PEPTONIC medical AB (publ) intimate wellness brand Lunette has been appointed official menstrual cup partner to the United Nations. The move will see Lunette Menstrual Cups featured within free period care packages - or 'dignity kits'. UN will buy products to the kits from the selected suppliers and distribute them internationally.

Key focus is on countries and refugee camps where access to such products is often limited. As a pioneer in the menstrual cup space Lunette®, which launched its first cup in 2005, is well positioned to provide safe and sustainable period care to millions of people on an international scale. Whilst a small number of cups have previously been distributed through the UN, this is the first time that a long-term agreement has been established ensuring high-quality menstrual cups are consistently accessible to people who need them.

The initial partnership spans over 3 years with a potential of 2 years prolongation. The agreement is the result of a tender process, where a technical file and a financial file were submitted separately. To be eligible for consideration, bidders were required to comply with the United Nations Supplier Code of Conduct.

Lunette® is a long-term participant of the UN Global Compact Program, which is believed to have facilitated the selection of Lunette as a partner in this process. The partnership is part of a wider mission by the UN to end period poverty and is in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. In recent years, menstruation has been recognised as a human rights issue - with research illustrating people with periods are more likely to be victims of abuse, health issues and limited opportunities if they aren't given access to safe and hygienic period products.

Questions have previously been raised about the suitability of menstrual cup use in areas where resources such as water and cleaning products were limited. However, a 2021 pilot study by Femme International showed that not only are menstrual cups safe to use on a global scale - but they can actually improve the lives of people who use them. The research, which focused on participants in Moshi, Tanzania, highlighted the many benefits of using menstrual cups including reduced risk of urinary tract infections and increased levels of self confidence.

As a reusable period care option, menstrual cups are not only better for the body - but for the planet too. The partnership with Peptonic Medical's brand Lunette® will contribute towards some of the UN's key Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality, good health and wellbeing and responsible consumption and production.