Picture this: the average menstruator uses up to 11,000 period products in their lifetime.(1) Can you imagine all that waste stacked up in one big pile? It’s horrifying. Especially when a pack of conventional pads typically contains 5 plastic carrier bags worth of oil based plastics.(2) Luckily, there are menstrual products that are verified biodegradable. Natracare is the first and only Seedling certified period products brand in the world. The (bio)logical choice if you want to fight plastic pollution. 

Why is period waste a problem?

Just imagine if all those 11,000 period products going to waste were items filled with plastic – that’s a lot of plastic particles entering our soil and water! It’s incredibly important for our environment, and for our own health, that brands take a stance. Especially when you consider that:

• Litter pickers recorded 4.8 pieces of period waste for every 100 meters of beach.(3)
• Menstrual products are the fifth most common item you’ll find polluting European sea shores.(4)
• 82% Of all consumers believe it’s important for businesses to have green credentials.(5)

Why is Natracare different from other brands? 

Ever since its founding in 1989, Natracare has focused on developing biodegradable menstrual products made from plant-based materials that are friendlier to the planet and to consumer health. One of the many ways the company does this is by making its products compostable. All their products are made from certified organic cotton, ecologically certified wood pulp and non-genetically modified bioplastic. It is not without reason that plant-based sanitary napkins and panty liners – which completely break down into organic material when composted – are recommended by gynaecologists (6). Thanks to their chlorine and perfume-free composition, they are ideally suited for people with allergies or sensitive skin.(7)

Why is the Seedling certificate important? 

Nowadays, many brands claim to be biodegradable and compostable. However, they may have little to no evidence to back their claims. Greenwashing is rife in this industry. The Seedling certification helps validate Natracare’s environmental credentials by showing that a range of their products are industrially compostable. They’re the first period product brand on the market to achieve this certification, setting them apart from the rest. A product is certified as industrially compostable when it breaks down in a composting plant under controlled conditions. When successfully composted, it will leave nothing behind but water, biomass, and carbon dioxide (CO2).(8) If properly processed, Natracare products can be converted into valuable compost that enriches the soil instead of polluting it.

Why buy Natracare, you still ask?

Well, this is (bio)logical. If you aren’t convinced by the fact that you can return Natracare pads and liners to Mother Nature without doing any harm to the planet, we have three other bloody good reasons for you.

• Natracare was the very first organic menstrual product brand in the world. Founded back in 1989, by Greenpeace activist Susie Hewson. She paved the way for all the newcoming brands that now claim to be the first organic brand in menstrual history.
•  The product line offers an extensive range of inclusive and hypoallergenic products, including different styles and absorbencies of period and personal care products to suit every life stage and body shape.
• All Natracare products are ethically produced, made from plant-based materials, chlorine-free, plastic-free, parfum-free, biodegradable and compostable, vegan and animal-friendly (free of animal testing).

So it’s certainly possible to be kind to your vulva/vagina and to the planet at the same time. Period!

References:

¹⁺² Natracare, 2019 – How Much Plastic is in Period Pads?
³⁺⁴ Wen – Environmenstrual
⁵ Time Finance – 7 in 10 customers are influenced by a business’ green credentials
⁶⁺⁷ Natracare – Why Natracare – Intimate Health
⁸ European Bioplastics, 2023 – Guidelines for the use of the Seedling logo

Period! is an independent, online magazine about all aspects of menstruation. Period! is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you’re suffering from medical complaints, always visit your doctor or GP. Editorial articles can contain affiliate links. Sponsored collaborations can be found in the category Spotlight. Do you have any questions? Check our Contact page.

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