World’s First Global Standard for Menstrual Products in the Making
A research project at Mid Sweden University sparked the need for a global standard for menstrual products. Now, researchers at FSCN are part of a historic initiative to develop the world’s first shared requirements for product content and safety.
In May, experts from over 50 countries gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, to take the next step toward a common global standard for menstrual products. The meeting was organized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and led by the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS). Researcher Hafizur Rahman from FSCN, an expert in product safety, took part in the meeting.
– It was an honor to contribute to the development of the world’s first global standards for menstrual products. This initiative could have far-reaching positive effects on both public health and human dignity, says Hafizur Rahman.
Working for Greater Equality and Safety
Today, there are no internationally harmonized requirements for what menstrual products may contain or how they should be tested. This makes it difficult to compare products and ensure they are safe to use. The standards now under development cover both single-use and reusable products and include requirements aimed at reducing harmful chemicals, improving user safety, and promoting broader access to menstrual products — especially in low- and middle-income countries.
– By contributing to these new standards, we are helping lay the foundation for menstrual products to become safer, more sustainable, and more accessible globally. It’s about protecting users from harmful substances, but also about reducing the stigma surrounding menstruation through increased knowledge and openness, says Hafizur Rahman.
FSCN’s Research Aligned with Sustainable Development
Researchers at FSCN, who have long focused on sustainable material solutions, have been involved in the issue through the project Next Period, where the need for an international standard for menstrual products was first identified. The project has developed eco-friendly alternatives and worked to raise awareness about the environmental and health impacts of menstrual products.
The ISO work is led by the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS), which emphasizes that the lack of standards is one of the biggest barriers to making modern menstrual products available to everyone — regardless of where in the world they live. In some parts of the world, women have to stay home during their menstrual days.
With around 300 million people menstruating every day, the need for safe and sustainable products is immense. The new standards will be crucial for raising quality, improving health and safety, and creating fair conditions globally.
Hafizur Rahman, researcher from FSCN, took part in the meeting.
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