Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Women and people who menstruate want to feel comfortable, confident and in control when it comes to managing their period bleeding. This requires effective, safe and affordable products.

The last 20 years have seen not only a rise in more sustainable and eco-friendly options, but also a shift away from the taboo, shame and stigma of talking about periods.

As conversations have increased, many of us have grown more aware of the problems with traditional disposable period products, such as:

• the amount of waste – mostly ending up in landfill 
• the length of time they take to fully break down – up to 500 years
• the use of harmful chemicals and other toxic substances, which leach into the environment when breaking down 
• the risk of harmful chemicals and other toxic substances affecting women’s health
• the cost, given the number used.

In this article we’ll take a deep dive into these issues, along with looking at the alternatives that are available, including organic disposables, reusable external products (liners and pads, and period pants), and reusable internal products (menstrual cups and discs, and reusable applicators).

The article also discusses period poverty and barriers to access and use of different options, for girls, women, and trans and non-binary people assigned female at birth (AFAB).

500 periods in a lifetime

The exact number will vary depending on personal circumstances, but a woman or someone AFAB may have about 500 periods in their lifetime, if they start menstruating at 11, and stop at the average age of menopause of 51.

In total, they might use around 11,000 tampons or pads which in the UK could cost them around £4000 in total.

Some period facts:

• around 500 periods in a lifetime
• around 22 items used per period
• can cost up to £10 per period
• can cost over £4000 in a lifetime
• disposal generates 28,114 tonnes of waste per year in the UK

(source WEN Environmental Factsheet 2024)

According to the UK government around 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million pads and 700,000 panty liners are flushed away every single day in the UK.

What materials are in period products?

Companies publish surprisingly little information about what goes into period products, considering how frequently we use them and how close they get to us. In the UK, companies do not have to list ingredients or components on the packaging.

In general, the materials used fall into several broad categories:

• cotton: can be organic, but unlikely other than specific eco brands. Cotton is often used for its softness, absorbency, and breathability. 
• other plant materials 
  • bamboo (soft, antibacterial, high absorbency)
  • hemp (high absorbency, durable, may be used in the core layers of reusable pads)
  • rayon and other fabrics made from wood pulp (bleached)
• synthetic microfibres (highly absorbent, often used in the inner core)
• synthetic polyester fleece (often used as a top layer to wick moisture away from the skin. It provides a stay-dry feeling) 
• PUL (polyurethane laminate): a waterproof material that is used as the backing layer of reusable pads to prevent leaks
• adhesives to stick disposable pads to underwear
• paraffin on the tampon string to keep it clean
• fragrances
• a host of other plastic ingredients beginning with ‘poly-’ e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester.

Due to the lack of transparency about ingredients, other materials may also be used.

There are also some new innovative approaches, such as a tampon made from seaweed (kelpon).

Cotton production and sourcing 

Cotton, especially organic cotton, sounds like a good option for period products, but unfortunately there may be issues with its production and sourcing. 

The cotton industry uses forced labour in many parts of the world. Countries particularly at risk of this include Turkmenistan, where the government forces public sector workers to pick cotton in order to fulfil quotas; and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China, where members of the Uyghurs ethnic minority have been forced by the state into ‘re-education’ camps or to work in cotton fields or factories.

A lot of the cotton farmed in the world is also genetically modified, which allows farmers to grow in monocultures, associated with a much higher concentration of synthetic pesticides and other chemical inputs. Using organic cotton avoids these environmental issues. 

Rayon and chemicals

Many conventional tampons are made with rayon or a rayon and cotton blend. Rayon is also called viscose and is made from wood pulp.

In the past, the intense processing required to make rayon often used bleach and other chemicals. This meant that rayon often had high levels of an endocrine disrupter chemical called dioxin present. Although the bleaching process has now changed, levels of dioxin may still be present in period products. 

In 2023, academics conducted a review of published research in the previous decade and found that dioxins and dioxin-like compounds were detected in multiple menstrual products.

