The initiative aims to address the often-overlooked issue of safe disposal, underscoring Fems’ dedication to comprehensive care, extending from education to accessible infrastructure.
Fems, a prominent feminine hygiene care brand by Hemas Consumer Brands, has launched the Purple Bin at Bataduwa Sri Rathanajothi Maha Vidyalaya in Galle. This marks a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to ensuring menstrual hygiene is accessible, safe, and dignified for every Sri Lankan woman and girl.
The Purple Bin Project tackles a critical, often ignored barrier in menstrual health: the safe and dignified disposal of sanitary products. Designed to offer reliable disposal solutions in schools, the initiative acknowledges that the absence of proper facilities poses significant challenges for many girls, affecting their comfort and confidence during menstruation. Sisili Hanaro Encare (Private) Limited, approved by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), serves as the service provider for the safe collection and recycling of sanitary napkins, operating under a Public Private Partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Central Environmental Authority. Encare manages Sri Lanka’s largest centralized clinical waste management facility.
Phase 1 of the project, launching on January 30, 2026, will be implemented across 20 carefully selected schools. Each school will receive dedicated disposal bins from Fems, complete with clear usage guidelines. Instructional notices will be installed in washroom facilities to ensure proper disposal practices. Encare will conduct sanitary waste collection services to maintain hygiene and dignity throughout the process. The collected sanitary napkins will be recycled and transformed into eco-friendly bricks, usable as sustainable building materials. This pilot phase establishes a clear pathway for national expansion.
“For too long, the lack of safe disposal options has been an invisible barrier preventing girls from fully participating in their education. The Purple Bin Project directly addresses this gap, offering a practical solution that restores dignity and confidence to thousands of schoolgirls across Sri Lanka. This initiative completes our vision of comprehensive menstrual health care, ensuring every girl has access not only to products and knowledge but also to the complete infrastructure needed to manage their menstrual health with confidence,” stated Sachini Gamage, General Manager – Feminine Hygiene at Hemas Consumer Brands.
Since the launch of the affordable Fems Aya sanitary napkin and the establishment of the H.E.R Foundation in May 2023, Fems has worked systematically to transform Sri Lanka’s menstrual health landscape. Through extensive community engagement, Fems identified four key barriers impacting menstrual hygiene: education, affordability, sanitation facilities, and safe disposal.
To counter stigma and misinformation, Fems continues to roll out comprehensive menstrual health education programs, reaching over 300,000 females islandwide to date. To address affordability, Fems introduced Fems Aya, making high-quality sanitary napkins accessible at affordable prices for women and girls across the country.
Recognizing that access to products must be supported by proper facilities, Fems has partnered with organizations such as Teejay to improve sanitation infrastructure in schools. The Purple Bin Project addresses the final barrier—safe and dignified disposal—completing Fems’ end-to-end approach to menstrual hygiene.
Image Caption: Students during the Menstrual Health & Hygiene awareness session
