Hi Super Supporters!

Today I’m updating with some news from decision maker Boots! There are a few different moves that the retailer has made with their period range, so here’s a breakdown of the news and what I think:

They have launched their own-brand range of menstrual cups – Boots are the first retailer on the campaign to develop and launch their own reusable option. The cup comes in two sizes and is made of medical grade silicone, it can be used for up to 8 years.

My thoughts: Launching their own menstrual cup is a fantastic step and makes reusable options more widely accessible on the high-street to people across the UK.

They plan to add the do not flush logo onto individual pads and tampons across their range – Something I suggest to all period product manufacturers, whether mainstream or eco-friendly, is to put the 'do not flush' logo onto individual tampons and pad wrappers inside packaging. Currently it is visible on outer packaging, oftentimes by the bar code, which isn’t visible at point of disposal. By adding the logo to individual items, it will prevent more people from flushing them.

My thoughts: I am thrilled that Boots have listened to my advice and committed to putting the ‘do not flush’ logo onto individual tampons and pads. This move will help lower the amount of period products that get wrongly flushed each day, and ultimately the amount polluting the environment.

They have switched the plastic tampon applicators in their compact range to ‘plant-based plastic’ ones instead - One of the first steps I called on Boots to take when I met them last summer, was to remove plastic tampon applicators from production. They took this on-board, but unfortunately rather than removing them, they replaced them with plant-based plastic applicators. Boots compact tampons are part of their conventional range, so the tampon itself still contains plastic.

My thoughts: I am disappointed that instead of removing their plastic applicators from production like other retailers including Aldi, Sainsburys, and Superdrug, they have replaced them with ‘plant-based plastic’ ones.

Why don’t I think plant-based plastic applicators are the answer? Usually plastic applicators are made of LDPE (Low-density polyethylene). Plant-based plastic applicators are touted as the green, guilt-free alternative, and although on face value sound like a better option, they behave in exactly the same way in the marine environment as those made from fossil fuels (LDPE). Plastic applicators whether made from LDPE or a plant based alternative are simply unnecessary.

Plant-based plastic made from ingredients like corn are needed in some parts of period products, like the backing of menstrual pads and their wrappers, but it isn’t necessary for applicators.

Jenna Ward, Head of Boots Brand Product - “We are delighted to be adding more sustainable options to our range of Boots Period Products, including our new Boots menstrual cups and plant-based compact applicator tampons, that replace our previous conventional plastic options. We made the decision to keep compact tampons in the range as we want to ensure we are offering a wide choice of products to our customers. We will continue to monitor performance of the new range, and will make changes accordingly. We are also proud to say that all Boots tampons are packaged in recycled cardboard, and as a result of guidance and advice from national campaigner and activist Ella Daish, we have added the ‘do not flush’ logo to all our applicator compact tampons and plan to roll it out across the full range when possible.” 

Boots have taken some positive steps and it is great that they, as a decision maker, are having such an open discussion regarding changes to their products. They are moving in the right direction. I hope to see more steps being taken soon by manufacturers and retailers to tackle plastic in their conventional ranges.

I will continue to keep you updated with news from decision makers and any action taking place! Thank you for your ongoing support.

Ella :)

Twitter: @ella_daish Instagram: @elladaish Facebook: @elladaish1

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