In 2022, ISSA launched its End Period Poverty educational and advocacy campaign to support efforts to increase access to period products and disposal solutions. This is because menstrual-care solutions should be as available in away-from-home bathrooms as soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. To continue these efforts, ISSA commissioned an independent survey across a broad cross-section of facility types and industries to determine the current availability of period care products (PCPs), identify barriers to wider access, and explore factors that might motivate more facilities to provide these essential hygiene products.

The survey, conducted by media research company All In One Insights, ran from May 15 to June 12, 2025. A total of 421 facility professionals responded, representing a wide array of roles and facility types. Participants included business service providers, in-house facility staff, and property managers, with the most common types of facilities being commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, colleges and universities, industrial spaces, and K–12 schools.

Period product availability remains limited

One of the first questions posed was whether respondents currently offer PCPs at their facilities. Less than half—just over 44%—reported doing so in any form. And when the question was narrowed to whether those products were available for free and directly within bathroom stalls, the number dropped even further to just 37.8%. These figures suggest a significant gap between the perceived need for period care access and what is currently offered.

Digging deeper, the data revealed that educational facilities are leading the way. Colleges and universities were the most likely to offer free products in restrooms, with 60.7% reporting such access. K–12 schools followed at 42.9%. In contrast, commercial buildings, industrial sites, retail stores, and even healthcare facilities were much less likely to provide these products, especially at no cost.

Barriers to adoption: Awareness and cost

When respondents who did not offer PCPs were asked why, the top reason—by a notable margin—was a simple lack of awareness. More than one-third said they had never even thought about it. This insight highlights the significance of education and advocacy in promoting menstrual equity.

The second most common barrier was cost, cited by 25% of non-providing facilities. For some, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, financial concerns loomed large. Other reasons included the belief that period products weren’t necessary for their specific facilities, or that they were waiting for a government mandate to take action.

What would motivate change?

Interestingly, when asked what might change their minds, the same respondents pointed to customer demand and government requirements as equally compelling motivators. A total of 36% cited each of these factors.

A slightly smaller but still significant group said they would reconsider if they discovered the products were affordable. Employee demand was another factor that carried considerable weight, especially in industries such as hospitality and commercial services.

How products are provided

Among facilities that do provide PCPs, the most common method of distribution is through free-vend dispensers, used by nearly half of the respondents in this group.

Coin-operated machines and loose basket-style offerings were also relatively common. Free-vend solutions were especially prevalent in educational settings, where institutional support and policy often drive implementation.

Who makes the decisions?

The decision-making structure surrounding PCPs is another revealing aspect of the survey. A majority of respondents—
64%—reported having a role in the decision-making process. While 18% said they were the sole or primary decision-maker, most indicated that these decisions are shared across departments.

How products are purchased

Procurement patterns also emerged. The majority of facilities—68%—purchase PCPs through traditional business-to-business (B2B) distributors. Others rely on service providers, direct manufacturer relationships, or e-commerce.

Commitment to continue providing

Despite the relatively low rate of adoption, the outlook for continued support is encouraging.

Of the facilities currently providing PCPs, an impressive 91% plan to continue doing so. Only a small number expressed hesitation about continuing, and among those, cost was again the leading concern, followed by changing laws or servicing challenges.

Menstrual disposal practices

Disposal practices for menstrual products were also examined, and here the data revealed more widespread infrastructure.

An average of 72% of respondents reported providing a disposal bin in every bathroom stall. This practice was particularly strong in educational settings, again highlighting schools and universities as leaders in this space. The most common disposal method was a wall-mounted steel box, used by more than half of the respondents. Trash cans with lids and single-use disposal bags followed in popularity.

For those not currently using single-use disposal bags, the reasons were similar to those cited for not offering PCPs in general. Affordability, customer demand, employee requests, and potential government regulation were all factors that could drive change. Notably, 39% of this group said they would consider adoption if the bags were more affordable.

A path forward

A few key themes emerge. First, awareness is a major obstacle. Many decision-makers simply haven’t considered the need to provide PCPs. Second, demand—whether from customers, employees, or regulatory bodies—clearly drives action. And third, the education sector presents a compelling model for implementation. With their strong adoption rates and comprehensive disposal systems, schools and universities demonstrate how institutional support can normalize access to period care and remove stigma.

This survey offers more than just data. It provides a blueprint for change.  In partnership with researchers like All In One Insights, ISSA is proud to continue advancing this critical conversation and supporting those who are ready to take action. Learn more at issa.com/epp.

John Nothdurft is the director of government affairs for ISSA. He can be reached at
[email protected].