Menstrual Hygiene Challenges in Developing Countries: A Catalyst for Menstrual Cup Market Growth
Menstruation, a natural biological process for women, unfortunately, remains shrouded in social stigma, particularly in developing countries. This persistent stigma exacerbates serious menstrual hygiene issues, leading to profound consequences for women and girls. In the quest for viable solutions, the menstrual cup emerges as a potential game-changer, offering a ray of hope in the face of widespread challenges.
Developing countries grapple with deep-rooted taboos surrounding menstruation, contributing to a range of problems, especially for young girls. According to Community Education Services, in Kenya, a staggering 70% of girls miss school during their menstruation days due to the lack of access to adequate feminine hygiene products. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective and accessible menstrual hygiene solutions in these regions.
India, another developing nation, faces its own set of challenges, with almost 88% of women and girls resorting to homemade alternatives such as old cloth, rags, hay, sand, or ash due to limited access to proper sanitary products. This not only jeopardizes their physical well-being but also perpetuates the cycle of inadequate menstrual hygiene practices. The dire situation calls for innovative and sustainable solutions, and the menstrual cup stands out as a promising option.
A survey conducted by Oxford University in 2015 sheds light on the preferences of women in Uganda, Ghana, and other African countries. Approximately 89.2% of women expressed a preference for sanitary pads, while 8.6% opted for cloths. These statistics highlight the diverse needs and preferences across regions, emphasizing the importance of offering a range of menstrual hygiene options. The unexplored markets in these countries present a significant opportunity for the menstrual cup industry to address the gaps in existing menstrual hygiene practices.
The menstrual cup, with its reusable and cost-effective nature, could be a transformative solution for women in developing countries. Unlike disposable alternatives, menstrual cups offer a sustainable and affordable option, significantly reducing the economic burden associated with purchasing traditional sanitary products regularly. This aspect is particularly crucial in regions where financial constraints often limit access to basic menstrual hygiene necessities.
Moreover, the lack of proper waste disposal facilities in many developing areas compounds the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products. Menstrual cups, being reusable, contribute to a reduction in menstrual waste, aligning with global efforts towards sustainability. The environmental advantages of menstrual cups make them a compelling choice for women who are increasingly conscious of the ecological impact of their choices.
As awareness programs gain momentum globally, there is a growing recognition of the importance of menstrual hygiene, especially in developing countries. Organizations and initiatives are working tirelessly to dismantle the societal taboos surrounding menstruation and provide education on proper hygiene practices. This increased awareness is a positive catalyst for the menstrual cup market, as women become more informed about alternative and sustainable options.
Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market Opportunities | Governmental awareness campaigns and initiatives regarding the use of menstrual cups |
Market Dynamics | Rise in funding for healthcare infrastructure |
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
The primary market drivers leading to the growth and expansion of the market include government awareness campaigns and efforts about the use of menstruation cups, and an increase in financing for healthcare infrastructure.
Market CAGR for menstruation cups is being driven by increasing government initiatives promoting their use. This market is driven by rising healthcare expenditures and contributes to the enhancement of healthcare facilities. Many government agencies are planning to increase spending and influence market expansion in an effort to better the healthcare system. Menstruation cups' market share will increase as more people learn about their advantages over conventional feminine hygiene items like tampons and pads. Rapid modernization, which has led to rising incomes and new consumer habits, will fuel the expansion of existing markets.
The increasing number of government initiatives also bodes well for the growth of the menstrual cup market. The government wants women to have access to safe and dependable menstrual products. There are a number of campaigns spreading the word about the benefits of menstrual cups. The menstrual cup market stands to gain from these factors.
As reported in July 2023, the Astrocup payload project was stated to perform well, despite being confined in a small metal cage created by aerospace engineers, rocketed to a height of 3 kilometers on a Portuguese rocket named Baltasar, and then returned to Earth unharmed. There is a lack of research devoted to the topic of women's health in space. Before space travel, most female astronauts who menstruate stop their periods using hormone therapy. They don't have to use it, but now the only alternative for months-long International Space Station trips is to bring in disposable pads or tampons and bring out the old products at a significantly high expense, so this new finding is revolutionary.
