Innovation in Menstrual Care: From Stigma to Sustainability

When Olympic swimmer Freya Anderson spoke about competing during her period, she shed light on a reality faced by countless women: the anxiety of leaks, the discomfort of traditional products during sport, and the stigma of speaking openly about something so natural. Her openness mirrors a wider cultural shift the growing movement to normalise conversations about menstruation and to seek solutions that genuinely support women.

For too long, periods dictated how women lived. Plans were changed, training sessions adjusted, and even holidays postponed. While sanitary pads and tampons have long been the most common options, they often came with limitations:

  • Frequent changes disrupting daily routines
  • Discomfort during sports, swimming, or long journeys
  • Environmental waste, with millions of disposables ending up in landfills each year

It is time for change.

The Menstrual Cup Revolution

One of the most significant advancements in menstrual care has been the menstrual cup. Small in size but transformative in impact, it is made from 100% medical-grade silicone and offers up to 12 hours of reliable protection.

Its benefits go far beyond convenience:

  • Freedom for athletes – swim, run, or train without fear of leaks
  • Freedom in daily life – no constant interruptions or product changes
  • Freedom for the planet – one cup can last for years, reducing waste dramatically

Much like Freya Anderson’s call for open dialogue, the menstrual cup represents a cultural shift. It is more than a productt is about empowerment, sustainability, and normalising the conversation around periods.

Where Trust Begins: The Importance of Manufacturing

Behind every menstrual product is an unseen story: how it is made. Women place their trust in something deeply personal, and that trust begins with quality manufacturing.

The most successful menstrual products are:

  • Safe – created with certified, medical-grade materials
  • Reliable – engineered with precision to prevent leaks and discomfort
  • Compliant – rigorously tested against international standards
  • Sustainable – designed and packaged with eco-conscious practices

Manufacturing is not merely a technical process—it is the foundation of brand credibility.

Chemco’s Role in Shaping the Future

At Chemco Group, we are proud to be one of India’s leading menstrual cup manufacturers, supplying over 50% of the national market. Our role is often unseen, but our impact is clear: we help leading brands deliver safe, sustainable, and trusted menstrual care products.

Our expertise includes:

  • Certified facilities – ISO 13485 certified and FDA-registered
  • Material expertise – advanced moulding of 100% medical-grade silicone
  • Custom solutions – from product design to packaging innovation
  • Trusted partnerships – manufacturing for renowned brands such as Sirona, Pee Safe, and Cupid
  • Eco-friendly packaging – including biodegradable pouches and recyclable cylindrical boxes

Every menstrual cup that leaves our facilities carries a promise: innovation, safety, and sustainability.

Looking Ahead: A Future Without Limits

The future of menstrual care will be shaped by three drivers:
Innovation in design and materials – to improve comfort and accessibility
Sustainability at scale – minimising environmental impact through reusable products
Global trust – ensuring compliance with the highest medical and hygiene standards

At Chemco, we are committed to advancing all three. By doing so, we support brands in empowering women worldwide whether in the pool, the boardroom, or everyday life.

Final Word

Periods should never define a woman’s choices or limit her potential. With the right innovation and responsible manufacturing, menstrual products can provide the confidence, safety, and freedom every woman deserves.

At Chemco Group, we are proud to be part of this journey partnering with brands to build the next generation of menstrual care.

Because when women are free from compromise, the future truly is limitless.

Think All Plastics Contain BPA? Here’s Why PET is Different

When it comes to food and beverage packaging, one of the most common concerns consumers have is around BPA (Bisphenol A). Over the years, BPA has been linked to potential health risks, sparking a wave of demand for BPA-free products. But here’s the surprising truth many don’t know: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), the material widely used for water bottles, jars, and preforms, is naturally BPA-free.

So, why is that the case? Let’s break it down.

What Exactly is BPA?

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical compound used in making certain plastics and resins. It’s typically found in polycarbonate plastics (used for reusable water jugs, food containers, etc.) and epoxy resins (used to line metal cans). The concern arises because BPA can sometimes leach into food and beverages, especially under heat, raising questions about long-term health effects.

PET: A Different Polymer Altogether

Here’s the key fact: PET is not made with BPA.
The chemistry of PET is completely different. PET is created from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, not from bisphenols. This means there’s no BPA present in the polymer chain, and therefore no risk of it leaching into your drink or food.

That’s why when you pick up a PET bottle of water or a PET jar for pantry storage, you can be assured you’re not consuming anything that even remotely resembles BPA.

Global Recognition and Safety Standards

PET’s safety isn’t just marketing talk — it’s backed by international regulatory authorities.

