This Founder Is On A Mission To Make Eco Period Products Standard In Hotels

Forbes

9 hours ago

Eco period care dispenser from Freda of London.
Despite the hospitality industry's growing commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, one fundamental need remains routinely overlooked: access to period care products.
'It's quite striking that, despite the industry's drive to become more responsible, it often neglects one of the most basic needs of its female guests,' says Affi Parvizi-Wayne, founder of Freda, a London-based eco-conscious period care company.
While amenities like mini sewing kits, cotton ear buds and shaving kits are standard in most high-end hotels, tampons and pads are typically missing. 'Some hotels claim that period products are available on request, but the reality is that very few guests feel comfortable asking for them,' Parvizi-Wayne notes. 'Most women prefer not to announce their periods at the hotel reception.'
Parvizi-Wayne launched Freda in 2018, following two years of development and early-stage backing from an angel investor. The venture was initially conceived to include period products in hygiene kits for refugees.
Freda has since expanded into the consumer and B2B markets, offering subscription-based period care and bespoke kits for businesses, with a small but growing footprint in the hospitality sector.
'Providing sustainable period care kits in hotel rooms is a simple, powerful way to show genuine care and inclusivity,' says Parvizi-Wayne. 'Not only does this break outdated taboos, but it also supports guest wellbeing and aligns with broader sustainability goals—especially when these products are eco-friendly.'
Freda founder Affi Parvizi-Wayne of London.
Freda's hospitality kits come in several formats: compact sets with a pad and tampon for guest bathrooms, larger pouches for in-room or spa offerings, and stylish dispensers or display boxes for public restrooms. All are designed to sit seamlessly alongside traditional amenities like razors, toothbrushes and, yes, those rarely-used mini sewing kits.
The products themselves are rigorously sustainable: Freda tampons are made from 100% organic cotton, and the pads are composed of 70% natural materials. Free from chemicals, fragrances, and toxins, they are hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and packaged in biodegradable or recyclable materials. Manufacturing takes place in a carbon-neutral facility in Sweden, powered entirely by renewable energy and committed to zero landfill waste.
Still, sustainability presents its own challenges. During a recent heatwave, Freda's biodegradable outer packaging began to break down in transit. 'We discovered our sustainable outer packaging was decomposing before it had got to the customer,' says Parvizi-Wayne. 'For now, it's back to our recyclable but not biodegradable packs.' She's currently working with her Swedish supplier to explore season-specific packaging solutions.
Parvizi-Wayne is vocal about supply chain transparency—something she argues is often lacking in mass-produced 'eco' products. 'Many so-called eco products are made in China, which makes auditing of the factory's sustainability credentials rather difficult,' charges Parvizi-Wayne.
'Our Swedish factory is very transparent about its environmental efforts. Their manufacturing process is designed for minimal environmental impact, with factories operating on 100% renewable energy and generating zero landfill waste—all production waste is either recycled or incinerated to produce heat and electricity.'
Beyond commerce, Freda reinvests 5% of its profits into community initiatives focused on period equity.
'Supporting menstrual health is integral to promoting overall wellness, and this should not solely be the individual's responsibility,' says Parvizi-Wayne. 'Little touches make a big difference in guest experience and by providing period care products hotels create a more inclusive and caring environment for their guests.'