Thiruvananthapuram, May 26 (PTI) HLL Lifecare Limited has increased the production of menstrual cups and widened its distribution through several outreach programmes, including its CSR initiative, Thinkal.
The Mini Ratna public sector company, which functions under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is focusing on making sustainable menstrual products more accessible, especially among young women and communities with limited access to affordable hygiene options.
"As part of these efforts, HLL has increased its annual menstrual cup production capacity to five million units. To achieve this, the production capacity of the menstrual cup manufacturing facility at HLL's Akkulam Factory in Thiruvananthapuram has been raised to three million units annually," a press release said.
The upgraded facility was recently inaugurated by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava.
"The initiative underscores HLL's commitment to improving menstrual and reproductive health outcomes, promoting environmentally sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions, and strengthening indigenous manufacturing capabilities in line with national priorities," the release added.
The increase in production capacity will also enable the company to expand the free distribution of menstrual cups to underprivileged women across the country under the Thinkal project during the financial year 2026–27.
Thinkal Cups, as they are branded, are distributed under this initiative to promote safe and hygienic menstrual hygiene, encourage cost-effective management, and reduce environmental waste.
Of the total planned distribution during the financial year, three lakh cups will be distributed in Kerala, the release said.
The project is being implemented by HLL Management Academy (HMA), HLL's not-for-profit educational and social development subsidiary.
It was first implemented in Alappuzha municipality during the 2018 floods, helping the municipality address the problem of sanitary pad waste during the crisis.
HMA has so far distributed 15 lakh menstrual cups across nine states—Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala—and two Union Territories, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Dr Krishna S H, Manager, Public Health Projects, HMA, said the project would be implemented with the support of partner organisations, including public sector companies.
"HMA also conducts awareness sessions for beneficiary women on the proper use of menstrual cups and menstrual hygiene management. The initiative seeks to improve menstrual health literacy and break cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. We ensure that beneficiaries derive long-term health benefits from the use of menstrual cups," she said.
HLL manufactures a range of menstrual hygiene products. Its menstrual cups are made of high-quality medical-grade silicone, making them safe, flexible, durable, reusable and environmentally friendly.
While Thinkal Cups are distributed under the Thinkal CSR project, HLL's other menstrual cup brands—Velvet and Cool Cup—are available commercially.
"Menstrual cups are reusable and can last for several years, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable menstrual products. They are safe and hygienic when used properly, and provide long-lasting leak protection and comfort," Dr Krishna said.