What’s in That Pad Or Tampon?

What’s in That Pad Or Tampon?

Plastic bag debate puts spotlight on menstrual products, too With momentum gathering for a reduction in society’s consumption of plastics, Natracare is urging women to take note of what’s in their feminine hygiene products.

While there is currently a focus on banning the use of plastic bags in New Zealand, consumers might be surprised to learn a single pack of conventional sanitary pads contains the equivalent amount of plastic as four shopping bags.

Natracare spokesperson Catherine Morris says the issue is giving women food for thought when choosing their sanitary products.

“Many other brands of tampons, pads and liners contain synthetic materials. Pads often contain polypropylene, plastics and chlorine-bleached wood pulp, while tampons are usually made with chlorine-bleached rayon or conventionally grown cotton,” she says.

“But at Natracare, we believe in organic, natural solutions for personal health care, which means our pads and tampons are completely free of chlorine and plastics.

“With more women looking to reduce their plastic consumption for the health of the planet and for their own wellbeing, it makes sense to extend this ‘no-plastic’ ethos to their menstrual products.”

Natracare tampons consist solely of soft, certified organic cotton, which studies1 have shown to be a good option for women also looking to reduce their chances of contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal condition that’s usually associated with tampon use.

Natracare’s pads and liners, meanwhile, consist of a certified organic cotton cover over an inner core of TCF (totally chlorine free) wood pulp. The wood pulp, which performs better than a cotton core, further reduces the product’s carbon footprint, with large trees being better “carbon sinks” than small cotton plants.

“We’re committed to using sustainably-sourced, natural materials that meet the highest organic standards, so that women can be confident they’re doing the best thing by their bodies – and the environment – each and every month,” Morris says.

And it’s a philosophy that is gaining further traction around the world, with more consumers demanding toxin-free products. In South Korea, for example, online orders of Natracare’s range began spiking last year, when concerns were raised in that country over what was in their local brands of pads and tampons.

“With so many worries about reactions to pesticides, chemicals and other synthetics, women are actively looking for natural, organic solutions when it comes to their feminine hygiene choices,” Morris says.

“They also want to make sure the products they’re using aren’t further contributing to our toxic landfill problems. “Natracare’s products can allay those concerns.”

Natracare’s award-winning range of menstrual, incontinence and baby care products are 100% natural, plastic-free, chlorine-free, certified organic, sustainably-sourced, vegan approved and gynaecologist recommended.

The range is available to purchase from select supermarkets, health stores and pharmacies nationwide, as well as online. RRPs start at $4.35.

1. P.M. Tierno Jnr, B.A. Hanna, Propensity of Tampons and Barrier Contraceptives to Amplify Staphylococcus Aureus Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin. Journal of Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2, 140-145 (1994).

ABOUT NATRACARE

Natracare stands for more than just organic and natural products. We are an award winning, ethical company committed to offering organic and natural solutions for personal health care that leave a soft footprint on the earth.

For all of our menstrual, incontinence and baby care products, we use only organic and natural materials that meet the highest organic, environmental and biodegradable standards, sourced from raw material producers that manage and monitor resources respectfully and share our principles. Natracare is also a Gold Sponsor of research group The 5 Gyres Institute, which recently helped organise a waka voyage down the North Island’s East Coast, trawling for plastic samples in New Zealand’s waters.

For more information, visit Natracare.com, or like them on Facebook.

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