Highly profitable 5 Personal hygiene products business:
Table of Contents
Personal hygiene Sanitary pad manufacturing business:
In personal hygiene product, Sanitary pad manufacturing business is a high-potential and socially impactful venture, thanks to rising awareness, government schemes, and a massive underserved market, especially in rural and semi-urban area.
Business Opportunities :
Rising Awareness: Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat, and Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) promote usage.
Low Penetration: Still, only about 35–40% of women in India use sanitary pads regularly, leaving room for growth.
NGO & Government Tenders: Huge opportunity to supply to schools, Anganwadis, and health departments.
Eco-Friendly Products: Growing demand for biodegradable pads.
Business Potential:
Target Market:
Women aged 12–45 years
Rural health camps
Schools and colleges
NGOs, self-help groups (SHGs), and government bodies
Sales Channels:
Chemists and medical stores
Supermarkets and kirana stores
Online platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, own website)
Institutional sales (bulk)
Raw Materials Required:
For Regular Pads:
Non-woven fabric (top layer)
Absorbent core (fluff pulp or SAP – superabsorbent polymer)
Back sheet (polyethylene film)
Release paper (protects adhesive)
Hot melt adhesive
Packaging material (paper wrappers, boxes, pouches)
Workers: 5–10 (for small scale); 20+ for large scale
Storage: Clean and dry storage for raw materials and finished goods
Machinery:
Pad forming machine
Sealing & cutting machine
Packaging unit
UV sterilization (optional but useful)
Licenses & Registrations:
Udyam (MSME) Registration
GST Registration
Trade License
Pollution Control NOC (especially if you’re using plastic materials)
BIS Certification (optional but increases trust)
Drug License (in some states for medical product classification)
ISO 9001 Certification (for quality control, optional but helpful)
Profit & Income Potential:
Small Unit (10,000 pads/day)
Production Cost/pad: ₹1–₹1.5
Selling Price: ₹2.5–₹3.5
Monthly Sales (2.5 lakh pads): ₹6–8 lakh
Monthly Cost: ₹3.5–5 lakh
Profit: ₹2–3 lakh/month
Growth Tips:
Launch an affordable brand targeting rural markets (e.g., ₹1–2/pad)
Explore biodegradable or reusable pads as niche segments
Collaborate with schools, ASHA workers, NGOs
Apply for government subsidies or SHG partnerships
Use YouTube, WhatsApp, and influencers for cost-effective awareness.
Baby diaper manufacturing business:
Baby diaper manufacturing business can be highly profitable due to the country’s growing population, increasing hygiene awareness, and shift toward disposable products among urban and semi-urban families.
Business Potential in India:
Market Size & Growth:
Increasing preference for disposable, super-absorbent diapers
Growing awareness of baby hygiene
Market opportunity for eco-friendly/biodegradable diapers
Business Opportunities:
B2C Retail: Sell your own brand through stores, e-commerce, and pharmacies.
Private Labeling: Manufacture for other brands or small distributors.
B2B Sales: Supply to hospitals, maternity clinics, NGOs, and wholesalers.
Eco-Friendly Segment: Tapping into niche premium customers.
Raw Materials Required:
Top Sheet (Non-woven Fabric): Soft outer surface
Absorbent Core: Fluff pulp and Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)
Back Sheet: Polyethylene or breathable film
Elastic Bands & Fasteners: For waist and leg fitting
Adhesives & Tapes
Packaging Film or Boxes
Most SAP and fluff pulp are imported, though some Indian suppliers exist.
Develop your own diaper brand with attractive packaging
Target tier 2–3 cities with affordable packs (₹20–₹50 SKUs)
Sell via e-commerce, medical stores, and baby stores
Partner with hospitals, pediatricians, and NGOs
Launch a biodegradable diaper line as a niche offering.
Adult diaper manufacturing business:
Adult diaper manufacturing business is a promising opportunity due to the country’s aging population, increased awareness of elderly care, and the rise of home healthcare services.
Business Opportunities:
Why It’s Growing:
India has over 140 million people aged 60+ — a number expected to double by 2050.
Incontinence care is becoming a major focus in urban health services.
Adult diapers are increasingly used in hospitals, nursing homes, palliative care centers, and even at home.
Rising use among women post-delivery and surgery patients.
Target Segments:
Hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers
Online B2C (senior care, home delivery)
Distributors and pharmacies
Government/NGO bulk supply
Business Potential:
India’s adult diaper market is growing at 13–15% CAGR, projected to cross ₹4,500 crore by 2030.
Low penetration (~2–3% elderly use them regularly) = huge untapped demand.
High repeat usage leads to consistent demand.
Raw Materials Required:
Top Sheet: Soft non-woven fabric
Absorbent Core: Fluff pulp + Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)
Back Sheet: Breathable PE film
Elastic Bands: Waist and leg cuffs
Adhesive Tapes/Velcro: Fasteners for reusable types
Leg cuffs & leak guards
Hot Melt Adhesives
Packaging Material
Most high-quality SAP and fluff pulp are imported (from USA, Germany, China), though some local suppliers are emerging.
Investment Required:
Small Scale (10,000–15,000 diapers/day):
Semi-automatic machine: ₹25–40 lakh
Raw materials (initial stock): ₹5–10 lakh
Packaging setup: ₹3–5 lakh
Rent, licenses, branding: ₹2–4 lakh
Working capital: ₹5–8 lakh
Total Investment: ₹40–60 lakh
Infrastructure Needed:
Factory Area: 1,500–5,000 sq. ft. (for production + storage)
Industrial/Institutional Detergents: Used by laundries, hospitals, hotels, etc.
