Has an iso Plastic Free July got you thinking about going plastic free once a month, every month?

It’s easier than you may think!

If you’re spending more time at home, now is the perfect time to try reusable menstrual products, giving yourself space to adjust to them. They do take some getting used to, but really not a lot if you’re gentle on yourself and be patient.

Why choose reusable period products?

Not only do reusable menstrual products help you cut plastic and waste every month, but they empower you to learn more about your body, AND they save you heaps of cash in the long run. They are an investment initially but when you add up all the disposables you’re not buying anymore, it’s a no-brainer. So why choose to reuse?

1. Save money!

2. Reduce your waste significantly. One cup will last you 3 years, plus.

3. Learn more about your own body and be empowered by this!

4. Convenience: you can leave a cup in anywhere from 8 - 12 hours, and you don’t (necessarily) need to change it throughout the day.

Personally, my favourite combination is my menstrual cup and period underwear. They have both changed my life!

I wish period underwear was around when I was at school, they just help you feel so much more at ease. I find the combo with my cup is ideal, giving me extra confidence during my period, and the undies alone are great on the light and not-sure-when-it’s-arriving days.

My go-to underwear is by Modibodi, the original period an incontinence undies here in Australia, and I love that they offer nude, seamless pairs that work flawlessly under any outfit. I’ve just treated myself a pair of the new period undies by TOM Organic, they’re black, full-bodied and classic, and say they absorb up to two regular tampons of fluid. You can get them at Coles supermarkets (in a compostable cardboard box), so no need to seek out speciality stores or buy online.

myoni cup review

I have been a cup convert for quite a few years now, and it was finally time to replace my first one. They don’t last forever but this one was great for at least 4 years (I can’t quite remember!). While thinking about what my next investment would be, I met the lovely ladies who founded Australian-made brand, Myoni, at a Peppermint Magazine function late last year.

They mentioned their cups were manufactured right here in Australia, in my home state of Queensland no less, AND they offered a cup take-back recycling program for when they were worn out. I was sold!

My peach-coloured new BFF arrived in the post with a gorgeous little keeper pouch with artwork by local artist Claire Ritchie. It’s a soft material and easy to squish for insertion, and it cleans easily. Best tip is to clean with boiling water before and after each cycle.

I caught up with co-founders Sarah, Matilda and Fiona about why (on earth!) they started a business making menstrual cups, how their design is different, why cups are better and how to get past any fears around using one. They also share tips on how to secure government grant funding for start-up businesses.

Introducing, Myoni: Australian-made menstrual cups.

How do the three of you know each other and what are your backgrounds? Is Myoni your full time job?

Sarah: We are three long-time friends from uni who all share a passion for sustainability and social justice, had used menstrual cups for ages and they changed our lives, so we wanted to see them go beyond being an ‘alternative thing’. None of us are from an industrial design or business background so we’ve learnt a lot!

Matilda: We each had our own unique period experiences and saw that a lot of people experience periods as an expensive inconvenience. Not to mention the social and environmental costs, like tonnes of disposables going to landfill.

Fiona works in Rock Art Research, Sarah is a teacher, energy alignment practitioner and creative (acting, writing) and Matilda has a background in Community Development and is a mumma of two beautiful little ones.

I must ask: of all the things to design and start a business around, why a menstrual cup?

Sarah: We wanted to create an offering that aligns with our values of quality, ethical production, sustainable practices and social justice. Our intention is that this serves as a tool for broader conversations around periods, taboo, health and period poverty.

Why do you think a cup is better for menstruating people to use, what are the benefits?

Sarah: Menstrual cups save money, waste and space, not just physically in the drawers and cabinets but mentally too - buh-bye emergency dashes to the shop!

No one enjoys getting caught out, it’s great that you can use a cup when you feel like your period is coming or carry it in your bag to be whipped out when needed. In the last few years, we have seen an explosion in the availability of menstrual cups. This is fantastic news, as many people are finding that menstrual cups provide a more comfortable and convenient, lower cost, and lower waste way to manage their period.

Unfortunately, not all menstrual cups are created equal. People need to make sure their cup meets quality assurance standards.

More menstrual cups are springing up on the market now as people discover the benefits. You say not all cups are created equal - how so?

Sarah: There are reputable brands out there, many are high quality and most are made offshore. It’s a good idea to go with cups that have a listing with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), or the regulatory body in your region/country, or are manufactured and sold in places where these conditions are assured with appropriate quality assurance. 

Fiona: Then, there’s another category of offshore, unregulated menstrual cups which lack transparency and quality assurance, and which don’t meet Australian standards. These are often sold at very cheap prices online and the quality assurance chain is difficult to track.

Some [brands] say they are made with medical grade material but there is no compliance or documentation to support where they are produced, nothing to regulate this. This is where we’ve seen a spike in popularity and find it concerning. If you are unsure ask the company where and to what standards their cups are made. Australia has some of the strictest guidelines for manufacturing such devices which aligns with our values, it also means we know who makes our products and where, reducing mileage in getting them to us. 

And how is Myoni different, what sets you apart?

Fiona: Myoni Cup is recyclable and responsibly made and owned in Australia, we are an all-female social enterprise start up that came together to make, do and promote good things. We donate 50% of profits to community partners who are making positive impacts in the world. Our current focus is period poverty. 

Matilda: The cup itself has a contoured finish and is designed to be less intrusive. It is made from a recyclable material that is approved by the TGA for use in other similar intimate body applications. Because Myoni Cup is recyclable we cut down on our waste in production and are currently developing a post-consumer take back programme to recycle old cups too. 

How does your recycling program work, where can people send their cups at the end of life?

Sarah: The post-use recycling program is still being created. For now, we ask people to send them to us to be stored for when this is enacted. It is something that hasn’t been done before but it can be, that is WHY we chose this particular material and we are continuing to engage with innovative companies in the recycling industry to make this happen.

What would you say to people who are hesitant to try a cup - how can they overcome any barriers to make the switch?

Sarah: It is a game changer and a behavioural change can take some adjustments so hang in there!

It's handy to practice inserting, wearing and removing when you don’t have your period to practise this step and types of folds. We find the ‘punch down fold’ works great with our cup (you can check out a video on how to do this here!).

People freak out that it can get stuck - we totally understand! It’s ok, it can’t. If you feel it’s gone ‘beyond reach’, well, this may seem counterintuitive but relax and ‘bear down’, like you are having a bowel movement. Insert a few fingers to feel for the base of the cup. Gently pinch it and guide it down. 

You received funding from the Queensland State Government to launch Myoni and manufacture onshore. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs seeking funding to launch a locally-made product?

Sarah: Yes we were very grateful for that support, it made the making of Myoni align with our values and supporting local business, possible. Advice to others would be, know your ‘why’, know your market, and point of difference. And also that product design and creation can take time (a lot longer than you think).

What's next for Myoni? Are you expanding your range or your reach?

Sarah: We’d like to expand our reach and see Myoni on more shelves. We want to connect more through our community and a podcast is in the works to further the conversation around a new paradigm in menstrual health, lifestyle and aligning life with your values.

Shop Myoni Australian-made menstrual cups
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