Tampon Sales Are Plunging as Eco-Friendly Alternatives Finally Take Off
Monthly costs that can add up to $10,000 over a lifetime have spurred women to find alternatives.
Women are changing their period practices as tampons fall out of favor.
Photographer: Shawn Michael Jones/Bloomberg
Tampon use is sinking as soaring prices along with health and environmental concerns spur more women to turn to alternatives.
The decline has upended the $3.5 billion menstrual care industry in the US, according to consumer research firm Circana. Playtex says its unit sales have been flat for the past five years. Kimberly-Clark Corp., Procter & Gamble Co. and others are spending millions to acquire startups and businesses that make alternatives like Thinx underwear and organic period items. Kotex, owned by Kimberly-Clark, has focused its marketing on new ultra-thin pads and liners.