How sustainable are WUKA period pants?

We're on a mission here at WUKA, to make a sustainable lifestyle accessible to everyone—because after all, sustainability shouldn't be a luxury and periods products definitely aren't either. That's why our period pants are designed to cut waste and replace disposables cycle after cycle.

Did you know that here in the UK, the average menstrual product will take more than 500 years to break down, thanks to the eye-watering amount of plastic it contains? Many period products contain up to 90% plastic and contribute to over 200,00 tonnes of landfill, not to mention the 2 billion items that are flushed down our toilets each year.

While a year’s worth of disposable pads and tampons for one person produces 8.9kg of CO2 emissions—which is the same as charging a mobile phone more than 1000 times—a staggering 36% of British women admit to being unaware how big of an impact single-use period products have on the environment.

How can I have a sustainable period?

Okay, so let’s talk about sustainability and periods. Yes, it is possible to cut the waste your period creates, and to turn your back on single-use disposables for good.

WUKA period pants have 6x smaller carbon footprint compared to pads and 4x less compared to tampons—so by opting to buy just one pair you can save 200 single-use plastic-riddled disposables from polluting our oceans or going to landfill over a two-year period.

To date, our customers have saved an estimated 3500 tonnes of Co2. That’s the equivalent of planting 60000 trees! If all 15 million women and individuals who menstruate in the UK made the switch, we’d save a significant amount of carbon dioxide - our published carbon footprint report shows how we calculate it.

How do we do this?

• We name our materials: organic cotton, Tencel Modal (from responsibly managed beech forests) and recycled polyamide (made from nylon waste including discarded fishing nets).
  
  
• We’re vegan and cruelty free. Registered by the Vegan Society and approved by PETA, and we’re protecting water-based animals by cutting pollution in our waterways too.
  
  
• We use plastic-free packaging. Keeping packaging to a minimum and only using recycled card and compostable corn starch to make individual bags to package our period pants in.
  
  
• We’re reusable. The average pair of WUKA period pants have a life-span of two years, making them at least five times less damaging than disposable alternatives.

Read more about WUKA's carbon footprint here. You can also download the full PDF report on the carbon footprint of menstrual products here to get the lowdown on the environmental impacts of menstrual products.

What are the benefits of WUKA period underwear against disposable pads and tampons?

Single-use disposable tampons and pads are bad news for the environment, but the differences don’t just end there.

1. Better for your pocket. Although WUKA period pants require an initial investment, once you’ve got them you're set for up to two whole years—making an average saving of £156 per year.
   
   
2. No more doubling up. Even on your heaviest days, WUKA pants are designed to fully absorb all leaks and fluids during your cycle, and they won’t slip or move like sanitary pads can.
   
   
3. No more emergencies. Opting for reusable period pants means you’re less likely to get caught out if your cycle is irregular. No more last-minute dashes to the shop to buy emergency supplies, your period pants can just be washed and put away ready for next time.

• Our period pants have a magical gusset, made using lots of breathable, moisture-wicking layers that are not only highly absorbent but also designed to keep you feeling fresh and dry.
  
  
• Comfy and accessible to all. WUKA period underwear is easy to use. This is especially important for younger women and girls who have felt embarrassed or ashamed at having to hide period products at school. There’s no need to smuggle anything up your sleeve with WUKA period pants- just wear them in place of your usual underwear, and carry on as normal!

How reusable are WUKA period pants?

100% completely reusable. And, you can use your WUKAs for up to two years before they need replacing.

Wondering how often you should change your period pants, or whether or not they’re ok for overnight bleeding? We’ve got you.

You know your flow best, so if you tend to be heavier at night-time, then we suggest you go for either a Heavy or Super Heavy absorbency. We recommend you pop them on before you go to bed, then change in the morning.

During the day your period underwear can be worn for up to 8 hours, but on your heaviest days, we recommend you change them every 4-6 hours. Depending on the absorbency, period pants can hold up to 20ml period blood or fluid, which is the equivalent of around 4 tampons. Our super Heavy rage will hold up to 60ml and can be worn for 24 hours, although for hygiene reasons we recommend no more than 12 hours.

Period pants can be placed in the washing basket as normal before washing (don't worry, they wont smell or get smears on your other clothes) and then simply be popped in with your next load.

How do I care for WUKA Period underwear?

While we recognise that period pants do require a little more effort than disposable alternatives, the many other personal and environmental benefits far outweigh the few extra minutes it takes to wash and care for your underwear.

Rinsing is optional and hand washing is not essential (although your WUKA underwear will thank you for it). Simply pop them into the machine on a normal wash—30 or 40 degrees) then air dry inside out. That’s it. Read more detailed care instructions here.

FAQs

How do Period Pants work?

Highly absorbent leak-proof layers within a high rise gusset prevent the any blood or fluid from passing through the underwear—keeping you dry for up to 8 hours. Read more about how period pants work here.

I accidentally tumble-dried my period pants, will they stop working?

An accidental tumble dry is not the end of the world and will not ruin your period pants. We do however advise against tumble drying as it can make your underwear less absorbent over time and result in a much shorter life span for your period pants.

Can WUKA period underwear be used for other purposes, such as urinary incontinence or postpartum bleeding?

Yes, our underwear can be used for many purposes from periods to postpartum discharge, endometriosis flow and bladder leaks.

Do my period pants have any antibacterial treatment?

We don’t add antibacterial spray or silver treatment.

Where is WUKA designed and manufactured?

WUKA period pants are designed and hand packed in the UK and manufactured in China by a very experienced team who manufacture underwear for many famous brands.

Our manufacturer has ISO standard Audits, BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) Audits, Confidence in Textiles (Testing for harmful substances) and Walmart certification.

We believe that we should treat lightly on this earth and leave no footprint behind. We also believe that fair and equal pay is not optional. We only work with suppliers who are prepared to work with us to improve the footprint of our products and who are transparent with their employment and environmental performance. WUKA was founded with a mission, one that puts social and environmental responsibility at its heart.