Menstrual Hygiene Nonwoven Products: Comprehending Sustainability and Sanitary Product Usage Patterns

Abstract

Nonwoven fabrics play a significant role in menstrual hygiene products, offering advantages such as superior absorbency, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. The reliance on synthetic materials in menstrual hygiene products raises concerns about environmental sustainability and health impacts. This study examines the usage patterns, type of material used in sanitary products and the potential of eco-friendly alternatives to mitigate the environmental footprint of menstrual hygiene products. Here, a survey was conducted among 200 female undergraduate students. A structured questionnaire was administered using Google Forms, encompassing sections on knowledge, attitudes, and usage patterns. The questionnaire consisted of questions based on the Likert scale which took readings on a five-point scale. The results showed that the majority of respondents (66%) were from semi-urban regions, followed by 24% from urban areas and 10% from rural areas. Social media emerged as the leading source of information about the environmental impact of conventional menstrual products, followed by schools/colleges (21.8%), peers (16.8%), and news/media (8.69%). Moreover, the high willingness to switch to eco-friendly options (74.2%) suggests a positive outlook for sustainability initiatives. Moreover, the survey identifies key barriers to adopting sustainable menstrual products, such as high costs, limited availability, and social stigma. It also highlights strategies for promoting eco-friendly practices, including raising awareness, providing subsidies, and addressing cultural taboos, giving readers a comprehensive preview of the findings. The study concluded that addressing the challenges of cost, accessibility, and awareness through targeted education, policy support, and affordable pricing can promote the adoption of eco-friendly menstrual products. By shifting towards sustainable nonwoven materials, environmental waste can be reduced and a more sustainable future in menstrual hygiene can be fostered.