Period Product Praise: ModiBodi

Welcome to the second installment of 'Period Product Praise', where I share some period companies that are making a change socially and/or environmentally!! This time, I'd like to get you onto Modibodi, if you aren't already!

Modibodi was founded by Kristy Chong in 2011 as a solution to uncomfortable and disposable incontinence products she needed while training for a marathon. From this, she developed the technology and launched a range of leak-proof underwear which has developed into the company we know today. The products are tested to ensure complete absorbency and breathability, and the brand works towards creating a better world in conversations around periods, incontinence, sweat, breast milk, and other 'uncomfortable' conversation topics. Modibodi commits to climate change and provides a more sustainable alternative to disposable pads and tampons, releasing the world's first biodegradable underwear in 2022!!

The company has a passion for moving away from unsustainable or virgin materials and strives towards better fabrics and fibres such as bamboo cellulose, merino wool, organic cotton, and recycled nylon (creating a circular lifecycle for their garments, seen in the photo from the Modibodi website!). They realise that climate change is a huge and pressing issue so preventing their impact as much as possible through product lifecycles is a priority. Modibodi's fibre and fabric principles follow a circular design system including renewable resources, socially responsible practices, minimal environmental impact from fibres, and traceable materials and production processes. This is all visible on their website and 2022 Impact Report.

Modibodi has partnered with Carbon Neutral to complete its first carbon audit, which allows the enterprise to see their greenhouse gas emissions in all areas from headquarters, supply chains, and distribution. In 2021, Modibodi completed a life-cycle assessment, which found that if a customer uses Modibodi underwear for 4 years, the greenhouse gas emissions will be 63-77% lower than using the equivalent tampons and pads, and 960 fewer products!!

According to the company's 2022 Impact Report, their primary focus is to find emission-reducing opportunities throughout the supply chain, and the annual carbon audit helping them reach this goal through calculating scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Side note – the scope system of emissions is a way of categorising the impact through the wider value chain of an organisation. Scope 1 is emissions that a company makes directly e.g., vehicles, scope 2 emissions are indirect e.g., electricity or energy used to heat buildings or run machines, and scope 3 emissions are ones which the company is indirectly responsible for along the line e.g., what the customers do with their products down the line.

Modibodi is an inspirational brand open to discussing their sustainability practices and socially responsible mission and goals. Their products are comfortable, last for years meaning that you don't need to worry about where your next period products are coming from, and the overall company culture is one of ethics and sustainability, shown through them becoming a B Corp and maintaining transparency in their processes. Their period underwear is a more sustainable alternative to pads or tampons, and is a less intimidating step than moving straight to a menstrual cup!