We’ve cut the plastic wrap! Non-applicator tampons wrapped in recycled compostable paper.
July 18, 2020
By The Grace & Green Team
Just as our individual quest for a plastic-free lifestyle is ever-evolving, so is Grace & Green’s journey to creating uncompromisingly sustainable products. Last year we announced the innovation of our cardboard tampon applicator – meaning a completely plastic-free product. Now we have good news in regards to our non-applicator tampons. Following months and months of product development, we have now have an innovated wrap, not only plastic-free, but 100% compostable – and just as practical as its plastic counterpart. This is a monumental step for us as a company, as we are now proud to announce that our entire essential collection to be 100% plastic-free.
Why the plastic wrap?
The perils of plastic applicators have been highlighted in recent years. However, the small film that non-applicator tampons are wrapped in is less well known. All digital tampons have to be wrapped in something – until now this was unfortunately plastic. The missing link in our biodegradable range was dictated by government guidelines on menstrual health. UK legislation states that all digital tampons must be wrapped in a film to ensure sanitation and hygiene. The standard wrap for tampons is plastic, as it effectively prevents bacterial transferal therefore keeping tampons sterile. When we first released our range there was no option but to use plastic, as there simply wasn’t an effective alternative.
Periods are not optional, plastic is.
Every 1 in 100 pieces of plastic floating in our oceans is from period products. Sadly, the impact of decades of plastic periods is symptomatic of the societal suppression of menstruation. Accounts dating back to ancient Greece tell of the perception of periods being unhealthy and even poisonous. Plastic tampon applicators were developed so that women didn’t have to get too involved with their own bodies. Today, the taboo around periods is being broken down, and thankfully we are becoming more aware of the impact of plastic. To mark Plastic Free July, we have highlighted the need to make a conscious decision to reduce the impact of our periods. With 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste being produced in the UK every year, choosing a sustainable option really does make a difference.
Supporting plastic-free periods
The large majority of sustainable and organic period brands still wrap their non applicator tampons in plastic. We have been uncomfortable with the fact – after all, even a small quantity of plastic will remain on the planet for 100’s of years to come. Our tampons are not only plastic-free, but the wrapping, packaging and the product in its entirety is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Compared to conventional tampons, which consist of 6% plastic, our new range is a substantial step in the right direction. Using only trusted premium ingredients that put safety first, our tampons are soft and pure for your body, but equally effective in performance.
- Breathable 100% certified organic cotton, naturally absorbent
- 8 grooves to provide enhanced absorption & protection
- Clinically proven to be non-irritating & suitable for sensitive skin
- Expands gently widthways, for a comfortable fit
- 100% organic, woven cord, not glued
- Biodegradable with a plastic free wrapper
We believe that there shouldn’t be a compromise between menstrual health and the environment. As one of the only brands that are completely plastic-free, we pledge to provide period products that won’t hang around for years to come. We are always trying to develop new ways to innovate products that are kinder to our bodies and our world. This is the first step in a larger project to create inclusive products for every body.
