GCC sanitary pad market crosses half-billion-dollar valuation as opportunities emerge and challenges subside: PECTIV

Regional FemTech innovator PECTIV outlined emerging opportunities and growth drivers in GCC’s sanitary pads/napkins market, which has decidedly crossed the half-billion-dollar valuation and is expected to reach $800 million in 2027, at a CAGR of 5.2%

PECTIV, the Dubai-based female technology (FemTech) company specializing in feminine hygiene products, outlined the prospects of the GCC sanitary pads/napkins market. Citing the findings of its impact survey, as well as that of observers and research bodies, PECTIV touched upon growth drivers, challenges that solution providers and policymakers have addressed, and emerging opportunities for further empowerment of women. 

“Factoring in the traction of PECTIV’s products, findings of research bodies, and overall consumer sentiment, we expect the GCC sanitary pads/napkins market to reach a valuation of $800 million by 2027, at a CAGR of about 5.2%. We are witnessing an increased awareness among women, especially adolescents, whose participation will propel the market toward more innovation, value-centric services/offerings, and, eventually, sustained growth,” said Dr Elias Abboud, Founder and CEO, PECTIV.

Dr Elias’ contributions to the growth of the FemTech market are embodied by PECTIV, which has clocked around $500,000 in turnover in less than two years since its launch. In H1 2022, the company registered a 200% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, in line with its customer-centricity, PECTIV conducted a regional impact survey, where it recorded positive reviews, with about 98.5% of women who tried the company’s products expressing satisfaction and willingness to recommend the same to acquaintances. Product innovation and service excellence, Dr Elias says, underpinned PECTIV's success, just as they will spur market growth.

“Menstrual literacy rate in the GCC region has increased significantly in recent years, driven by women-centric sociocultural reforms, reduction in gender gaps in the workforce, and digitalization-led improvement in awareness of feminine hygiene solutions. In this regard, the empowering role that intergovernmental organizations, governments, and women leaders have played is praiseworthy. The findings of a few macro-level studies allude to the progress,” explained Dr Elias Abboud. 

In one such study by IMARC, the GCC sanitary napkin market was valued at $464 million in 2020. The research group forecasted the market to grow to $624.5 million by 2026 at a CAGR of 5.1%. That projection pegs the market valuation in 2023 at the half-billion-dollar mark. At this critical juncture, PECTIV’s call for product innovation and service excellence finds particular relevance. 

“Nanotechnology-based sanitary products and subscription-based, doorstep-delivery services are our primary contributions to the FemTech market growth. Dynamic silver ions-based products can address common challenges — infections, irritations, leakages, etc. — associated with the use of conventional pads, whereas home delivery can help women overcome hesitancies in purchasing them in-store and in the presence of others,” opined Dr Elias Abboud. 

In PECTIV’s impact survey, about 83% of women in the GCC said they face problems such as rashes, sensitivity, irritation, low absorption, and side leakages due to the use of ordinary sanitary products. While keeping a finger on the pulse of customer expectations and pain points, PECTIV is scaling its product-service model pan-GCC. The company is holding its maiden funding round in 2023, hoping to onboard impact-led investors geared toward empowering women by solving menstruation-related challenges and promoting good health and well-being.