Period goes green with Nordic Swan Ecolabelled menstrual cups
The updated Nordic Swan Ecolabel criteria for Protective and absorbent hygiene products now allow for menstrual cups to be eligible for ecolabelling for the first time.
Reusable menstrual cups are becoming popular because they are a good choice for the environment, comfortable, and save money in the long run. They can be used for several years some up to 10 years, making them a great alternative to disposable products.
"This is a great opportunity for companies that want a trustworthy, highly recognised ecolabel on their products", says Ida Kulander, project manager.
Durability, environmental and health benefits
Reusable menstrual cups have a much lower environmental impact than single-use pads. They produce less than 1% of total environmental impact over a year, of use, compared to pads, according to a LCA study (Hait and Powers). As a menstrual cup can last many years this means a lot less waste over a user's lifetime.
According to research by Tænk, the Danish consumer organisation, most menstrual cups generally contain low levels of potentially problematic chemicals. But the study also found that some menstrual cups may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affect health, based on exposure level and duration. It's recommended that the silicone used meets certain standards to keep VOCs below 0.5% by weight, ensuring safety, especially for products that come into contact with mucous membranes.
This level is in line with the Nordic Swan Ecolabels’ requirements, whose purpose is to set strict requirements on potentially problematic chemicals.
Increasing problem with perfume and lotion in non-ecolabelled diapers
Lotion is increasingly used in non-eco-labelled diapers, produced outside the Nordic region, according to surveys and reports from health and environmental authorities. Lotion and perfume are not permitted in Nordic Swan Ecolabelled diapers because they may contain allergenic substances. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel's chemical requirements also prohibit substances that can be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction, such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and PFAS.
The revised Nordic Swan Ecolabel criteria cover for example the following product types: pads, tampons, diapers and incontinence care products. The requirements have been tightened to ecolabel only the environmentally best products on the market.
For more information
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Ida Kulander Product developer +46 (0)8-55 55 24 81 ida.kulander@svanen.se
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