Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether (a) recyclable and (b) reusable sanitary products have been included in the scheme to make free sanitary products available in schools.

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

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