Internal Collab - new period packaging research

https://www.fastcompany.com/3068729/this-is-the-greatest-tampon-packaging-period

Thinx

Thinx is an underwear company which sells absorbent underwear for the purposes of menstruation. They have bought out a range of new organic tampons. Their packaging is very bold and features an obvious vagina on packaging. The packaging features a plastic cover which slides on and off, to show the picture of the tampon underneath. This packaging reflects the motion of removing a tampon. The slogan on the side of the box is 'for real menstruating humans'. I thought this language was important, that the brand acknowledges that not just women have periods. The packaging reflects the brands typical tongue in cheek suggestive branding. NY transport authority refused to put up some of their advertisements because they featured the word period. After a big outcry about the subject, other adverts were put up with symbolic imagery such as a grapefruit to represent a vagina and runny egg to symbolise blood flowing. The design is understated as they wanted to feel as if it was in an art gallery, not an advertisement.

Lola

Lola is an all natural tampon brand, sold in a monthly subscription which charges £10 for pack of 18. The minimal, understated design of the box means that can put it in the bathroom and it doesn't remind you of your period. It is very discreet. This need for discretion is echoed by the founders who acknowledge that “Women aren’t going to tweet about their period or their tampon; if they find a new product, they’re going to talk about it in small circles”. However, whilst the packaging is discreet, the brand is doing its bit to educate and instigate a conversation by educating male investors about periods and tampon design.

Cora

A similar subscription premise to Lola, and similar design too. The products are designed to be subtle for purposes such as carrying them to the bathroom when at work. The black and white packaging is sophisticated and even comes with carry cases which do not resemble period packaging at all. Whilst the design is pretty, the product focuses on a different cause than normalising periods. The brand supplies to women who suffer from period poverty in third world countries etc.

Conscious period

Conscious period does the opposite to Cora. The bold, fun packaging of the tampons makes it obvious what the product inside it is. The packaging is unapologetic, with the purpose of normalising periods, as well as to instigate a conversation about it. The colours are varied, from yellow and blue to pink and purple, however I feel as if the colours are very feminine, so are exclusive to people of different genders.