Customers are increasingly worried about the environmental impact femcare products have because of the chemicals they contain and the amount of plastic they use. It can take 450+ years for plastic filled sanitary products to decompose. Whilst many consumers are aware that applicators are made from plastic, not many realise that sanitary pads are made almost entirely from plastic. Tesco is launching TOTM (Time Of The Month) products in its stores in order to offer customers an organic alternative that is kind to the body and the environment.
TOTM use non-GM organic cotton in their tampons, pads and liners and eco-alternatives such as biofilm wrappers and biodegradable applicators. Their range is cruelty-free and registered with The Vegan Society. TOTM organic cotton tampons, pads and liners were available in Tesco from Monday 22 October.
St.John Burke, TOTM founder, said:
“Since launching the brand we’ve been on a mission to tackle taboos and challenge the industry. We’re excited about this exclusive partnership with Tesco and see this as an opportunity for more women to switch to organic and eco-friendly alternatives. Not only can Tesco customers reduce plastic by switching to products in our range, they can also feel reassured by knowing these products have been designed to be kinder to their bodies.”
The average user throws away up to 150kg of tampons, pads and applicators in their lifetime, much of which is plastic. Applicators are predominantly plastic and well-known branded pads have been found to contain around 90% plastic. Much of this waste ends up in landfill or in the oceans. By switching to TOTM, customers have the opportunity to prevent this plastic waste altogether.
This innovative range includes five TOTM products; a pad, liner, two applicator tampons in different absorbencies and a menstrual cup. All of which are eco-friendly alternatives. TOTM’s products avoid the use of plastic wherever possible (the cup is re-useable & recyclable) and all packaging is naturally derived.
Ceitidh Taylor, Tesco Femcare Buyer, said:
“This organic feminine care range is a supermarket exclusive for Tesco. TOTM have innovative products and their strong marketing approach, ‘be kinder to your vagina’, is refreshing and empowering. We’re excited to launch TOTM and build a partnership that continues to pioneer change and conversation in this industry.“
By launching TOTM, Tesco are not only tackling period plastic but giving customers access to products which are a caring alternative, free from harsh chemicals. With each purchase by Tesco customers, TOTM will make a donation to Endometriosis UK. This will help raise awareness and improve the lives of women living with this condition.
Ella Daish, Eco campaigner, said:
“It is great that Tesco is taking a step in the right direction by supplying TOTM’s range of eco-friendly period products across stores nationwide. This is incredibly important because it raises awareness of the environmental issues and gives customers access to a much-needed choice that benefits all.”
This is the latest product Tesco is bringing to customers to help reduce single use plastics. Overall, over 83% of the packaging on all our own brand products is recyclable depending on if the local authority collect it. As part of our Little Helps plan, we’ve made the following commitments:
- Making all packaging fully recyclable or compostable by 2025.
- Ensuring that all paper and board used will be 100% sustainable by 2025.
- Halving packaging weight by 2025 compared to 2007 levels.