Plastic period products

According to the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN), up to 90% of a menstrual pad and 6% of a tampon is plastic. This can include plastic membranes and polyester fleece, used because it is soft and absorbent.

The problems with plastic period products include:

• continued demand for fossil fuel use (plastics are made from oil, a fossil fuel)
• don’t biodegrade so stay in the environment indefinitely, with release of microplastics
• contribute to growing landfill and waste problems 
• presence of PFAs (‘forever chemicals’) which can cause health problems
• Nanoplastics leached from products, which impact human health and the environment

In addition to this, many widely available tampons come with a plastic applicator which leads to a large and highly unnecessary amount of single-use plastic. 

Some of the biggest brands still make tampons with plastic applicators. However, following campaigns for plastic-free periods Lil-lets announced in 2021 that it was going plastic-free for its applicator and also launched a reusable applicator. Several supermarket own-brand tampon applicators are now plastic free. 

Zero waste periods and plastic packaging

Most companies also use plastic wrappers for each pad or tampon.

Given the need for hygiene, many brands wrap their products individually so that someone can carry the item in their bag and it will remain clean and protected.

Some eco brands are using compostable plant materials for this. However, other eco-friendly brands do still use plastic packaging, so check the brands you use. 

Some products aren’t individually wrapped, so one option is to buy unwrapped options for at home, and have some wrapped products for when you’re out and about. 

Find out more about the campaign for plastic-free periods by searching for the hashtag #EndPeriodPlastic.

Dangerous chemicals and metals in period products

A long list of unpleasant and potentially dangerous chemicals can be present in period products.

According to the Women’s Environmental Network and Pesticide Action Network’s 2025 report, Blood, sweat and pesticides, these include:

• glyphosate and other pesticides 
• phthalates 
• dioxins
• volatile organic compounds
• toxic metals
• artificial fragrances

Because menstrual care products are used in or near the vagina they are in contact with the soft and moist tissues lining the inside of the vagina, which can absorb some chemicals very efficiently.

Researchers have argued that products are safe because chemicals are found at levels below those considered to be dangerous. But campaigners like WEN disagree, because they say that chemicals absorbed via the vagina enter straight into the bloodstream, which is a much more direct route in comparison to absorbing chemicals through the mouth or skin, if chemicals are on food or in clothing. 

Studies suggest that exposure to these chemicals can have health implications including cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, hormone disruption, birth defects, asthma and allergies. 

Heavy metals found in tampons

In 2024, research by environmental health scientists based on tests of 30 tampon products purchased in New York, Athens, and London, found that some contained dangerous levels of arsenic, chromium, and even lead. Sixteen metals were tested and all were detected in at least one tampon. Several metals were detected in all samples, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and vanadium. Organic tampons had higher levels of arsenic, but non-organic tampons had higher levels of lead.

The heavy metals could have been absorbed by the cotton plants from the soil or water. Or they could have been added during manufacturing processes as whiteners or antibacterial agents, or through cross-contamination from other factory processes.

Writing in the journal Environment International, the researchers said: “There is no safe exposure level to lead. Any proportion of lead that may leach out of a tampon and reach systemic circulation might contribute to negative health outcomes…. Our findings point towards the need for regulations requiring the testing of metals in tampons by manufacturers”.

It is unclear, however, quite how risky heavy metals in tampons may be. Professor Atholl Johnston, a professor emeritus of clinical pharmacology at Queen Mary, University of London said, “I don't doubt the research findings, but I do doubt the bioavailability of the metals found in the tampons. There is no evidence that the metals would leech into menstrual blood and be absorbed into the body.”

US researchers, who carried out the tests, chose not to name the 14 brands involved.

Other ingredients in menstrual products

Conventional pads may also contain super-absorbent gels, latex and synthetic fragrances.

Products with fragrances contain chemicals like organochlorines which have antibacterial activity. Due to their chemical composition, these products when buried in the soil kill the soil microflora and delay the process of decomposition. 

Waste

In the UK alone, an estimated 28,114 tonnes of waste is generated annually from menstrual products, of which 95% is from disposable products. This is equivalent to the weight of about 71 jumbo jets or 4,686 elephants. About 4% (3,363 tonnes) of the waste from disposables goes straight into our waterways from flushing products down the toilet.

