Onwa

Over 30 chemicals can be found inside some of the most frequently used pads and tampons that are potentially dangerous for women’s health. What is more, in a lifetime, a single person who menstruates will use somewhere between 5,000 and 15,000 pads and tampons and is expected to throw away roughly 400 pounds of period product packaging. While not the leading pollutants, pads and tampons end up in landfills before they break down into microplastics that pollute oceans, rivers, beaches and contaminate our water supply.

Onwa’s menstrual underwear is made of Oekotex and biomaterials that are free of dangerous substances. The absorbent material is antibacterial and antiallergic which also means that it eliminates odors. The material makes the period panties leakproof, but it also eliminates all the extra water from the menstrual blood which gives an impression of dryness. They can be worn for between 8 to 12 hours which replaces 3 to 5 tampons or pads. They can also be worn multiple times during one period for up to 5 years.

According to Onwa’s research, a majority of women said that they do not need to visit the gynaecologist after their periods after using Onwa’s period underwear. The women that were in the test group felt healthier, safer from leaks, and happier that there were no unpleasant odours. They also noted that they felt more productive at work since they did not need to change their pads or tampons every 4 or 5 hours. Furthermore, the more women use menstrual underwear, the less menstrual pads and tampons make it to our landfills. 

“The experience with BOOST gave Onwa an opportunity to take our entrepreneurial mindset to a higher level and understand the various aspects of building a business. It also gave us ideas about whom to partner with in order to help more women.” 

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