The main issue at the centre of the debate over menstrual products revolves around manufacturers’ lack of transparency and limited ingredient disclosure.
As consumers increasingly demand more information about the products they use, there is a growing need for comprehensive labelling and research into the long-term effects of these ingredients.
The packaging industry plays a crucial role in addressing these concerns by ensuring clear and accurate ingredient information, maintaining product safety and supporting efforts to promote transparency and consumer trust.
Transparency demands rise: menstrual product safety and packaging
With tens of millions of Americans relying on these products, consumers increasingly demand comprehensive ingredient disclosure and research into potential health effects. As the focus on menstrual product safety intensifies, the packaging industry faces both challenges and opportunities.
Manufacturers’ limited disclosure and legislative actions
Despite the widespread use of menstrual products, manufacturers have faced criticism for disclosing minimal information about the chemicals used in their products.
In response, several states, including New York and California, have enacted laws requiring ingredient disclosure on packaging. While progress has been made, trade secret protections in certain laws have allowed manufacturers to withhold specific ingredient details.
Nonetheless, this trend has prompted discussions on the need for greater transparency and consumer protection.
Health risks and the role of packaging
Advocacy groups have identified potentially harmful ingredients in menstrual products, such as carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, endocrine disruptors and allergens.
This highlights the importance of packaging in ensuring product safety. Vaginal and vulvar tissues have higher absorption rates, which can lead to rapid chemical exposure.
The packaging industry can prevent contamination, maintain product integrity and provide clear ingredient information to protect consumer health.
Challenges and opportunities for the packaging industry
The increasing demand for transparency in menstrual product packaging presents challenges and opportunities for the packaging industry. Meeting the requirements of disclosure laws while protecting trade secrets calls for innovative packaging solutions.
Clear and comprehensive labelling that includes the chemical names, functions and usage of ingredients is crucial.
Packaging companies have the opportunity to collaborate with manufacturers to develop packaging designs that prioritise consumer safety and convey transparency.
Moreover, the packaging industry can play a key role in supporting further research into the long-term effects of menstrual product ingredients.
Investing in sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials aligns with the growing consumer preference for products that promote health and environmental well-being.
As the discussion surrounding menstrual product safety and packaging gains momentum, manufacturers and the packaging industry must navigate the evolving landscape.
Adapting to consumer demands for transparency and safety will foster trust, drive innovation and ensure the delivery of menstrual products that meet the highest standards of quality, integrity and health protection.
