Introduction: Why Manufacturing Location Matters in the Tampon Industry
In a global economy shaped by supply chain disruptions, increased scrutiny over ingredient safety, and rising demand for transparency, one question echoes louder than ever in the feminine hygiene market:
Where are tampons manufactured?
For consumers, the question relates to safety and ethics.
For B2B buyers, it determines:
- Production reliability
- Cost margins
- Shipping lead times
- Regulatory compliance
- Ability to launch private-label lines quickly
This guide provides a comprehensive 2025 overview of tampon manufacturing locations, from global brands like Tampax to independent OEM suppliers. Whether you’re a distributor, retail chain, startup brand, or healthcare provider, this guide gives you the insight to source and partner wisely.
1. Tampon Manufacturing: A Global Industry in Transition
The global tampon market was valued at USD 6.13 billion in 2025, and is forecast to reach USD 8.41 billion by 2030, driven by growing health awareness, sustainability demands, and female hygiene access in emerging markets.
However, manufacturing remains highly centralized among a few major players and specialized OEMs:
| Region | Key Functions |
|---|---|
| North America (USA) | Home to major brands (Tampax, Playtex), some local manufacturing |
| Europe (Germany, France, Poland) | High-tech OEM factories (e.g., Johnson & Johnson’s o.b.), sustainable brands |
| Asia (China, India) | Cost-effective OEM production, raw material suppliers |
| South America & Africa | Emerging production markets for local hygiene needs |
2. Where Are Tampax Tampons Manufactured?
Tampax is one of the most recognized tampon brands globally, owned by Procter & Gamble (P&G).
🏭 Primary Manufacturing Locations:
- Auburn, Maine (USA) — One of the largest P&G tampon plants, active since the 1970s
- Cabanillas, Spain — European production hub for distribution across EMEA
- Stoke-on-Trent, UK (former) — Previously active until mid-2010s, now consolidated
These facilities are highly automated, GMP-certified, and handle full tampon assembly and packaging.
🌍 Distribution:
- North American supply primarily comes from the Maine plant
- Europe and parts of Asia/Africa are supplied from Spain
Fun Fact: The Maine plant alone produced over 7 billion tampons annually before 2020, according to public filings.
3. Where Are o.b. Tampons Manufactured?
The o.b. brand (originally “ohne Binde” = “without pads” in German) is known for its non-applicator tampons. It was created by Dr. Judith Esser and launched by Johnson & Johnson.
🏭 Key Factory:
- Wuppertal, Germany — Main production facility for o.b.
- This factory historically produced up to 2.3 billion units annually
- Supply markets in the EU, Canada, and parts of Asia
In 2011, J&J temporarily halted production due to equipment upgrades — causing a shortage in North America — which highlights how supply chain dependency on single-location manufacturing can be risky.
4. Where Are Kotex Tampons Manufactured?
U by Kotex, owned by Kimberly-Clark, manufactures tampons and pads globally.
🏭 Key Facilities:
- Neenah, Wisconsin (USA) — Flagship plant for North America
- Korea & China — Factories for APAC market production
- Colombia & Brazil — Facilities producing for Latin American markets
Kotex tampons in the US are labeled as Made in the USA, though some components (e.g., plastic applicators, cotton) may be globally sourced.
5. Where Are Organic & Sustainable Tampons Made?
With demand for eco-conscious period products rising, many organic tampon brands prioritize European manufacturing due to strict EU chemical regulations.
Notable Brands & Manufacturing Locations:
| Brand | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natracare | UK, Germany | Made in EU from certified organic cotton |
| Daye | Eastern Europe (likely Romania or Poland) | Tampons infused with CBD & probiotics, fully traceable |
| Cora | USA (design) / Asia (production) | Organic line manufactured via vetted OEMs |
| The Honest Company | Mexico, USA | Mix of North American production partners |
| LOLA | USA (design), Global OEMs | Discreet delivery model, organic range |
Sustainability is often tied to:
- Manufacturing region (EU preferred for organic standards)
- Packaging (biodegradable, recyclable materials)
- Certifications (GOTS, ICEA, OEKO-TEX)
6. Where Are Private Label Tampons Manufactured?
Thousands of retailers source tampons from OEM manufacturers (Original Equipment Manufacturers) who handle:
- Full product production
- Branding & packaging
- Regulatory documentation
🌐 Top Private Label Tampon Manufacturing Regions:
| Region | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| China (Guangdong, Jiangsu) | Low MOQ, full automation, global shipping |
| India (Gujarat, Maharashtra) | Export-focused, cost-efficient cotton sourcing |
| Germany & Poland | Premium OEM, strong on organic certification |
| USA (California, North Carolina) | Small-batch startups, FDA-registered factories |
Some leading OEM suppliers include:
- Fujian Yejia Hygiene (China)
- Tayue Care (China)
- Eufora (Italy)
- HydroTex (USA)
These manufacturers offer options for:
- Applicator tampons (plastic or cardboard)
- Digital tampons (non-applicator)
- Organic cotton tampons
- Fragrance-free or medicated options (CBD, probiotics)
7. What Affects Tampon Manufacturing Location Choice?
Several factors dictate why brands manufacture tampons where they do:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Regulatory compliance | FDA (USA), CE (EU), ISO 13485 for medical devices |
| Raw material availability | Cotton (USA, India), rayon (China), organic certifiers (EU) |
| Shipping/logistics | Cost and lead times for export/distribution |
| Sustainability pressure | Local vs. offshore sourcing, carbon footprint |
| Trade barriers | Tariffs on personal hygiene imports (notably the USA-China trade war era) |
8. Case Study: 2022–2023 Tampon Shortage
During the global supply chain crisis (post-COVID), the tampon category experienced a rare but serious shortage. Why?
- Raw material scarcity: Cotton prices soared due to war and weather
- Plastic applicator shortages due to resin supply constraints
- Shipping delays from Asia to the US added 6–8 weeks of backlog
- Tampax plant labor issues in Maine delayed production by months
The lesson? Diverse, regionalized manufacturing is essential for tampon brands, especially private-label startups and large retail chains.
9. How to Choose a Tampon Manufacturer for Your Brand
If you’re sourcing tampons for private-label retail, wholesale, or medical use, ask these questions:
- Where is your tampon factory located?
- Are you FDA-registered (USA) or CE-certified (Europe)?
- Can you provide certified organic cotton tampons?
- What’s the lead time to Europe/the USA/Asia?
- Do you offer custom packaging and branding?
- What’s your MOQ (minimum order quantity)?
- Are your applicators biodegradable or recyclable?
🧠 Tip: The best suppliers will give you a factory audit, detailed product specs, and formulation data sheets upon request.
10. Partnering With TamponManufacturer.com: Global, Reliable, Transparent
At tamponmanufacturer.com, we provide B2B buyers, medical distributors, and retail brands with a direct path to verified tampon manufacturers across the US, EU, and Asia.
Whether you’re looking for:
- Organic-certified private-label tampons
- Plastic-free or biodegradable options
- Custom branding and sustainable packaging
- Bulk production and long-term partnerships
We can match you with the right manufacturer, at the right scale, in the right region.
📥 Request a custom quotation or supplier portfolio today.
Conclusion: Manufacturing Location is More Than Geography — It’s Strategy
Knowing where tampons are manufactured is not just trivia — it’s core to understanding:
- Brand safety and quality
- Margin optimization
- Market credibility
- Crisis resilience
As a B2B buyer in 2025, prioritize partners who are transparent about their factory locations, certifications, and sustainability commitments. Because in a competitive market, the smartest brands don’t just source products — they source trust.