Holland & Barrett launches high street’s first reusable period-wear range

There is no disputing the fact that having a menstrual cycle is expensive, as out of the 800,000 people who menstruate daily, one in four girls or women are unable to afford sanitary products.

While there are reusable products available to buy in stores or online, with over 70% of women saying they want to switch over to a reusable menstrual cup, often these are only available at independent retailers, are expensive and come with high delivery costs.

But one high street giant is set to change the game.

READ MORE: Menstrual cups ‘as reliable as any other sanitary protection’ - and could help the environment

Holland & Barrett has launched the high street’s first reusable period-wear range, including washable sanitary pads and organic period cups.

The UK retailer’s new range hopes to tackle period poverty by ensuring eco-friendly products are available for women at affordable price points.

The range features products such as FLUX Undies, which are period-proof underwear designed to hold up to four regular sanitary towel/tampons’ worth, is leak-proof and keeps you dry for up to 12 hours.

FLUX Undies | £27.99 | Shop now

The OrganiCup is made from silicone, offers up to 12 hours of protection and can be reused over several years.

While the Bloom & Nora Reusable Pads can be washed and reused for up to 10 years, saving up to £2,000 compared to throwaways.

READ MORE: Period poverty tackled with free sanitary products for primary school girls

The retailer has collaborated with ‘Bloody Good Period’, a UK charity whose mission is to end period poverty. The charity works with women from all backgrounds including asylum seekers, homeless women and those who are poverty stricken.

Gabby Edlin, founder of Bloody Good Period, said: “Periods don’t stop because you’re a refugee, or because you can’t afford to buy a pad.

OrganiCup | £15.74 (WAS £20.99) | Shop now

“That’s why partnerships with companies like Holland & Barrett are so important in helping to alleviate period poverty on-the-ground and - vitally- fighting to eradicate it completely.”

Not only will the reusable products help to tackle period poverty, but it will also help decrease plastic waste.

READ MORE: 12 of the best eco-friendly swaps you can make at home

According to OrganiCup, one pack of sanitary pads can contain as much plastic as up to four carrier bags, and the packaging from tampons, pads and panty liners generate more than 200,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year.

Victoria James, category buyer for Holland & Barrett said: “We understand that the current high street options for eco-friendly period wear can often come with a hefty price tag and confusion over efficacy and application.

Bloom & Nora Reusable Pads (x3) | £14.99 | Shop now

“We’re delighted to be the first British high street retailer to offer such a breadth of alternative period products; we hope these new options will leave women feeling more confident about making a choice that is both right for them, and doesn’t cost the earth.”

The new range is part of Holland & Barrett’s Clean & Concious Beauty Initiative, following the blanket ban on wet wipes from stores in May, the world’s first zero-waste vegan beauty bars in July and the zero-waste beauty starter kit in August.

READ MORE: Almost half of women aren’t reaching daily exercise recommendation and periods could be to blame

The full period protection range is available to buy online and in Holland & Barrett stores across the UK.

Yahoo UK is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. At times, Yahoo UK may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Style UK: