In recent years, the demand for sanitary pads has increased dramatically due to rising awareness about menstrual hygiene, education, and affordability. Starting a sanitary pad manufacturing business is not just a profitable venture, but also a socially responsible initiative that contributes to women’s health and empowerment. With a growing market in both urban and rural areas, entrepreneurs now have an excellent opportunity to establish a successful business in this sector.

Why Start a Sanitary Pad Manufacturing Business?

The sanitary pad manufacturing industry is gaining momentum in India and across the globe. The increasing acceptance of menstrual hygiene products, government programs like the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS), and the push towards women-led enterprises are creating a favorable environment for this business. With low investment and high demand, you can tap into this growing market while supporting a critical public health need.

Market Potential and Growth Prospects

India alone has over 355 million menstruating women, yet only about 36% use sanitary napkins. The remaining population either cannot afford them or lacks access. This huge untapped market provides enormous potential. Urban areas are already adopting disposable sanitary pads, while rural regions are now being introduced to low-cost alternatives through awareness campaigns and NGOs.

Moreover, the demand is not restricted to domestic markets. Export opportunities to other developing nations also add to the scalability of the sanitary pad manufacturing business.

Types of Sanitary Pads

Before jumping into the production process, it’s essential to understand the different types of sanitary pads in the market:

• Panty liners – Light absorption for daily freshness.
• Regular pads – For normal flow during periods.
• Overnight pads – Longer length and more absorbency for nighttime use.
• Ultra-thin pads – Slim but efficient, often preferred for comfort.
• Organic pads – Made from natural fibers like cotton, free from harmful chemicals.
• Biodegradable pads – Eco-friendly alternatives for sustainable usage.

Each product caters to a specific need, and deciding your target category will guide your manufacturing process, raw materials, and machinery selection.

Investment and Setup Cost

Setting up a sanitary pad manufacturing unit depends on the scale – small, medium, or large. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Small-scale setup: ?5 lakhs to ?10 lakhs
• Medium-scale setup: ?10 lakhs to ?25 lakhs
• Large-scale setup: ?50 lakhs and above

Cost components include:

• Land or factory rent
• Machinery and equipment
• Raw materials
• Packaging material
• Labor
• Marketing and distribution

If you aim to start small, you can use semi-automatic machines with manual packing, while large-scale plants require automatic production lines for higher efficiency.

Machinery and Equipment

The right machinery is essential for producing quality sanitary pads. Some of the necessary machines include:

• Core forming machine – To form the absorbent core.
• Sealing and cutting machine – For sealing layers and cutting pads into shape.
• Packing machine – To wrap and pack the final product.
• Sterilization unit – To ensure hygiene.
• UV treatment machine – To remove bacteria.

Automatic machines can produce up to 200 pads per minute, making them suitable for large-scale operations.

Raw Materials Required

The quality of your sanitary pads largely depends on the raw materials used. These typically include:

• Non-woven fabric – For the top layer (soft cover).
• Wood pulp – For absorbency.
• Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) – To enhance fluid retention.
• PE film – For the bottom waterproof layer.
• Hot melt glue – To bind the layers together.
• Release paper – For the adhesive strip.

You must ensure the materials are skin-friendly, non-toxic, and sourced from reliable vendors.

Manufacturing Process of Sanitary Pads

The sanitary pad manufacturing process involves several steps:

1. Material preparation – Sourcing and preparing raw materials.
2. Core formation – Combining wood pulp and SAP to form the absorbent layer.
3. Layering – Sandwiching the core between the top and bottom layers.
4. Sealing and shaping – Sealing the layers and cutting them into pad shapes.
5. Sterilization – Using UV or other sterilization methods.
6. Packaging – Packing pads individually or in sets for retail.

You must maintain hygiene and quality control throughout to ensure your pads meet industry standards.

Legal and Licensing Requirements

To start a sanitary pad manufacturing business legally, you will need the following:

• Company registration (as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or Pvt Ltd)
• GST registration
• Factory license
• Pollution control certificate
• BIS certification (IS 5405:1980) for sanitary napkins
• Trademark registration for your brand
• Import-export code (if applicable)

Consulting with a legal advisor is advisable to avoid compliance issues later.

Branding and Packaging

Packaging plays a critical role in attracting customers and retaining trust. Your packaging should be:

• Hygienic and tamper-proof
• Clear with instructions and ingredients
• Appealing and modern
• Eco-friendly (preferably biodegradable or recyclable)

Develop a strong brand that represents hygiene, affordability, and care. A memorable name, attractive logo, and consistent branding can make your sanitary pad manufacturing business stand out in a competitive market.

Marketing and Distribution Strategy

The success of your business depends heavily on your marketing strategy. Some effective approaches include:

• Retail distribution through medical shops, supermarkets, and general stores
• Online sales via Amazon, Flipkart, or your own eCommerce site
• Direct sales in rural areas through SHGs and NGOs
• School and college campaigns to educate and promote
• Social media marketing for brand visibility

Leverage government schemes and CSR initiatives to distribute low-cost pads in underserved areas.

Government Schemes and Support

The Indian government offers multiple schemes to promote sanitary pad manufacturing and menstrual hygiene awareness:

• Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) – Distribution of subsidized pads
• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) – Encouraging women entrepreneurs
• MSME schemes – For subsidies, loans, and training
• Startup India and Mudra Loans – For financial support and infrastructure

Women-led startups also receive added incentives under several schemes, including priority in loans and subsidies.

Challenges in the Sanitary Pad Business

Though the industry is growing, new entrants may face a few challenges:

• High competition from established brands
• Stigma around menstruation in rural areas
• Difficulty in sourcing quality raw materials
• Need for strong hygiene standards
• Marketing to a price-sensitive audience

Overcoming these challenges requires a focus on quality, innovation, and consistent customer education.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, sustainable sanitary pad manufacturing is becoming more important. Consider the following practices:

• Using biodegradable materials like bamboo fiber, banana fiber, or organic cotton
• Minimizing plastic use in packaging
• Offering reusable alternatives
• Recycling production waste

Eco-friendly branding can give you a competitive edge and cater to the growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers.

Profit Margin and ROI

The sanitary pad manufacturing business is highly profitable. On average:

• Production cost per pad: ?1 to ?2
• Selling price per pad: ?3 to ?8 (depending on brand and market)

With bulk production and efficient operations, profit margins can be as high as 30%–40%. Most small-scale businesses recover their investment within 12–18 months if managed well.

Final Thoughts

Starting a sanitary pad manufacturing business is not only a smart investment but a mission-driven enterprise that addresses women’s health and hygiene. With a relatively low barrier to entry, access to government support, and a massive demand waiting to be fulfilled, entrepreneurs can turn this opportunity into a profitable and impactful business.

Whether you want to serve the premium market with organic products or bring affordable hygiene solutions to underserved communities, your sanitary pad manufacturing venture can make a real difference. Focus on quality, hygiene, and smart branding, and you’re well on your way to building a business that is both meaningful and profitable.

Visit the page Select and Choose the Right Business Startup for You for sorting out the questions arising in your mind before starting any business and know which start-up you can plan.

We, at NPCS, endeavor to make business selection a simple and convenient step for any entrepreneur/startup. Our expert team, by capitalizing on its dexterity and decade’s long experience in the field, has created a list of profitable ventures for entrepreneurs who wish to diversify or venture. The list so mentioned is updated regularly to give you a regular dose of new emerging opportunities.