Researchers suggest that replacing disposable menstrual care products with reusables would reduce waste production by 22,907 tonnes a year, and avoid about 7,900 tCO2 eq. of greenhouse gas emissions – equivalent to 30,391,483 miles driven by an average petrol car.

Are reusable menstrual products better for the environment?

Research from 2021 found that in Europe and the USA, over 80% of menstrual products end up in landfill, where the plastic elements can take up to 500 years to break down.

One research study published in 2022 compared the environmental impacts of reusable and disposable menstrual products in France, India and the U.S, across their life cycle. It looked at issues including demand for water, land and fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, and links to cancer. 

They found that the menstrual cup had the lowest impact on the environment, for all indicators and across all countries, followed by menstrual underwear.  

Eco-friendly period product options

What are the best options for eco-friendly period products?

Here we look at both internal and external products. For some women or people who menstruate, internal options may not be possible due to personal preference, cultural practices or health conditions. External options are often more manageable for young people when they start menstruating.

External options

• pads – disposable and reusable
• liners – disposable and reusable 
• period pants

Internal products

• tampons
• menstrual cups
• menstrual discs

Advantages and disadvantages of disposable and reusable external period products

Advantages and disadvantages of disposable and reusable internal period products

*There is one brand in the UK currently making reusable organic cotton tampons.

Below, we explore some of the reusable menstrual products in more detail.

Washable reusable period pads

With proper care, cloth pads can last many years, saving a huge amount of money as well as reducing waste. With a wide choice of brands and materials available, here are some tips to consider. 

What are they made from?

Washable pads are made from layers of fabric with an absorbent inner core and often have a waterproof membrane made from polyurethane laminated polyester (PUL).

How many will I need?

This really depends on your cycle length and flow, and how often you do the laundry! Most companies offer bundles or starter kits. It’s worth buying and trying out a single pad before investing in a whole kit, as there are so many sizes and styles available. 

Period pants

These absorbent knickers are a recent innovation.

Several companies now make leakproof period underwear, meaning no pads or tampons are necessary, unless you have a heavy flow. Some brands make period underwear of different absorbency levels.

Most brands recommend rinsing and machine washing at a low temperature without fabric conditioner (because that coats the absorbent fibres and stops them doing their job). 

They are worn as your regular knickers and contain several layers of different materials, usually three:

• a moisture-wicking top layer that moves period blood away from your skin
• an inner layer that is absorbent to lock fluid in, so you stay feeling dry
• a final inner layer that is a leak proof barrier that prevents leaks onto your clothes, usually made of waterproof PUL (polyurethane laminate)

Period underwear may only need to be changed once a day, with a new pair for overnight, but if you have a very heavy flow you could need to change more often, or double up with tampons as well.

You can now also buy period swimwear.

Because of the plastic layers, period underwear is not plastic free. 

Menstrual cups

A menstrual cup is a soft container which is worn internally and sits below the cervix collecting menstrual blood before it leaves the vagina. There are many designs and colours to choose from, as well as different sizes (for example to fit better if you’ve given birth vaginally or not).

Materials include medical-grade silicone, and rubber.

They hold around 20-30ml, so for some may only need to be emptied once during the day, but for others with heavy flows need to be emptied more often.

Cups need to be sterilised monthly, but between sterilisations can just be emptied, rinsed or wiped, and reinserted. 

They are a relatively inexpensive option, as you only need one, and with proper care it will last many years. Depending on your flow, you may need to ‘double up’ with a liner or pad on heavier days, or whilst you get used to using one.

Menstrual cups were probably invented around the same time as tampons in the 1930s, but their production, which started in the late 1930s, stalled due to shortages of rubber due to the Second World War, and sales never took off.

In the past, ideas were spread by word of mouth rather than social media, and after a cyclist heard about rubber menstrual cups at a Critical Mass demonstration in 1999, she developed the silicone Mooncup in 2002.

