Sustainability sells. Companies know that more of us are making eco-conscious choices, so they’re quick to plaster words like "biodegradable," "organic," and "natural" across their products. But in the world of period care, where plastic-heavy disposables have dominated for decades, not all "green" claims hold up.
Greenwashing—when brands mislead consumers about how sustainable they really are—is rampant in the industry. So how do you separate the genuinely eco-friendly from the marketing spin? Let’s break it down.
🚨 Beware of Vague Language
Words like "eco," "green," and "natural" sound good, but they don’t mean much. If a period brand claims to be "sustainable," but doesn’t back it up with clear information about materials, production, or disposal, be skeptical.
🚩 Red flag: "Our pads are made with organic cotton!" (But what about the rest of the pad? The backing? The packaging? The adhesives?)
👀 What to look for: Transparency. Reputable brands will tell you exactly what their products are made of and how they impact the environment.
🚨 Plastic-Free? Check Again.
Many mainstream brands are jumping on the sustainability bandwagon with "plant-based plastic" and "compostable" packaging. But just because something contains less plastic doesn’t mean it’s plastic-free—or truly biodegradable.
🚩 Red flag: Products labeled "biodegradable" without any certification or breakdown timeframes. Some "biodegradable" plastics take centuries to degrade in landfill conditions.
👀 What to look for: Certifications like OK Compost Home or TÜV Austria, which confirm whether a product can actually break down naturally.
🚨What’s Really in Your Tampon?
Tampon brands love to market their products as "cotton soft", but many conventional tampons contain synthetic fibres, fragrances, and chemical treatments—all of which can impact vaginal health and the environment.
🚩 Red flag: Brands that don’t list full ingredients. If you don’t know what’s in it, that’s a problem.
👀 What to look for: 100% organic cotton tampons with zero synthetic fibres, perfumes, or chlorine bleach. Even better? Look for a third-party certification like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). Check out DAME's tampons, which are just what you're looking for 😇
🚨 Carbon Offsetting ≠ Sustainability
Many companies promote their carbon offset programs, implying that their products are environmentally neutral. But carbon offsetting alone doesn’t make a product truly sustainable if the core materials and production processes are still harmful.
🚩 Red flag: Brands that focus on "offsetting" rather than reducing their actual footprint.
👀 What to look for: Companies that invest in low-impact production, use renewable materials, and minimise waste at the source.
🚨 The Disposable vs. Reusable Debate
Some disposable period products claim to be "eco-friendly" simply because they use slightly better materials. But when it comes to waste, reusable products like menstrual cups, period pants, and reusable tampon applicators will always be the more sustainable choice.
🚩 Red flag: A company that calls its single-use products "the most sustainable option."
👀 What to look for: Brands that offer genuine reusables or fully biodegradable disposables (and clearly explain how to dispose of them properly). DAME's period pants and reusable pads are a great example, and we don't mind saying so ourselves ❤️
Conclusion: Demand Better
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. As consumers, we need to demand transparency, genuine innovation, and products that actually reduce waste, not just green-tinted marketing.
Next time you see an "eco-friendly" period product, ask yourself:
→ Does it clearly state all ingredients and materials?
→ Does it have legitimate certifications to back up its claims?
→ Does it actually reduce waste, or is it just a slightly "better" version of disposable plastic?
If the answers aren’t clear, it’s probably greenwashing. Your body and the planet deserve better.