In January 2023, HLL Lifecare Ltd., a company based in India, released three different types of menstruation cups as part of a government-funded effort in one Indian state. HLL's CSR menstrual cup brand is Thinkal, while Velvet is sold in the United States and Cool Cup is marketed internationally. It was simple to operate and kind on the planet.It was anticipated that HLL MCup would become a market leader due to HLL's extensive background in the healthcare industry. HLL has consistently provided excellent service and product quality. HLL's purpose is to assist the country's middle and lower classes.
Growing initiatives regarding the use of menstrual cups are driving the market growth.
Rising initiatives regarding the use of menstrual cups are driving Market CAGR for menstrual cups. The increased healthcare spending propels this market, which aids in healthcare infrastructure improvement. Numerous government organizations intend to improve the healthcare system by boosting spending and impacting market growth. Also, raising knowledge about the benefits of feminine hygiene products against sanitary tampons and napkins will grow the market for menstruation cups. Increased per capita income and shifting habits due to rapid modernization will accelerate market expansion.
Additionally, the growing number of government programs creates favorable conditions for expanding the menstrual cup industry. The government aims for women to have access to menstrual products that are secure and reliable. Multiple initiatives are promoting the advantages of menstruation cups. These reasons will provide opportunities and income in the menstrual cup industry. Another key element affecting the expansion rate of this market is growing healthcare spending, which aids in infrastructure improvement. Furthermore, several government organizations intend to enhance the healthcare system by boosting financing and impacting market dynamics.
COVID-19 had a detrimental influence on the menstrual cup business. Several businesses reported reduced demand and production. Cups for menstruation were in high demand among consumers. The marketplace was unable to meet expectations. Supply chain interruptions caused product delivery uncertainty. Menstrual cups were discontinued from being delivered in certain places. restrictions and lockdowns have limited the menstrual cup business. Product purchases, on the other hand, were done through e-commerce websites. The post-COVID market scenario examined optimism since consumers were more conscious of menstruation cups resulting in an enormous increase in this market.
For instance, according to the Life Cycle Initiative, reused menstruation products offer a lower environmental effect than disposable feminine hygiene items, and women utilize over 11,000 throwaway menstrual products over their lives, resulting in tons of trash created each year. Thus, attempts to encourage the creation and adoption of sustainable goods are projected to stimulate demand for menstruation cups throughout the forecast period, fueling market expansion. Therefore, it is expected that throughout the projection timeframe, demand for Menstrual Cup will increase due to the rising initiatives regarding the use of menstrual cups. Thus, driving the Menstrual Cup market revenue.
The market segments of menstrual cup, based on product, includes reusable and disposable. The reusable dominated the market, accounting for 68% of market revenue (USD 0.7 Billion) in 2022. This is because its reuse ability, versatility, and lifecycle associated with these cups vary between 1-10 years based on the manufacturer. However, due to an increasing need for secure and non-allergenic goods, the single-use or disposable menstrual cups segment is the most rapidly expanding category during the projected timeframe.
Figure 1: Menstrual Cup Market, by Product, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
The menstrual cup market segmentation, based on material type, includes thermoplastic, latex, medical-grade silicone, and natural rubber. The medical-grade silicone category generated the most income of about 67% (USD 0.7 billion) in 2022. This is due to the increased consumer need for secure, resilient, and non-allergenic goods. However, because of its low manufacturing cost and capacity to be repurposed, thermoplastic demand will be the fastest expanding category over the projection timeframe.
The market segmentation of menstrual cup, based on distribution channels, includes online stores and pharmacies. Online stores dominated the market, accounting for 80% of the market share (USD 0.88 billion) in 2022. Because they offer an extensive selection of period hygiene goods, these online shopping platforms are drawing many clients. But the physical pharmacy sector is experiencing profitable development as women rely largely on retailers to acquire women's hygiene items.
March 2023, Beta testing is underway for Emm, a smart menstrual cup. The biosensors inside the medical-grade silicone cup claim to be able to assess things like volume, flow rate, cycle length, and regularity. These measurements can aid patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, both of which can be difficult to detect. The cup's design is intended to generate a "dynamic seal" that adjusts to accommodate any body shape, and it is inserted with an applicator that resembles a tampon. The cup syncs with a mobile app that measures your flow rate and alerts you when it's about to overflow.
April 2023, Tru Hair & Skin will donate one menstrual cup to a girl in need for every cup purchased on their website. The collaboration between Tru Hair & Skin and Humanity Foundation India is a positive step toward a more fair and environmentally friendly future. In addition, they have been contributing five percent of all sales to the education of children in rural areas.