Nowadays, menstrual cups are available on the shelves of supermarkets and chemists.

There are many brands on the market, from the UK, US and countries across Europe. The period education website Put a Cup in It has a handy quiz to help you find the best match for you. You can also check a menstrual cup chart (such as one listing UK and European brands or more US-based brands) before you buy one, to choose one that will be best for you.

Find out more on the Put a Cup In It website which has a huge amount of info, and lots of useful videos about menstrual cups and discs.

Menstrual discs

Menstrual discs operate in many of the same ways as menstrual cups, but they are a different shape, being typically round and domed. They are usually available in silicone reusable options and also in disposable options made from medical-grade polymer (plastic).

Menstrual discs can hold around 30-60ml (varies by brand).

There are not as many brands and sizes available compared with cups, and it is best to take a quiz to understand your personal situation before choosing one.

Can reusable period products be recycled?

Disposing of reusable period products like cloth pads and period pants when they reach their end of life may not be as eco-friendly as you hoped.

Washable cloth pads and liners that are purely plant materials like cotton or bamboo, can go in clothing rag banks for industrial fillers, or you could cut them up and put them in your home compost bin (if you have one) as the fibres will biodegrade over time. Depending on the brand, some period pads have no synthetic materials in them, and can also go to textile recycle banks.

However, if they have any plastic in them, such as waterproof layers, they are harder to reuse because the different types of fibre (e.g. cotton and plastics) can’t be easily separated.

This is particularly the case for period pants.

Some period pant manufacturers may offer an ‘end of life’ service whereby you can send them back.

Public textile recycling points may also be operated by organisations who can handle synthetic blends so check locally. Some period pant brands suggest you cut the gusset out, which is where the waterproof layers are, and put that in the bin so that everything else can go for textile recycling. 

A word about Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but very serious (sometimes fatal) illness. 

TSS is caused by either Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria entering the body.

According to the NHS, it's possible to get TSS from using tampons or menstrual cups, from a contraceptive diaphragm or cap, after a vaginal birth or caesarean section, or from a cut, wound, boil or burn that has become infected.

It is generally advised that you should use the lowest absorbency tampon for your needs and it is important not to leave any internal menstrual products in for longer than instructed. It can help to use other forms of protection at some point in each day. And always practise good hygiene habits like washing your hands.

Get more advice on symptoms and how to avoid it on the NHS website.

No shame on what you use

There is already enough shame and stigma associated with periods, we do not want you to feel more shame for using disposable period products if they work best for you.

If you do have some room for choice, you may decide to vary what you use, and try out eco products in specific circumstances e.g.:

• use disposables when out, but reusables at home
• use reusables on lighter days
• use reusables at night

If you have been caught out and have to buy disposables from a limited choice, please don’t feel bad. If there are organic cotton options, these can be a good on the go choice, if they are in your price range. 

Period poverty

Period products cost a significant amount of money over the course of a year, or lifetime.

According to Action Aid, period poverty is:

“the lack of access to resources like menstrual products, washing facilities and private spaces to manage menstrual health. Period poverty also includes the restrictions placed on people due to the shame and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation.”

Period poverty for girls, women and people AFAB in the global majority world is an important issue as disposable options may be excessively expensive. Reusables can not only be more costly upfront but less practical if there is less access to clean water for hands and difficulties washing and drying the products.

In the UK, in the last five to 10 years, authorities have taken some positive action on period poverty.

In 2021 the so-called ‘tampon tax’ was abolished in the UK. This removed the VAT (value added tax, for ‘luxury’ items), from period products. 

In Scotland and Wales, councils and education providers have to ensure period products are available for free for anyone who needs them e.g. in schools and public libraries. There is an app to find out where you can pick up free period products in Scotland, and a map for Wales.

In England, the government runs a scheme for free period products in schools and colleges.

Outside of these schemes you may find that some independent cafes, theatres and other social spaces provide free menstrual products.

Save money with reusable menstrual products

Although reusable period products tend to cost more upfront, the price of period pants has reduced significantly with more being available in supermarkets and high street fashion stores.

