10046920Innovative, sustainable menstrual product line, using UK-grown and processed hemp fibreClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKEHC is a UK hygiene products SME with a core project team of Frances Lucraft (CEO/Founder), Richard Summerfield (Project Lead/Partnerships Director); Dr David Huggett (Agroecology and Technical Materials Expert and Advisor) and Andrew Jones (Hemp Cultivation, Processing and Manufacturing Expert) of Fibra Crops Solution Ltd (FCS); Dr Steven Neill and Vera Chetty (Chief Innovation and Technical Officers in Non-wovens Innovation). The majority of menstrual products currently available are made using synthetic fibres that take hundreds of years to degrade. Disposal of single-use period products generates 200K tonnes of waste per year in the UK alone. Some products use natural fibres, such as cotton, but the environmental cost in water/energy/land and pesticide use in growing cotton is significant. Thus, there is a need for alternative products that are biodegradable with improved environmental impact in their growing, processing and manufacturing. EHC is developing a range of menstrual products made from environmentally friendly 100% organic hemp. Compared to cotton, a single hemp plant generates 220% more fibre using 50% less water. The 'field-to-pharmacy' approach will utilise raw material that is grown and processed in the UK. Hemp is breathable, antibacterial, hypoallergenic and provides effective performance against leaks and odours, thus making it the perfect raw material for innovative hygiene products that are environmentally sound. Many women and organisations are seeking products that are more sustainable, toxin and plastic-free, with a lower CO2 footprint. In addition to being high-performance led, customers will buy these products knowing the raw material and manufacturing processes are far more ethical and sustainable, as well as being chemical-free, ensuring that the new hemp period line offers improved health benefits to alternative conventional products.