What is the impact of disposable sanitary products?

Raw materials

The two main materials used in the manufacture of tampons and disposable sanitary towels are cotton (generally non-organic*) and plastic. Plastic depends on non-renewable fossil resources (oil). Cotton farming is extremely resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water and pesticides (causing water and soil pollution). Other products are used during the manufacturing process to bleach the cotton, such as chlorine. These pollutants do not disappear entirely, and traces may be found in the final product.

*Some brands now manufacture their products using organic cotton, which is not normally bleached. Stay vigilant and read the labels.

End of life 

Tampons and disposable sanitary towels are not recyclable waste. Together with other disposable hygiene textile products (nappies, wipes, tissues, etc.), they make up 13% of residual household waste, amounting to more than 30 kg per person per year. [2]

Disposable sanitary products are incinerated or landfilled. These methods inevitably lead to air and soil pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.

Tampons and sanitary towels are sometimes flushed down the toilet, contributing to water pollution through plastic microparticles. Disposable sanitary products are also the fifth most common type of single-use plastic waste found on beaches (contributing to water and biodiversity pollution). [3]

A 2016 study [4] detected residues of potentially toxic substances in five of the eleven tampon and sanitary pad references analysed. It identified traces of dioxins (potentially carcinogenic pollutants), residues of halogenated derivatives (by-products linked to the processing of raw materials), glyphosate (the active substance in the herbicide Roundup), and residues from the organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticide families (insecticides).

The identified doses are minimal. More scientific data would be needed to prove that they do not cause a hormonal disruption and are genuinely completely safe for our health.

Beyond the harmful substances found in certain products, tampons absorb (in addition to blood) 90% of the secretions that are useful for the proper functioning of the vagina. The drying out of its walls and the alteration of its pH may in fact encourage the development of chronic infections.

To minimise your risks and reduce your waste, there are several alternatives — you are sure to find the one that suits you best!

Manufacturing a new product inevitably has an impact. However, you can opt for a product that will have the smallest possible impact on the environment. To do so, pay attention to where it is made, the materials used, and the product's end of life (durability, recyclability, biodegradability...).

Choosing your reusable alternative does not depend solely on the product's lifecycle impact. It is also important to choose based on your needs and preferences. The aim is to maintain your new good habit over the long term. If it does not suit you, you will abandon it after a few weeks — and that is not the goal.

Let's explore three zero-waste alternatives together that you'll find very easy to adopt.

The reusable pad

Reusable pads are used in the same way as disposable ones — they simply go in the washing machine rather than the bin.

They are most often designed with press studs so they can be attached under your underwear. Just like disposable pads, you sometimes need to make sure they don't shift too much during your activities. There is a wide range of absorbency options to suit every flow. 

In terms of durability, you can keep it for an average of 5 years if you look after it.

It is something of a replacement for a tampon, so it is very discreet. It is not the easiest to get to grips with, as you need to learn how to insert and remove it (which can be straightforward for some and trickier for others).

In terms of use, it needs to be changed (depending on the brand) every 4 to 6 hours. You simply need to empty and rinse it to reinsert it. It is therefore practical if you have access to a sink in the toilet.

It is very long-lasting, as it can be kept for an average of 10 years. In terms of care, nothing too complicated — simply sterilise it in boiling water before each cycle. 

Period underwear

We particularly love it for its reassuring and simple nature, making it ideally suited for first periods. 

Like the reusable pad, several models are available to suit your flow as best as possible. It is very comfortable and secure (especially at night) as it fits snugly and stays in place. Here too, you can expect to keep it for an average of 5 years.

It is very simple to use. Just put it on in the morning, forget about your period, and take it off in the evening. No more thinking about changing a pad or emptying a cup.

In terms of care, it is just as simple as a reusable pad: rinse it in cold water, then put it in the machine with your next load of laundry.

If you are looking for an alternative to disposable period products, the period underwear from Manamani offers great comfort and is ideal to care for! You can choose it according to your flow (normal to heavy or heavy to very heavy).

Beyond the undeniable benefits for your health and the environment, your wallet will ultimately thank you too. Whatever your choice, it will inevitably be more cost-effective than continually repurchasing disposable sanitary products.

Example with period pants: over 5 years, you will spend an average of €180* on period pants compared to €265* on disposable sanitary products. 

*Our calculation is based on an annual consumption of 290 disposable sanitary products per year (£4 per box of 22 tampons and £2.60 per box of 14 disposable pads). For reusable products, we based our figures on the prices of Manamani period pants: 4 knickers for normal to heavy flow (€30) and 2 knickers for heavy to very heavy flow (35€).