By being able to use them again, reusables save money over time. You can calculate how much you might save using a handy online calculator.

In the table below, we estimate the comparative costs over a two year period. Of course, the reusable products will often last longer than two years so will be even cheaper over time.

Prices as of September 2026. For simplicity, we’ve assumed just one type of product is used per period, an average flow period of 5 days, and 12 periods a year, and assumed some washing and use of reusables during the period. In reality, multiple types of products are often used during one period.

Save money in under a year

From these indicative figures, when compared to regular disposable pads, reusables pay themselves back in:

• 6 periods (cup)
• 8 periods (pants) (assuming 6 pairs)
• 10 periods (reusable pads) (assuming 10 pads)

How have you found the reusable experience?

We understand that, for many, switching to reusables might seem daunting. So went to our most trusted resource, our readers, to ask for their experiences using reusable sanitary products. We asked:

What advice would you give others thinking about trying reusables?

“Don’t give up too easily even if it doesn’t seem to work for you straight away. Persevere with it, try different sizes and products, and hopefully you’ll find what works for you!”

“Talk about it. Reusables are becoming very popular and there are high chances that a friend or a colleague of yours is already using them. So, you’ll be able to ask any questions and be assured that there is nothing to be scared about and reusables are indeed incredibly comfortable, convenient and very low-cost.”

In general, swapping from disposable to reusables can take a bit of readjustment and some additional set up at home, and for when you’re out. You might try transitioning slowly, starting with lighter day options, or reusables for when you’re at home.

In addition to the above advice, some ECRA staff shared their experience:

“I absolutely love my period cup. I often forget that I'm on my period, it's so good. I've had the same one for years. The brand I use provides a microwavable pouch for sterilisation which is super useful. I bought 5 pairs of period underwear to start with and I found that they were perfect together with my period cup, to catch the odd drops. I have since invested in several more pairs and I find them very comfortable. Drying them can be a bit of a pain in spring and autumn (no sun or hot radiators) but that's a small price to pay.” (Kati)

“I have used all types of products over time, and was an early adopter of the Mooncup, and of reusable pads when they were still more of niche market and not available everywhere. I even have some reusable cotton tampons. I loved my cup but it’s now become impossible to use because of my fibroids. I have a ‘mix and match’ approach depending on how heavy things are, and use reusable pads and period pants, along with organic tampons and eco-friendly disposable pads.” (Alyson)

"Once i switched to re-usable products I never went back! Had a mooncup for a while and then switched to period-pants - both great, I prefer the latter. I was caught off-guard while away recently and am now so adverse to the idea of buying tampons that I improvised using two pairs of pants with the removable padding of my bra in-between (I do have light periods though which does make this a bit easier for me)." (EC worker)

"I've been using a mooncup now for years and recommend it to everyone. It only required a one-time purchase so has got rid of any need for plastic, and I find it incredibly comfortable and hygienic. I would recommend reading the advice on the website and give yourself time to get used to the positioning, fit and comfort but it was definitely worth the transition." (EC worker)

Ownership of big menstrual product brands

Some of the most well-known high street menstrual product brands are big multinational firms:

• Always: Procter & Gamble
• Bodyform: Essity UK Ltd (also owns Tena)
• Kotex: Kimberly-Clark
• Lil-lets: Brait Plc (which also owns New Look)
• Tampax: Procter & Gamble

We have rated all of these companies in various shopping guides, and all score badly: click on the links to find out how they perform on issues including animal testing, climate, and workers rights. 

Which companies make reusable or eco-friendly period products?

With reusable period products, and eco-friendly versions of single-use items, becoming more mainstream, the number of brands available just in the UK is an ever-growing list.

Independent brands are generally available from places like wholefood shops and online ethical retailers. Shops like M&S, supermarkets, and the big menstrual care brands e.g. Bodyform, now also make products like period pants and organic tampons. Convenience and price may be factors for which you buy, but generally smaller independent brands tend to have stronger ethics.

