In brief
Chinese sanitary pad manufacturers have come under fire as social media users revealed that many pads were significantly shorter than advertised. Viral videos showcased women measuring various popular brands, documenting a consistent trend of discrepancies. Complaints escalated into a deeper discussion regarding the quality of feminine hygiene products in China, as brands faced accusations of deception.
On November 3, a user on the platform Xiaohongshu uploaded a video measuring nine different sanitary pad brands with a tape measure, demonstrating that all sizes fell short of what was claimed. One poignant comment read, "Will cutting a few centimeters help you strike it rich?" This triggered a wave of outrage as consumers voiced their grievances on platforms like Weibo, where one post compared the misleading lengths to men’s insoles.Chinese news outlet The Paper conducted an investigation on over 20 brands, revealing that nearly 90% of the products were indeed shorter than specified—by at least 10mm. Many pads also had thinner absorbent layers than intended. National standards currently allow a margin of 4% variance in length but lack specific guidelines pertaining to absorbent layer lengths.In response to mounting criticism, authorities announced they would be revising national standards for the products. The popular brand ABC attempted to address customer concerns but further fueled dissatisfaction when its customer service suggested dissatisfied buyers simply not purchase the product. Following backlash, ABC issued a public apology promising to rectify the problem, while other brands like Shecare and Beishute also expressed regret.State media joined the conversation, condemning manufacturers for neglecting quality, emphasizing the importance of sanitary products to women's health and comfort. The sanitary pad market is a financial giant in China, valued at $13 billion, but the industry has faced ongoing safety concerns. Previous incidents include a major scandal involving counterfeit sanitary pads and product contamination claims.The current controversy reflects a broader discontent among women regarding the quality of goods designed for them. A popular hashtag on Weibo captures this sentiment: "Is it that hard for sanitary pads to tackle women’s needs?" Another phrase succinctly summarizes the shared frustration: "Sanitary pads yield a centimeter; women yield for a lifetime."
