Sustainable period products: mitigating beach waste and period poverty
Lead Research Organisation:
De Montfort University
Department Name: School of Fashion and Textiles
Abstract
As agreed with AHRC please see the Case for Support attachment for the full application information
Organisations
| Description | The design and development of an improved reusuable period pant Better understanding of the needs of the consumer and engagment with using reusuable period products Recommendations to mitigate waste and tackle period poverty and education |
| Exploitation Route | Seeking further funding to take this valuable work forward Enhanced design and development work for period pants PhD and MSc projects Outreach work with schools |
| Sectors | Education Environment Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Other |
| Description | The findings have been used to shape a second Design Exchange Partnership application to take the concept further. This is to allow greater research and development to create a biodegradable period pant that not only functions effectively but can be managed at the end of product life (recycling, biodegradation and composting). |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Creative Economy,Education,Environment,Healthcare,Retail |
| Description | Design Exchange Partnership |
| Amount | £113,186 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2024 |
| End | 02/2025 |
| Description | Welsh government engagement (Period Dignity) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Through the project we have engaged with the Welsh Government through Period Dignity. This engagement initially was through a survey produced as part of the project research to gain insight into period pant users and potential users. The surveys were distributed within Wales and in England to engage with period pant users from age 10-18 (minors) to adults through to post menopausal age. The survey and focus groups that were held aimed to engage end users and educate them on the benefits of reusable products. This engagement built a relationship with the welsh government (period dignity) and the welsh local authorities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |