Educational Institutions: Sanitary Protection

(asked on 8th January 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Answer of 28 October 2019 to Question 2798 on Educational Institutions: Sanitary Protection, which of the products to be made available to schools and 16-19 institutions (a) contain (i) plastic, (ii) plastic applicators and (iii) no plastic and (b) are reusable; and what steps he is taking to promote the use of sustainable products under that scheme.


Answered by
Michelle Donelan Portrait
Michelle Donelan
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
This question was answered on 14th January 2020

The scheme will provide a wide range of period products for schools and 16-19 organisations to choose from. This will include environmentally friendly pads, reusable pads, organic non-applicator tampons and menstrual cups. The ingredients for each product will be provided on the ordering portal and in the scheme’s guidance.

Schools and colleges know their learners best and will have the freedom to select the most suitable products for their learners, considering cost and type of product. We will be monitoring product choice closely and will continue to seek opportunities to encourage the use of sustainable products as the scheme develops.

Reticulating Splines