusable cloth pads India brands:
EcoFemme: Organic cotton pads supporting girls' education through buy-one-give-one model
Avni (Lush): Antimicrobial, leak-proof with stylish designs
Saukhyam: Sustainable banana fibre or cotton pads, highly absorbent
Fabpad: 100% organic, biodegradable options
Top period panties India brands:
Adira: Multi-layer protection up to moderate flows
Healthfab: Full coverage padding, comfortable for overnight
Mahina: Eco-conscious with organic fabrics
Nushu: High-absorbency models
Naarica: Affordable, rash-free technology
These brands prioritise safety, comfort, and sustainability, often using certified materials free from harmful chemicals.
How to Choose the Right Reusable Product
Selecting the appropriate reusable product depends on individual factors:
Flow Intensity: Heavy flows suit menstrual cups or high-absorbency period panties; lighter flows work well with cloth pads.
Lifestyle: Active women benefit from cups; those preferring simplicity may choose period panties.
Body Type and Age: Teens or petite users need smaller cups; post-childbirth women require larger sizes.
Comfort Preferences: Insertion-averse individuals opt for pads or panties.
Budget: Cloth pads offer lowest entry cost; cups provide best long-term value.
Consulting reviews and size guides from trusted brands ensures the best fit for sustainable menstrual hygiene India.
Step-by-Step Usage and Maintenance Guide
Proper use and care ensure hygiene and longevity.
Menstrual Cups
Wash hands thoroughly.
Fold the cup (C-fold or punch-down).
Insert while relaxed, aiming towards the tailbone.
Rotate to create seal.
Wear up to 12 hours.
Remove by pinching base, empty into toilet.
Rinse with water; use mild soap if needed.
Boil for 5–10 minutes between cycles for sterilisation.
Store in cotton pouch.
Reusable Cloth Pads
Snap onto underwear.
Change every 4–6 hours based on flow.
Fold used pad and store in wet bag.
Soak in cold water (avoid hot to prevent staining).
Wash with mild detergent.
Sun-dry for natural disinfection.
Store clean pads ready for next cycle.
Period Panties
Wear as regular underwear.
Change based on flow/absorbency rating.
Rinse in cold water post-use.
Machine or hand wash with mild soap.
Air dry; avoid fabric softeners.
Rotate multiple pairs.
Consistent hygiene practices make these products safe and effective.
Addressing Common Myths and Concerns
Misconceptions often deter adoption of reusable products.
Myth: Unhygienic — When cleaned properly, reusables are as safe as—or safer than—disposables, reducing chemical exposure.
Myth: Difficult insertion — Practice and proper sizing resolve this; many brands offer beginner-friendly designs.
Myth: Unsuitable for virgins — Small sizes and non-insertive options exist; cups do not affect virginity.
Myth: Cultural incompatibility — Traditional cloth use predates disposables; reusables align with sustainable Indian values.
Education and trial periods help overcome barriers.
Government Initiatives and NGO Efforts Promoting Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene
The Indian government recognises menstrual health through the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme, providing subsidised sanitary napkins to adolescent girls via ASHA workers. National Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management emphasise education and access.
Recent developments show a shift towards sustainability. In 2026, Karnataka announced statewide distribution of menstrual cups in government schools, replacing disposable pads to promote eco-friendly practices and long-term savings. Other states explore similar models.
NGOs play crucial roles in awareness, distribution of reusable products, and waste management education, bridging gaps in rural areas.
These collective efforts signal growing commitment to sustainable menstrual hygiene in India.
Conclusion
Reusable menstrual products in India offer unparalleled benefits: superior health protection, significant cost savings, and dramatic reduction in environmental waste. By embracing menstrual cups, reusable cloth pads, or period panties, women gain control over their bodies while contributing to a cleaner planet.
This transition empowers individuals and communities alike.
For further resources, guidance on sustainable practices, and opportunities to support broader ecological initiatives, visit the Marpu Foundation at www.marpu.org leading Indian NGO dedicated to sustainable development and ecological mindfulness.
Make the sustainable choice today for a healthier tomorrow.
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