Why PURE?
Zašto PURE?
What Makes PURE Different?
The PURE concept promotes simplicity and transparency in product composition and offers exclusively products that are non-toxic, healthy, and safe to use, while also considering their environmental impact.
Well-known commercial brands, since they are not legally required, do not disclose the composition of their menstrual products, which are mostly made from plastic and synthetic materials such as Polyester, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene, and often include artificial colors and fragrances whose composition is not directly available to consumers. All of these materials and added chemicals can cause irritation or even allergic reactions on the sensitive skin of the intimate area.
It is concerning that some chemicals are recognized as toxic and banned in certain countries, while in others the regulations do not consider them problematic. Therefore, it is up to the user to make the effort to find out the composition of a menstrual product.
Another important fact is that plastic-based menstrual pads, once used, will remain in the environment and pollute the soil for the next 500 years [1] until they decompose. Even after breaking down into tiny particles or microplastics, they will persist in the soil. Once in the soil, due to their composition and the chemicals added to them, they can contaminate groundwater and pose a threat to the environment.
For all these reasons, Pure pads use only 100% certified organic cotton in both the top layer and the entire absorbent core.
[1] Source: World Wildlife Fund
Why Is Organic Cotton a Healthier Choice?
Cotton has earned the label “dirty” due to the enormous amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and artificial fertilizers used for its cultivation. Although it is grown on only 2.4% of arable land, its cultivation consumes 4.7% of the world’s total pesticides and 10% of insecticides [2]. Large amounts of water are also used for its cultivation, impacting the entire ecosystem.
Pesticides are toxic, and the truth is that no one can say with certainty how daily exposure—even to their residues that may remain in non-organic cotton products—affects our health. Research suggests that pesticide exposure can influence hormonal imbalance, which is essential for both growth and reproduction. Continuous exposure to pesticides has been linked to numerous diseases, including cancer.
PURE products use exclusively certified organic cotton, meaning it is grown without pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers, eliminating even the smallest risk of exposure to chemical residues in cotton. Organic cotton is naturally soft, pH-neutral, and breathable.
[2] Source: International Cotton Advisory Committee
Artificial Fragrances and Colors in Menstrual Pads
Menstrual pads labeled “fragrance,” “scented,” or “perfumed” contain synthetic/artificial scents. In addition, unless otherwise specified, they may also contain colors in the top and absorbent layers of the pad, which are also synthetic. Manufacturers do not publicly disclose the composition of these fragrances and colors, which means users are exposed to thousands of potentially toxic chemicals.
PURE menstrual pads contain no fragrances or colors. They are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive skin prone to irritation and allergies.
What Are Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) and Why Are They Not in PURE Pads?
Menstrual pads may contain superabsorbent polymers (SAP) because they can retain a large amount of liquid relative to their weight. For this reason, they are widely used in the production of pads and diapers. Pads containing SAP have a high absorption capacity, giving the impression that they can be used for longer periods, but this can lead to dryness and irritation of the sensitive skin in the intimate area.
PURE pads do not contain SAP because we want to minimize the risk of any irritation.
Bleaching of Menstrual Products: What to Watch For
The materials used in pads and tampons are bleached to make them appear as clean as possible. Conventional pads found in major retail chains are mostly bleached with chlorine.
Chlorine bleaching produces a byproduct called dioxin, which is classified as a persistent and difficult-to-destroy environmental pollutant. Dioxins primarily enter humans through the food chain and products made using chlorine bleaching. They accumulate in the fat cells of animals and humans. Dioxins are highly toxic and can cause reproductive and developmental problems, impair the immune system, affect hormone function, and even lead to cancer [3].
In the bleaching process for the cotton fibers in both the top and absorbent layers of PURE pads, only the TCF (Total Chlorine Free) method is used, meaning chlorine is not used at all. Hydrogen peroxide is used instead to achieve clean, white cotton.
If pads or tampons are not bleached with chlorine, manufacturers often indicate this transparently on the packaging. Pay attention to labels stating ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) or Chlorine Free, as this means chlorine itself was not used, but derivatives like chlorine dioxide may have been. Only the TCF method guarantees no risk of exposure to chlorine byproducts.
[3] Source: World Health Organization
The Pad’s Waterproof Layer and Individual Wrapper Are Biodegradable: What Does This Mean?
The waterproof layer of the pad is located on its bottom side and prevents menstrual blood from passing onto underwear. Both the waterproof layer and the individual wrapper of PURE pads are made from certified biodegradable materials, meaning they can break down in a composting facility in accordance with OK Compost certification requirements.
Their composition is a combination of PLA (Polylactic Acid) and biodegradable polyester. PLA is classified as a plastic from 100% biological sources, derived from renewable materials such as corn or sugarcane. Biodegradable polyester is a synthetic material.
Which Adhesive Do We Use in PURE Pads?
Adhesive in pads is used to bond the layers of the pad together and to allow it to stick to underwear. The adhesive used in the production of PURE pads is non-toxic in contact with skin and is manufactured in accordance with European Union regulations on good manufacturing practices for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
What Is GOTS?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) provides a credible guarantee to the end consumer that the product they use contains ethically produced cotton, grown without chemical pesticides, without the use of forced or child labor, and respecting both ecological and socially responsible standards.
All PURE products contain organic cotton certified according to the Global Organic Textile Standard by ICEA.
ICEA – Ethical and Environmental Certification Institute is a non-profit consortium that verifies and certifies companies operating in a manner that respects people and the environment, protects workers’ dignity, and safeguards consumer rights. It promotes organic farming and the concept of a sustainable and fair economy, as well as a lifestyle that requires responsible changes in methods, systems, and practices.
