Jane Wishneff, executive director of BAHP, Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, discussed how the legilative landscape could impact feminine hygiene products, manufacturers and their suppliers in the near term. Already, New York state has approved a bill requiring that all feminine hygiene products sold in the state contain a full list of intended ingredients on their packaging. This bill was approved in October and will give brands about 18 months to conform meaning it will likely start influencing the industry in 2021.

According to Wishneff, the problem with this legislation as well as similar proposed measures in Pennsylvania and Virginia is they do not contain a clear definition of ingredients or  standards for conformance. Additionally, there is no provision for products made and packaged before the compliance date that have not yet been sold.

"The people putting the law together don't fully understand the industry," she says.

BAHP is working with government agencies to try to ensure  consistency so that the playing field can remain even.

"We have an ongoing conversation about different strategies for compliance," Wishneff adds. "We've been looking at other consumer labeling bills for guidance."

The New York state legislature has also proposed a labeling bill impacting disposable diapers.