This list focuses on more independent and specialist brands, rather than multinationals and companies like M&S which sell other things. It focuses on brands which are available in the UK. We have not rated these companies, but we think buying a reusable product from a small company is a great ethical option.

These lists are not exhaustive and you may find other brands available.

Period pants

• Cheeky 
• DAME
• Fluxies
• Hey Girls
• Love Luna
• Modibodi
• Nixi
• Thrive
• Wuka

Menstrual cups/discs

• AllMatters
• DAME
• Hello
• Iris
• Lena
• Lunette
• Me Luna
• Mermaid
• Merula
• Mooncup
• Moonflower
• Nixit
• Ruby
• Saalt
• Yuuki

Reusable pads and liners

• Cheeky 
• DAME
• Eco Femme
• Hello
• Honour Your Flow
• ImseVimse
• Me Luna
• Sew Sustainable
• Thrive

Eco-disposables

For eco-friendly disposables, some of the specialist brands listed above also make organic and/or plastic free pads, panty-liners and/or tampons.

What’s the best reusable menstrual option for me?

Things to think about when choosing what you need are, in no particular order:

• typical blood flow volume (level of absorption and protection needed)
• your daily activities and lifestyle needs
• whether you prefer internal or external products
• budget 
• environmental priorities
• your skin sensitivity

It’s hard to say exactly what the best option is, but generally:

• If you have a heavy flow, you may find menstrual cups, washable pads or higher-absorbency period pants work best. Or double up by using a cup with a disposable or reusable pad.
• If you want the lowest effort option with the smallest learning curve, period pants or washable pads are usually the easiest place to begin. 
• If you don’t like the idea of internal products, period pants and reusable pads are ideal.

What you use may also change over time, as your body and your periods change. Perimenopause can lead to heavier periods, and more irregular periods. With irregular periods sometimes months apart, you may want to carry a wrapped disposable product in your bag, so that it stays clean until you need it. Fibroids take up space in the uterus and may affect how comfy menstrual cups and discs feel.  

What to look for or avoid for ethical and sustainable period products

Here are some suggested things to look for, or avoid, when choosing ethical and sustainable period products:

What to look for when buying period products:

• Is it reusable? There are many reusable options available, for internal and external use
• Does it use 100% organic cotton? Cotton is one of the most chemical-heavy crops in the world – try to buy from companies that only use 100% organic cotton.

What to avoid when buying period products:

• Does it contain plastic? Many disposable sanitary products contain plastic which can easily end up in the ocean.
• Is it linked to big pharma? There are loads of widely available menstrual products made by small independent companies and often for similar prices, so it is generally easy to avoid purchasing brands owned by big pharmaceutical companies.

FAQs on sustainable period products

1) Can I use a menstrual cup if I have a heavy flow or irregular periods? 

Yes, but you may need to change it more often on heavy days, and double up with a pad or period pants.

2) What’s the best way to transition from disposable pads to reusable cloth pads? 

Try reusables on lighter days to start with, and maybe when you’re at home. You may find a mix of reusable and traditional helpful for several cycles until you work out what is best for you.

3) Are reusable menstrual care products hygienic? 

Yes, if you change them as recommended during use, and wash as per instructions between cycles. For reusable menstrual cups, rinse and clean or wipe between uses, and sterilise between period cycles. Always have clean hands when inserting menstrual products inside you.

4) How long do reusable washable pads last? 

Depending on how much you use them, washable pads can last years and years. 

5) How long do period pants last? 

Period underwear can last several years, if you follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

6) Do I need to use other menstrual products with period pants?

If you have a light or average flow you may not need anything else. But if you have heavier days, you may want to double up with an additional product. Most period pant brands offer options with different absorbency levels.

7) Are there any period swimwear products? 

Yes, although we haven’t focused on them here, more companies now make swimwear which is period-proof.

8) I wear thongs, can I still use reusable washable pads?

Yes, quite a few brands make reusable pads to suit different shapes and styles of knickers. Some brands also make different shaped period knickers, including thongs and boxer shorts/hot pants styles.

Initial research from previous period product guide by Francesca de la Torre.