Saving our planet
– one period at a time

Setting the standard for sustainable periods since 2002

Trailblazer, ethical pioneer, a game changer – over 2 million #RealMooncupUsers around the world have already made the switch to sustainable periods with the Mooncup menstrual cup.

The multi-award winning Mooncup® was born of a desire to drastically reduce the waste produced by throwaway period products. Created in 2002 in Brighton, we produce the world’s first medical grade silicone reusable menstrual cup: putting an end to the waste, expense and discomfort of disposable tampons and pads.

Reusable period products were unheard of when we first started. There was no category for sustainable period products on supermarkets’ period aisles. People didn’t talk about periods and were revolted by what we were doing. To bring reusable period products to the mainstream, we’ve needed to do some serious taboo busting!

Around 500 million people worldwide still lack adequate facilities for managing their periods. While periods are a natural process, poverty and stigma have a huge impact on young people’s education. We passionately believe that everyone should have the basic right to menstruate without shame or stigma.

Protecting our beaches from period plastic

Since the outset we have been fighting for a world with no period plastic waste on our beaches (or anywhere else for that matter!). Disposable period products are the fifth most common item washed up on beaches across Europe. And it’s a plastic problem… Beyond the visible plastics of wrappers, backing strips and applicators, conventional period products can contain up to 90% plastic within their composition too.

Big changes start with small steps, and we all have the power to make a difference. For years, we’ve been participating and organising annual beach cleans on behalf of Marine Conservation Society, helping to record data on beach litter and form a detailed picture of the levels of waste pollution in our marine and coastal environment.

At Mooncup Ltd sustainability extends to our customer service too. We know that – like anything new – it may take a little time to get the knack of using a menstrual cup. Unused menstrual cups end up as waste, which is one of the reasons why our team are always on hand to help with any questions – we’re help to help you in every part of your Mooncup journey. You can reach us at [email protected]

Zero waste. Period.

The Mooncup menstrual cup is made in the UK from platinum cured, medical grade silicone. As well as supporting local manufacturing, by making the Mooncup® close to home we ensure sustainable manufacturing practices and minimal environmental impact.

Silicone is derived from silica which is one of the most abundant minerals on earth. We have chosen not to add food colourings or pigments to the Mooncup for health, ethical and environmental reasons. A transparent Mooncup, made from natural and unpigmented silicone, is zero waste and contains no dyes, perfumes, BPA, phthalates, plastic, bleaches or toxins.

All Mooncup packaging is plastic free and recyclable. The unbleached, organic cotton storage bag that comes with each Mooncup sold is manufactured in a carbon neutral factory that plant a tree for every 1,000 units they make.

Viva la vulva! Smashing the period taboo together

Right from the start we’ve been committed to not buying into the shame, secrecy or embarrassment of old-school feminine hygiene advertising. From our 2010 Love Your Vagina campaign in the London Underground to thousands of face-to-face discussions in festivals, schools and marches, we’ve been chipping away at the taboo around periods for almost two decades.

Our ground-breaking ad campaigns, guerrilla stickering of toilets around the country and powerful word of mouth campaigns made the ‘Mooncup’ a household name and paved the way for reusable period products around the world.

But it was the real Mooncup users who helped to smash the menstrual taboo. We have long known that word of mouth recommendation has been the key to the Mooncup® menstrual cup moving from ‘hippy’ alternative to the go-to period product. We know that there is no such thing as a typical #RealMooncupUser: each one of us is unique, united by a mission to have a more positive, healthy and eco-friendly period.

Read more about our story

Fighting to end period poverty

Period poverty means lack of access to appropriate period products. This can be because of financial reasons, but it’s also strongly linked to the stigma and shame around periods.

The lack of menstrual products in poorer regions can lead to resourceful solutions from using rags to cow patties, old blankets or leaves (sometimes worn internally to stop the menstrual flow). Reports also suggest that it is not uncommon for girls in these regions to engage in transactional sex to obtain basic goods, including sanitary pads.

We are committed to working towards ending period poverty both at home in the UK and globally. To date, over 20,000 people with periods have received a free Mooncup menstrual cup through the charity and period equality projects we have participated in.

We’re proud to be the go-to experts on sustainable periods, consulting with government bodies and collaborating with NGOs, brands and influencers in creating a better, shame-free and inclusive period experience for all.