RFA is proud to count the Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products (BAHP) among its advisory members. We recently sat down with BAHP Deputy Director Gia Komst to learn more about the organization’s mission, its connection to responsible flushing, and why this partnership matters.
Who is BAHP?
The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products is a trade association representing the North American absorbent hygiene products industry — including manufacturers of period care products, diapers, and adult incontinence products. BAHP’s mission is straightforward: “to ensure people trust the personal hygiene products they use every day.”
That mission plays out through consumer education, science-based advocacy, and a collaborative approach to policy and product safety. BAHP serves as a unified voice for an industry that touches virtually every household, with work spanning product safety, sustainability, integrity — and, increasingly, responsible disposal.
“It takes a lot of people working together to figure out the flushing problem,” Komst said. “Trade associations, manufacturers, policymakers, stakeholders. They all need to work together so messaging can be consistent and impactful.”
The Connection to Responsible Flushing
While wipes tend to dominate public conversations around flushing, Komst is quick to point out that the issue extends further. Pads, tampons, diapers, and other non-woven hygiene products that BAHP members manufacture are also at risk of being disposed of irresponsibly — making BAHP a natural ally for RFA’s mission.
As an advisory member, BAHP works directly with manufacturers to embed responsible disposal guidance into product design and labeling from the start, ensuring that guidance is scientifically sound and practically implementable.
Aligning Industry and Policy
One of the most pressing challenges in this space is achieving consistent, clear messaging across states, industries, and stakeholder groups. BAHP is a strong supporter of the WIPPES Act, federal legislation that would establish a national standard for Do Not Flush labeling on non-flushable products.
“I think the WIPPES Act would make things a lot easier to navigate, and I think it would be a hugely beneficial addition to our industry,” Komst said.
Thinking About Accessibility
BAHP’s perspective goes beyond product design and policy. The organization also considers accessibility — of products and responsible disposal.
Consider someone experiencing homelessness: finding a proper place to dispose of diapers or period products is far from guaranteed, and unlikely to be their most pressing concern.
This lens pushes BAHP — and partners like RFA — to think creatively. What does responsible disposal look like for people in difficult circumstances? Are reusable products a more feasible option for some? These are the kinds of questions BAHP brings to the table, keeping the conversation inclusive and grounded in real-life experience.
We’re grateful for BAHP’s partnership as we continue this important work. To learn more, visit https://www.bahp.com.