In a world increasingly concerned about sustainability and natural ingredients, the natural hygiene products market is experiencing a significant upsurge. Consumers’ preferences for eco-friendly materials and their growing environmental awareness have led to the launch of new baby diapers, period care, and light incontinence products made with plant-based ingredients. This trend is further fueled by global anti-plastics legislation aimed at reducing the use of petroleum-based plastics.
According to Liying Qian, head of Tissue and Hygiene at Euromonitor International, the natural hygiene market is flourishing, presenting untapped opportunities as technology and supply chains evolve and consumer awareness improves. She attributes this growth to three main factors: consumer expectation, business promotion, and regulatory push. However, the way these factors influence the natural movement within the hygiene industry varies across markets. For example, in the United States, brand promotion has played a significant role, while Europe has seen the impact of policies targeting plastics reduction, such as the European Green Deal.
Investment in the upstream supply chain is also contributing to the expansion of this trend. Companies like Glatfelter and Suominen are developing nonwoven materials and absorbent hygiene components made with 100% plant-based and renewable fibers, such as hemp and cellulosic fibers. These innovative materials offer sustainable alternatives to traditional products.
The growth of the natural hygiene market is particularly evident in feminine care and baby care products, which prominently feature plant-based or bio-based ingredients. While the natural segment is gaining traction in adult incontinence, it faces challenges in meeting both performance-based properties and consumers’ natural expectations. Nevertheless, companies are stepping up to meet these demands.
The Honey Pot Company, for instance, initially launched a line of washes and wipes and later expanded into menstrual care products. Recently, the company entered the incontinence category, responding to the demand for pads that provide odor and leak protection. Their products are made with a 100% cotton cover topsheet and organically grown cotton for tampons, meeting the highest standards for vaginal wellness.
Here We Flo is another brand making waves in the plant-based hygiene market. Founded by Susan C. Allen and Tara Chandra, Here We Flo uses bamboo and organic cotton in its line of period care, bladder care, and sexual wellness products. By offering vegan, organic, and biodegradable options, the brand aims to challenge shame and create a more open conversation around menstruation, bladder leaks, and sexual wellness.
Hempress, a newcomer to the period care market, stands out by focusing on sustainability and transparency. Their products, including day pads, night pads, liners, and cosmetic pads, are made entirely from organic, biodegradable, and regenerative hemp and cotton fibers. Unlike many competitors, Hempress ensures full control over their supply chain, manufacturing their products in the European Union, adhering to the highest health and environmental standards.
The remarkable growth of the natural hygiene products market is driven by consumers’ increasing knowledge about the products they use, sustainability concerns, and a focus on overall wellness. People are seeking trusted ingredients and brands that reflect their values, empowering them on their wellness journey. The rise of plant-based hygiene products has become the new norm, setting a standard for the industry and inspiring further innovation in the pursuit of sustainable and natural solutions.
As the market continues to expand, more companies are expected to enter the natural hygiene space, providing consumers with a wider range of choices that align with their values. With the convergence of sustainability, wellness, and consumer demand, the future of the natural hygiene products market looks promising, fostering a more eco-friendly and conscious approach to personal care.