Investment Required:
Small-Scale (Home-Based/Manual)
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹2 lakhs
Manual mixing, basic packaging
Limited production (50–100 kg/day)
Infrastructure & Machinery:
Space:
Small Scale: 500 – 1000 sq. ft.
Equipment Needed:
Mixing machine/blender
Pulverizer (for uniform powdering)
Weighing scale
Packaging machine (semi-auto or auto)
Sealing machine
Storage racks, ventilation system
Licenses & Registrations:
Company Registration – Proprietorship, LLP, Pvt Ltd
GST Registration – Mandatory for selling
Trade License – From local municipality
Udyam/MSME Registration – For subsidies, loans, benefits
Factory License – If employing 10+ workers or using power
Pollution NOC – From State Pollution Control Board (especially if large-scale)
Trademark Registration – For brand name
BIS Certification – Optional, but adds credibility
Where to Sell:
Local distributors & wholesalers
General stores, kirana shops
Bulk buyers: Hospitals, hostels, hotels
Supermarkets & departmental stores
Online platforms: Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho
Build your own brand through website or social media.
Liquid hand wash manufacturing business:
Liquid hand wash manufacturing business can be a highly lucrative venture due to growing awareness around hygiene, changing consumer habits, and increasing demand in both urban and rural markets.
Business Opportunities:
There are several lucrative opportunities within this sector:
Private Label Manufacturing: Supply to retailers or e-commerce platforms under their brand names.
Own Brand Launch: Create a distinct brand with niche products like herbal, ayurvedic, or antibacterial liquid hand washes.
Institutional Supply: Cater to hospitals, hotels, schools, and corporate offices.
Export Market: Manufacture for global markets, especially where India has a cost advantage.
You can also diversify into related products like sanitizers, floor cleaners, or personal hygiene items.
Investment Required:
Small Scale: ₹5 – ₹15 lakhs. Basic machinery, a small rented facility, packaging, raw materials, and marketing.
Bank loans and MSME schemes are available to support small and medium enterprises in this domain.
Infrastructure and Setup:
Manufacturing Unit: Space
Machinery: Mixing vessels, filling machines, labeling and capping machines, water purification system, and storage tanks.
Utilities: Water supply, electricity, drainage, waste management.
Manpower: Production staff, a quality control chemist, packing and logistic teams, and basic administrative support.
Proper licensing from authorities :
MSME/Udyam Registration: For small and medium enterprises to avail government benefits.
GST Registration: Mandatory for trading and billing.
Trade License: From the local municipal authority.
Factory License: If employing a large workforce or using heavy machinery.
Pollution Control Board Clearance: For managing waste, especially chemical-based formulations.
BIS Certification (optional but recommended): Enhances trust and is necessary for some institutional or export contracts.
Drug License or FSSAI License: Needed if herbal or antiseptic ingredients (like chlorhexidine or triclosan) are used.
Trademark Registration: To protect your brand identity.
Profitability:
Production Cost: ₹10 – ₹20 per 250 ml bottle (varies by formula and packaging).
Market Price: ₹40 – ₹100 per bottle.
Gross Profit Margin: 30% – 60%, depending on branding and sales channel.
Ready-to-mix hand wash manufacturing business:
Ready-to-mix hand wash manufacturing business is an emerging and promising opportunity in the hygiene and FMCG sector. Unlike traditional liquid hand wash, ready-to-mix (RTM) hand wash products are designed to be diluted at the point of use, making them more economical, environmentally friendly, and space-saving.
Need for Ready-to-Mix Hand Wash :
Affordability:
Sustainability:
Convenience:
Shelf-Life and Storage:
Demand and Market Potential
Investment Required:
A small-scale setup can begin with an investment of ₹4 to ₹10 lakhs. This would cover basic mixing equipment, raw materials, a rented workspace, and small packaging operations.
Infrastructure and Setup:
To manufacture RTM hand wash, you’ll need a well-organized facility:
Space: At least 800 – 1500 sq. ft. for a small to medium unit. A production room, packaging area, storage space for raw materials and finished goods are essential.
Machinery: Mixing tanks or vessels, storage tanks, filling and sealing machines, labeling units, and possibly powder blenders (if making dry mixes).
Water and Power Supply: Consistent utilities are required, especially for liquid-based products.
Manpower: Basic setup may require 5–10 workers for mixing, quality control, packaging, logistics, and administration.
Sanitation and Waste Disposal: Adherence to cleanliness and pollution control standards is necessary.
Licenses and Compliance:
Starting a ready-to-mix hand wash manufacturing business in India involves several registrations and licenses, many of which overlap with standard liquid hand wash production:
MSME/Udyam Registration: For small and medium business classification and government support schemes.
GST Registration: Mandatory for invoicing and selling products.
Factory License: Required if you employ a workforce and operate machinery.
Trade License: From the local municipal body.
Pollution Control Board Clearance: Especially for chemical-based production units.
FSSAI License or Drug License: Optional, depending on whether your formulation includes herbal/medicated ingredients.
BIS Certification: Helpful for establishing product trust, especially for institutional buyers.
Trademark Registration: To protect your brand name and logo.
All packaging must comply with Legal Metrology standards, including proper labeling of weight, ingredients, MRP, batch number, and expiry date.
Profit Potential:
The ready-to-mix hand wash business offers strong profit margins due to the low cost of production and increasing demand from bulk buyers:
Production Cost: An RTM hand wash concentrate (250 ml to 500 ml) that can make 2–5 liters of usable liquid may cost ₹8 to ₹20 depending on formulation and packaging.
Selling Price: The same product can retail at ₹30 to ₹80, depending on target market (B2B vs B2C).
Profit Margin: Gross margins can range from 35% to 70%, particularly if you handle sales directly via your own distribution or e-commerce platforms.