Amid a growing controversy, Chinese companies have apologized after viral social media posts revealed that many sanitary pads are shorter than advertised, highlighting broader concerns regarding women's health products in the country.
Outcry in China Over Discrepancies in Sanitary Pad Sizes Sparks Industry Accountability
Outcry in China Over Discrepancies in Sanitary Pad Sizes Sparks Industry Accountability
Major manufacturers face backlash as consumers demand quality and transparency in feminine hygiene products.
A significant uproar has ignited in China concerning the lengths of sanitary pads being sold by major manufacturers. As social media users began measuring popular brands' sanitary pads, it was discovered that numerous products fell short of their advertised lengths, leading to widespread anger and accusations of dishonesty.
The issue first gained traction on November 3, when a viral video posted on Xiaohongshu showed various sanitary pad brands being measured, revealing that most of them were at least 10mm shorter than claimed. One user voiced her frustration in the video, questioning whether a few centimeters of material were worth harming consumer trust.
This controversy has sparked a larger conversation around women's rights and product quality within the feminine hygiene market, which is valued at approximately $13 billion in China. As women used social media platforms like Weibo to express their dissatisfaction, posts emerged criticizing the deception of sanitary pad manufacturers, with some comparing the altered product sizes to misleading marketing tactics used in other industries.
An investigation carried out by The Paper found that nearly 90% of the sanitary pads assessed were smaller than claimed and pointed out that while national standards dictate a maximum length deviation of 4% from advertised lengths, they do not clarify the minimum length of absorbent layers.
In response to the mounting pressure, authorities announced plans to revise national regulations concerning sanitary pad manufacturing. Leading brands such as ABC, Shecare, and Beishute have issued formal apologies, with ABC's customer service faced backlash for suggesting that dissatisfied consumers simply choose not to purchase their products.
In light of the situation, state media have criticized manufacturers for compromising the quality of hygiene products essential to women’s health and comfort. Previous incidents of safety scandals, including a 2016 raid on a factory producing fake sanitary towels, have contributed to consumer mistrust. The current uproar reflects ongoing frustrations among women regarding their needs in the market.
As this issue continues to trend on social platforms, a popular phrase has emerged: "Sanitary pads yield a centimeter; women yield for a lifetime," capturing the pervasive sentiment in the discourse around women's issues in China today.
