How To Start Sanitary Pad Business In South Africa
What is a Sanitary Pad?
A menstrual pad, or simply pad, is an absorbent item worn by women in their underwear when menstruating, bleeding after giving birth, recovering from gynecologic surgery, experiencing a miscarriage or abortion, or in any other situation where it is necessary to absorb a flow of blood from the vagina.
How To Start Sanitary Pad Business In South Africa
1. Raising Funds: If you are looking to raise funds for your business, then there are loan scheme
2.Approvals:
Sanitary napkins fall under the technical textiles category, so do not need FDA approvals. The sanitary pads produced need to comply with BIS standards so make sure that the raw materials used in the pads and hygiene conditions in the production unit meet the requirements. Once your sanitary pad is made, you can send samples to any NABL accredited lab to give you a certificate of compliance against the BIS standards.
3. Infrastructure:
Depending on the type of mid-scale machine you choose, you will need 1000-3000 square feet for area. The production area typically needs less than 500 square feet, but sanitary pad raw materials are bulky so need clean, dry and large storage spaces.
For pneumatically run machines, air compressor, air dryer will be required. Voltage stabilizer, generator/invertor are good to have in areas where electricity is irregular.
4.Raw Materials:
For the past 6 months, almost all raw materials are now manufactured in India which reduces the lead time significantly. Typically, raw materials like air laid paper or wood pulp, Tissue with SAP, PE films, glues and release papers are used for making sanitary napkins. There are oxo biodegradable raw material replacements for the plastic components also available in India and some compostable materials like PLA which are imported which can be used as the barrier sheet in the sanitary pad as well.
Depending on your target price for the end customer, you can choose from a variety of raw material options. We, at Saral Designs, also keep an inventory of some types of raw materials and provide it to our machine buyers so that they do not need to coordinate with 5 different suppliers and can source much lesser quantities at one time, helping them with their cash flows.
5. Sales & Distribution:
Identifying your target audience is the first step. Depending on the age group and location of where your target beneficiaries/ customers are, one can develop a communications, sales and distribution strategy. In urban areas, one can look at retail distribution through medical shops and general stores, online sales and modern retail.
For rural areas, utilizing existing women groups like Self Help Groups, health workers, schools and hospitals can be a great way to reach out to women who do not have retail stores in their vicinity. Women’s networks also play an important role in driving conversations around menstrual health and increase awareness about hygiene products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
What is the process of making sanitary pads in South Africa?
The formed wood pulp cores on the core forming machine are then wrapped by a non woven fabric and is sealed by sensitive impulse sealing method. Nichrome alloy filament is used in the construction of the sealing pads. Finally, the position sticker is pasted on the napkin and the napkins are packed.
What are the raw materials for making sanitary pads in South Africa?
The main raw materials used today for sanitary pads are mainly made from cotton. With the development of technology, people invent more synthetical materials including rayon (which is often considered as artificial celluloses), non-woven fabric, paper pulp, and a combination of these materials.
What happens if you don’t wear a pad on your period in South Africa?
If you choose not to wear period-proof clothing, the heaviest bleeding days of your cycle could see blood soaking through your underwear and clothes. This tends to be during the first couple of days. Blood may also leak on any surface you sit on.
How many pads is normal for a period per day in South Africa?
A very rough estimate would be four or five pads, assuming that you’re getting at least the recommended 7 hours of sleep at night. Keep in mind these factors that might make you want (or need) to use more: Exercise. Sweat can make things wetter and smellier down there.
What do teenagers use for periods in South Africa?
Most girls use pads when they first get their period. Pads are made of cotton and come in lots of different sizes and shapes. They have sticky strips that attach to the underwear. Many girls find tampons more convenient than pads, especially when playing sports or swimming.
Can you pee in a pad in South Africa?
Menstrual pads, also known as period pads or sanitary pads are not designed to absorb urine. They are made to absorb the flow of blood and are often used by women who are menstruating, experiencing post-partum bleeding, recovering from vaginal surgery, etc.
What is the disadvantage of sanitary pads in South Africa?
The obvious disadvantage of using a sanitary pad is irritation caused by wearing them for a long time . Not changing the pads often may also cause rashes on the skin. Pad users are always prone to allergies which might be caused due to the chemicals present in them.
Are pads or tampons more hygienic in South Africa?
You can still get TSS when you’re using a pad, but the risk is the same as not using any feminine hygiene protection. Tampons can absolutely be used safely. Just remember that they can increase your risk of TSS, so know the symptoms and what to do if you think you have it.
How many hours does a pad last in South Africa?
No matter how light your flow is, or even if there is no flow, bacteria can build up. Changing your pad every 3 or 4 hours (more if your period is heavy) is good hygiene and helps prevent bad odors. This is especially true if you’ll be playing sports or rushing around from class to class.
Should you wear pads to bed in South Africa?
It’s rare, but if you leave a tampon in for too long, you may be in danger of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). If you’re going to be sleeping for more than eight hours, it’s a better idea to wear a pad to bed. Tampons are great for swimming, and some women prefer to wear them during their whole period.