  • US FDA recognises PET as safe for food and beverage contact.
  • European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed PET contains no BPA and is safe for packaging.
  • Health Canada and other leading global agencies echo the same position.

This widespread approval underscores the fact that PET is one of the most trusted plastics for packaging around the world.

Why the Confusion Exists

The misconception that “all plastics contain BPA” stems from the fact that many consumers tend to group plastics into a single category. In reality, plastics vary greatly in composition and properties. Polycarbonate may involve BPA, but PET does not. Unfortunately, the myth still lingers — which is why awareness is so important.

PET: Safe, Sustainable, and Future-Ready

Apart from being BPA-free, PET is also lightweight, recyclable, and highly durable — making it a key player in the move towards more sustainable packaging. With advanced recycling technologies like rPET (recycled PET), the material is increasingly part of a circular economy, reducing waste and lowering carbon footprints.

Final Word

So, the next time you hear someone ask if PET bottles are BPA-free, you’ll know the answer: yes — because they never contained BPA to begin with. PET stands apart, not only as a safe packaging choice but also as a material aligned with modern sustainability goals.

Lowering Carbon Footprint: The Role of rPET in GHG Reduction

The climate crisis is no longer a distant concern—it is unfolding here and now. Rising global temperatures, floods, droughts, extreme heatwaves, and declining air quality are stark reminders of the urgent need to act. Every sector has a role to play in cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the packaging industry is no exception. One material offering a practical, measurable solution is recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET).

Why Reducing GHG Emissions Matters

Just as a small rise in body temperature can make a person unwell, even a modest increase in global temperatures can have catastrophic consequences for the planet. Decades of unchecked industrial activity have accelerated GHG emissions, pushing us closer to dangerous climate thresholds. Meaningful change demands collective action—industries, governments, and consumers must all commit to lowering emissions.

rPET: A Proven Path to Lower Emissions

Within the PET value chain lies a powerful opportunity to decouple growth from carbon intensity. By choosing recycled over virgin PET, manufacturers can deliver the same product performance with a fraction of the environmental cost.

Research also quantifies this advantage:

  • Producing 1 kg of virgin PET emits approx. 2.15 kg CO₂ equivalent
  • Producing 1 kg of rPET emits just 0.45 kg CO₂ equivalent

That’s a 60% reduction in GHG emissions—a compelling case for adopting rPET at scale. For businesses under growing pressure to cut their carbon footprint, rPET is not simply an option; it is a necessity.

rPET and the Circular Economy

Beyond its emissions benefits, rPET plays a pivotal role in advancing the circular economy. Instead of the traditional “take–make–dispose” model, the circular economy aims to keep resources in continuous use. rPET helps realise this vision by:

  • Reducing fossil fuel reliance – Every tonne of rPET used avoids the need for virgin plastic derived from petroleum.
  • Minimising waste – PET bottles and containers are diverted from landfills and oceans, reducing pollution.
  • Saving energy – Producing rPET requires significantly less energy than virgin PET, compounding the emissions benefit.

This closed-loop approach not only reduces environmental harm but also drives efficiency and long-term resilience for industries.

Unlocking rPET’s Full Potential

The outlook for rPET is promising, yet scaling its adoption requires overcoming several barriers:

  • Infrastructure expansion – Stronger systems for collecting, sorting, and processing PET waste are essential.
  • Design for recyclability – Packaging must be engineered to simplify recycling and maximise recovery rates.
  • Production capacity – Investment in advanced recycling technologies is critical to meet future demand.
  • Consumer engagement – Educating the public about recycling’s role ensures higher collection rates.
  • Market commitment – Brands and policymakers must sustain demand through clear targets, incentives, and accountability.

Addressing these challenges will be key to unlocking the full environmental and economic benefits of rPET.

Collaboration is the Key

No single stakeholder can drive this transition alone. Progress relies on collaboration across the value chain—from consumers and recyclers to manufacturers, brand owners, and regulators. Together, we can transform rPET from a niche material into the industry standard for sustainable packaging.

Conclusion

rPET represents one of the most effective, immediate solutions for reducing GHG emissions within the packaging sector. Its benefits extend beyond carbon savings, supporting a circular economy that conserves resources and reduces waste. By embracing rPET today, industries not only reduce their environmental footprint but also future-proof their businesses against tightening sustainability regulations and rising consumer expectations.

At Chemco, we are committed to helping businesses transition towards low-carbon, sustainable packaging solutions powered by rPET.

Contact Chemco to explore our rPET capabilities and discover tailored solutions that align with your sustainability goals.