By region, the research provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American Menstrual Cup market will dominate due to the increasing demand for sustainable female hygiene goods, driving this region's market growth. In addition, women's substantial financial resources and knowledge of the advantages of using menstruation cups contribute to the growth of the worldwide menstrual cup sector in the North American area.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 2: Menstrual Cup Market Share by Region 2022 (USD Billion)Â
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Europe region’s Menstrual Cup market is anticipated to expand significantly due to substantial income per person supporting market development in these locations due to the excellent quality of life and rising health and wellness spending, which will boost the market growth. Further, the German market of Menstrual Cup holds the largest market share, and the UK market of Menstrual Cup is anticipated to grow and expand quickly in the European region during the projected timeframe.
The Asia-Pacific Menstrual Cup Market accounts for the second-highest market share. Governments are implementing numerous campaigns, programs, and activities to support and educate women regarding menstruation cups due to their simple usage and environmentally beneficial. Moreover, China’s market of Menstrual Cup dominates the market share, and the market of Menstrual Cup is expected to grow steadily in the Asia-Pacific region during the projected timeframe.
Menstrual Cup Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Leading market players invested heavily in research and development (R&D) to scale up their manufacturing units and product lines, which will help the market of Menstrual Cup grow worldwide. Market participants are also undertaking various organic or inorganic strategic approaches to strengthen and expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product portfolios, contractual deals, mergers and acquisitions, capital expenditure, higher investments, and strategic alliances with other organizations. Businesses are also coming up with marketing strategies such as digital marketing, social media influencing, and content marketing to increase their scope of profit earnings. The Menstrual Cup industry must offer cost-effective and sustainable options to survive in a fragmented and dynamic market climate.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational expenses and offer aftermarket services to customers is one of the key business strategies organizations use in the Menstrual Cups industry to benefit customers and capture untapped market share and revenue. The Menstrual Cup industry has recently offered significant advantages to the medicine and healthcare industry. Moreover, more industry participants are utilizing and adopting innovation in producing menstrual cups, and cutting-edge technology has grown substantially. Major players in the Menstrual Cups market, including International Inc., INTIMINA, Lunette Global, Mooncup Ltd., Redroom Technology Pvt. Ltd., Sirona Hygiene Pvt. Ltd., and The Keeper Inc, are attempting to expand market share and demand by investing in research and development (R&D) operations to produce sustainable and affordable solutions.
Lemme Be feminine hygiene supplies are environmentally friendly and long-lasting. It is a division of Miraigirls Private Limited, Established In 2020 as a prominent wholesaler supplying a massive shipment of Periodic Kits and Sustainable Tampons. Lemme Be provides various naturally derived feminine hygiene products, tampons, and menstruation cups to give customers a clean and fresh experience. In August 2022, Z-Cup, a creative, inexpensive, and sustainable menstruation cup, was developed by Lemme Be. The Z-Cup offers most menstruating women an impermeable time and is ideal for rigorous activities.
Diva International Inc. is a retail packaged products firm based in Canada's province of Ontario. It was founded in 2002. The corporation provides one or more of a wide range of personal and family social, counseling, social security, or referral programs, especially during disaster, refugee, and emergency services. Diva International Inc. confirmed the commencement of a marketing initiative to improve menstruation knowledge among young adults in January 2020. The campaign was organized in collaboration with Plan International Canada. The corporation promotes brand recognition amongst indigenous females with this education campaign.
Key Companies in the Menstrual Cups market include
Menstrual Cup Industry Developments
2023: These novel menstruation cups are ready for popularity in 2023 as more and more women explore sustainable alternatives to traditional female hygiene products. By encouraging eco-friendly goods, Laiqa and Invent Medic are leading the charge for the foreseeable future of a menstrual cup business, and customers are anxious to see what more developments are on the way.
August 2022: Z-Cup, a creative, inexpensive, and sustainable menstruation cup, has been developed by Lemme Be. The Z-Cup offers most menstruating women an impermeable time and is ideal for rigorous activities.
January 2021: Diva International Inc. confirmed the commencement of a marketing initiative to improve menstruation knowledge among young adults in January 2020. The campaign was organized in collaboration with Plan International Canada. The corporation promotes brand recognition amongst indigenous females with this education campaign.
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