Why MENA Needs More Sustainable Menstrual Solutions

Across the Middle East and North Africa, conversations around menstrual care are slowly changing. Environmental awareness is rising. Younger generations are asking better questions about health, waste, and long-term impact. This shift is visible in the growing market for sustainable menstrual products MENA. Reusable menstrual products, including cloth pads and cups, reached an estimated USD 200 million market value in the region in 2023. These numbers show growing interest in alternatives that last longer and create less waste.

Heavy Reliance on Disposable Products

Despite this growth, most menstruators in the region still rely on disposable items. Globally, 93 percent of menstruators in low and middle-income countries use single use pads and tampons. Many MENA countries fall within this group. Disposable products may feel convenient, but they create serious waste problems. Once thrown away, they add pressure to landfills and sanitation systems.

Studies show that reusable menstrual cups perform better across their full life cycle. They produce fewer emissions and less waste than disposables. This makes them a strong option for regions like MENA that are facing increasing waste challenges. Promoting reusable options supports wider sustainability goals while reducing long-term environmental harm.

Read Also: Biodegradable Pad Decomposition And The Fate Of Waste

Youth-Driven Demand for Sustainable Menstrual Products MENA

Millennials and Gen Z are playing a key role in this shift. Young people across the region are more aware of climate issues and personal health. They want products that match their values. This includes choosing sustainable personal care items. Their interest is helping drive demand for cups, cloth pads, and organic cotton products.

This shift is not only about the environment. It is also about dignity and choice. Sustainable menstrual care gives users more control over what they use and how often they buy it. Over time, this can reduce cost stress and waste at the same time.

Sustainable Menstrual Products MENA: Water Scarcity Creates Barriers

MENA faces unique challenges that make menstrual care more complex. Water scarcity is a major issue in many drought-prone areas. Limited access to clean water can make it harder to wash reusable products safely. This can push people back toward disposable items, even when they want sustainable options.

When disposables are used at scale, they can clog sewage systems and worsen sanitation problems. This creates a cycle where poor infrastructure and waste feed into each other.

Period Poverty and Economic Pressure

Economic instability adds another layer of urgency. In Lebanon, more than 50 percent of women face period poverty. Sanitary product prices have increased by 500 percent. Many women are forced to use socks or tissues during their period. This highlights how fragile access to basic menstrual care can be during crises.

These conditions show why affordable and long-lasting options matter. Reusable products can reduce dependence on monthly purchases. When supported by proper education and access, they offer a more stable solution for vulnerable communities.

Health Concerns Linked to Poor Products

Health issues also point to the need for better sustainable menstrual products MENA. In Saudi Arabia, 87 percent of women experience dysmenorrhea. Symptoms include pain, bloating, and mood changes. Poor product quality can worsen discomfort during menstruation. Safe and breathable materials are essential for comfort and health.

Organic and reusable options avoid harsh materials and may improve the overall experience. Better products support better health outcomes over time.

Read Also: The Lifecycle of Fizabelle Compostable Sanitary Pads: From Creation to Compost

The Path Forward for Sustainable Menstrual Products MENA

The region is at a turning point. Market growth shows interest. Youth awareness shows momentum. But challenges like water scarcity, waste, and period poverty demand action. Sustainable menstrual products MENA are not a luxury. They are a need. If you want to support this shift, visit Fizabelle’s website and explore our pads offers. Choosing better products is a simple step that supports health, dignity, and a cleaner future.