The initiative tackles the overlooked challenge of safe disposal, reinforcing Fems' commitment to comprehensive care, from education to accessible infrastructure.
Fems, a leading feminine hygiene care brand by Hemas Consumer Brands, launched the Purple Bin at Bataduwa Sri Rathanajothi Maha Vidyalaya - Galle, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to making menstrual hygiene accessible, safe, and dignified for every Sri Lankan woman and girl.
The Purple Bin Project addresses a critical, overlooked barrier in menstrual health, which is safe and dignified disposal.
Designed to provide reliable disposal solutions in schools, the initiative recognizes that without proper facilities, many girls face significant challenges that impact their comfort and confidence during menstruation.
Sisili Hanaro Encare (Private) Limited is the service provider for the safe collection & recycling of sanitary napkins and is approved by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA).
Operating under a Public Private Partnership with the Ministry of Health and Central Environmental Authority, Encare manages Sri Lanka's largest centralised clinical waste management facility.
Launching on 30th January 2026, Phase 1 of the Project will be implemented across 20 carefully selected schools, delivering a comprehensive solution where each school will receive dedicated disposal bins from Fems with clear usage guidelines, instructional notices will be installed in washroom facilities to ensure proper disposal practices, and service provider Encare, will conduct sanitary waste collection services to maintain hygiene and dignity throughout the process.
The collected sanitary napkins are then recycled and transformed into eco-friendly bricks, which can be used as sustainable building materials.
This pilot phase establishes a clear roadmap for national expansion.
"For too long, the lack of safe disposal options has remained an invisible barrier that holds girls back from fully participating in their education.
The Purple Bin Project addresses this gap head-on, providing 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 to not just products and knowledge, but the complete infrastructure needed to manage their menstrual health with confidence," said Sachini Gamage, General Manager - Feminine Hygiene, Hemas Consumer Brands.
Since launching the affordable Fems Aya sanitary napkin and establishing the H.E.R Foundation in May 2023, Fems has systematically worked to transform Sri Lanka's menstrual health landscape.
Through extensive on-ground engagement across communities, Fems identified four key barriers impacting menstrual hygiene, education, affordability, sanitation facilities, and safe disposal.
To overcome stigma and misinformation, Fems continues to roll out comprehensive menstrual health education programmes, reaching over 300,000 females islandwide to date.
Addressing affordability, Fems introduced Fems Aya, making high-quality sanitary napkins accessible at affordable price points for women and girls across the country.
Recognising that access to products must be supported by proper facilities, Fems has partnered with organisations such as Teejay to improve sanitation infrastructure in schools.
The Purple Bin Project addresses the final barrier of safe and dignified disposal, completing Fems’ end-to-end approach to menstrual hygiene.
About Fems:
Fems, a feminine hygiene brand established in 2004, is driven by a mission to enable women to be independent and rise above societal constraints.
Committed to offering a range of affordable, high-quality sanitary napkins accessible to women from all walks of life, Fems added Aya to its product range, which is specifically designed to meet the needs of budget-conscious consumers without compromising on quality.
With deep understanding and empathy, Fems aims to address the evolving feminine hygiene requirements ensuring that women feel comfortable, confident, and supported.
Today, Fems has established itself as a reliable brand in feminine care.
At the core of the brand purpose is a dedication to educating households about menstrual health and hygiene, while simultaneously working to dismantle social stigma surrounding menstruation.
Fems stands as a beacon of empowerment, a trusted ally that believes in women’s potential, supporting their journey, and celebrating their strength.
For more information, visit https://hemas.com/brands/fems.html.