Healthy(ish!)
the femcare industry is undergoing something of a revolution. Once dominated by one or two major players, now smaller niche brands, such as TOTM, Flo and Ohne, are successfully invading the market and delivering certified organic tampons and liners straight to your door. And rightly so – with 200,000 tonnes of sanitary products a year ending up in UK landfill, the new wave of period products are putting ethical and eco values first.
What’s more, the tampon is getting its first proper makeover in 80 years. The Tampliner, by Callaly, is the brainchild of gynaecologist Alex Hooi and material specialist Ewa Radziwon. At first glance, it resembles a tampon crossed with a toy plane. However, the more I inspect it, the more it makes total sense. The Tampliner consists of a mini liner (approximately 1.5 inches long) which has a tampon coming through it. They are connected by a very fine film (which catheters are made of, so it’s safe) and, when inserted, your fingers don’t come into contact with any blood – genius for religions that do not permit touching menstrual blood, as well as for hygiene reasons. When removed, your tampon is wrapped in the film ready for disposal.
So far, so clever, but what about the liner? Unlike traditional bulky pads, it doesn’t sit in your knickers but slots in-between your labia to protect against any leaks (it’s very thin). ‘We worked with an independent research group of about 700 women,’ says Kate Huang of Callaly, which also makes organic, biodegradable tampons and liners. ‘The requests were for more comfort and environmentally friendly products. Women were also worried about leaking,’ she says. But what about going for a wee? Does the liner not get wet? ‘There are ways that you can adjust it so it stays dry,’ says Huang. Available in Regular, Super and Super+, at £9 for 16 they are pretty expensive, but delivery is free. Plus, Callaly also has B Corps status, which means it is using its business as a force for good.
Meanwhile, another brand redesigning the tampon is Daye. Using certified organic, unbleached cotton, an organic protective sleeve to prevent fibre loss, bio-based compostable paper wrappers and refill pouches, it has also created the world’s first Cbd-infused tampon to help with cramps. Will it get you high? No. CBD uses a part of the cannabis plant that is not psychoactive, but it can potentially reduce inflammation and pain. Daye’s Dr Harry Baxter says it may be far more beneficial to take CBD vaginally than orally. ‘Anything that is absorbed through the vaginal musocsa is recycled through the blood supply to the ovaries, uterus and vagina, rather than being sent out into the body’s bloodstream,’ he explains.
Finally, the aches and issues associated with periods are now a key topic in women’s personal health. Like most things in life, we just needed to talk about it. @susannahtaylor_