Sanitary napkins are worn by women when menstruating and are a personal care product in high demand for hygiene and comfort. Napkin manufacturing is cheap and a lucrative business model since many women use these products. Sanitary pads are purchased because of their moisture absorption capabilities and are better than cotton pads which are homemade and often not up to the mark. Women don't feel comfortable using cotton pads since it can create a risk for infections but sanitary pads fix this issue.
Did you know?
In 2020, the Indian sanitary napkin business was around US $525.1 million (₹40017.34 million).
How to Start Sanitary Pad Business
Here are the different aspects you must keep in mind when starting your business.
Licences and Registration
There are different state government laws associated with registering a sanitary pad business and these requirements will vary from state to state. The list of licences needed are:
1.Registration of Firm
You can start your company as a small or medium-scale business and register it as a proprietorship firm. Any partnership programs will fall under Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or a Private Limited Company linked to the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
2.BIS Certification
BIS is the body that sets quality benchmarks and standards for companies engaging in the sanitary pad manufacturing process. The BIS Certification is mandatory and you want to apply for the ISI specification as well, which is IS 5405:1980
3.Trade Licence and GST
A trade licence is required from the Municipal Authority and you need a valid import and export licence if you're planning to sell to international clients. You don't need GST registration but if your annual turnover is more than ₹10 lakhs, you will also have to apply. The IEC, referred to as the Import Export Code, is what you want.
4.Trademark Registration
Trademark Registration is important so that your competitors don't steal from you, and it secures your brand and establishes a firm reputation in the industry.
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Sanitary Napkin Manufacturing - Business Plan
Setting up a sanitary napkin manufacturing plant will give you a good source of income and once your brand starts growing, you won't be having any trouble attracting clients. Focus on your marketing strategy since you want clients to return and repurchase items. Below are some guidelines on how to go about setting up your sanitary napkin business, including formulating a business strategy for maximum profits.
Digital Marketing Strategy
After the COVID-19 pandemic, most businesses have transitioned to online sales models. You must focus on your digital marketing strategy. Make sure to work with a website designer to build a website for your brand and SEO-optimise it. You can sell your sanitary pad business via social media platforms.
Be sure to engage with your audience and ask for feedback when they try out your products. You can accumulate more sales this way and it's much more effective than simply relying on marketing through traditional means. Another strategy is to get women influencers to try out product samples and ask them to give your brand shoutouts on their social media pages.
Area Requirements
When you're selecting the location to set up and install your sanitary pad manufacturing process, here is what you want to keep in mind:
- Your sanitary pad manufacturing unit must be set up within a 1000 square feet area and you need to make sure there is a regular water supply, electricity, and provisions for sufficient drainage
- The location must be well-connected to your target market for ease of logistics.
- Raw materials should always be readily available in your location and you can divide your area based on operation segments such as production, packaging, and storage.
- Be careful when selecting an appropriate location and make sure you have the authorisation needed from the government. Don't set up your manufacturing unit illegally and ensure you have the necessary permits for operating in that region.
What Are the Raw Materials Needed?
Raw materials are critical since they influence the whole manufacturing process and therefore, you must choose the right materials to manufacture sanitary napkins. Getting in touch with the right suppliers will help you collect high-quality supplies at wholesale rates or cheaper. If you're buying in bulk, you can negotiate and get discounts from them.The key raw materials you need for your business are
- Polypropylene back sheet
- Cellulose pulp
- Special absorbent polymer
- Non-woven fabrics
- Hot melt seal
- Hot melt positioning seals
You need to select the right materials according to your budget, so it doesn't negatively impact the production process. Your production output should be based on the demand for sanitary pads in the market.
Other pieces of equipment you will need besides raw materials are:
- Packaging units
- Sealing machines
- UV-treated steriliser
- Gumming machines
- A mixer with a pulveriser
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Top Sanitary Napkins Manufacturers in India
The sanitary napkins manufacturing segment has been captured by top players, which means you need to invest in your marketing and production strategies. Offering your clients unique and high-quality products will help your business stand out. If you plan to partner with other major brands, these are the ones to watch out for.
Jayashree Industries
Jayashree Industries make indigenous sanitary pads for women and they have set up manufacturing units across 23 states. They are considered one of the top sanitary napkins manufacturers in India and they use pinewood fibres to make their products.
Niine Private Limited
Niine Private Limited has been on a mission to improve women's health and hygiene in India and change the way sanitary pads are marketed by 2025. They offer a dedicated line of feminine hygiene products such as dry comfort double-perforated sanitary pads and their signature naturally soft range of napkins. All their sanitary pads are available in different sizes, with the largest being XL.
Many more players in the industry are competitors such as Carmesi, Purganics, and Saathi.
Conclusion
Now that you have the step-by-step process of setting up a sanitary napkin manufacturing unit in India, it's time to get started. Be sure to carefully formulate a business plan according to your budget and choose the right location.
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