In recent weeks, a significant controversy has emerged in China concerning the quality of sanitary pads, which has sparked outrage on social media platforms. Major sanitary pad manufacturers are now issuing apologies following accusations that these products are shorter than what is advertised on their packaging. This uproar was ignited by viral videos circulating among Chinese women who took it upon themselves to measure the lengths of pads from several prominent brands, revealing that most were indeed falling short of the promised measurements. This revelation has not only created uproar among consumers but has also highlighted longstanding grievances related to feminine hygiene products in the country.
Women’s concerns over the inadequate dimensions of these sanitary products are compounded by a history of safety scandals surrounding feminine hygiene items in China. With social media users taking a stand, many are calling into question the quality of what has become the most widely used feminine hygiene product in China. On November 3, one of the first videos addressing this issue was posted on the Chinese social media platform, Xiaohongshu, where the user measured nine different brands of sanitary pads, demonstrating that all were falling short of their stated lengths. This prompted consumers to express dissatisfaction and demand accountability from manufacturers.
Critics voiced their frustration, making statements that likened the misleading sanitary pad lengths to irrelevant comparisons, such as an apt analogy to insoles under men’s feet. This commentary gained further traction when an investigative report conducted by the Chinese news outlet The Paper analyzed over 20 different brands of sanitary pads. Shockingly, the report concluded that nearly 90% of the pads measured at least 10 millimeters shorter than what was advertised. Additionally, it was revealed that most of these pads contained even shorter absorbent layers designed to manage menstrual flow. The report highlighted discrepancies in national standards, which only stipulate that sanitary pads must adhere to a limit of 4% deviation from advertised lengths, explaining that there are no designated standards governing the lengths of absorbent layers within the pads.
In response to the wave of complaints and growing concerns over product integrity, authorities announced that updates to national standards for sanitary pads were being considered. Meanwhile, a specific company, ABC, faced severe backlash after its customer service response to consumer inquiries regarding the measurements was perceived as dismissive. The response suggested that consumers could simply refrain from purchasing the products if they were dissatisfied with the differences in lengths. In mid-November, following the backlash, ABC expressed “deep regret” for this response, pledging to enhance their products to ensure that “zero deviation” would be achieved in future iterations. Other companies such as Shecare and Beishute also followed suit, issuing public apologies.
The criticism surrounding these sanitary pad manufacturers extended beyond social media, as state media outlets such as Xinhua criticized manufacturers for compromising on quality, especially in products deemed essential for women’s health and comfort. The commentary emphasized that the quality of sanitary products significantly impacts users’ health and well-being and cannot be ignored.
The sanitary pad market in China is substantial, valued at approximately $13 billion (around £10 billion), and this incident has reignited public discourse around the quality of items designed for women. Past incidents, including a significant operation in 2016 that manufactured fake sanitary pads without adhering to hygiene regulations, add to the broader context of distrust among consumers. Previous issues, such as the discovery of a needle in a product from the Space 7 brand in 2021, continue to resonate with consumers.
The emotional response from women reflects a larger narrative of frustration regarding the quality of products tailored for their needs. The trending hashtag, “Is it that hard for sanitary pads to tackle women’s needs?” echoes the sentiments of many, while another phrase captures the sentiment succinctly: “Sanitary pads yield a centimeter; women yield for a lifetime.” This sum of experiences has not only amplified individual grievances but has also shed light on a critical industry where product integrity and consumer trust are paramount.
