Aldi has become the first UK supermarket to offer free period products in its customer and colleague toilets.
The initiative launched today allows anyone to simply take what they need, with no code word or loyalty scheme required.
Pads and tampons are now freely available in Aldi’s in-store toilets across the country.
The move comes as part of the supermarket’s efforts to combat period poverty in Britain.
Shoppers and colleagues can take advantage in stores
ALDI
Aldi has partnered with leading menstrual equity charity, Bloody Good Period, donating over 1 million period products.
New research from Aldi reveals the extent of period poverty in Britain, with 41 per cent of people who menstruate unable to afford period products. For 15 per cent of respondents, this is ‘very often’ or ‘always’ the case.
A third (30 per cent) face the difficult decision between buying period products or other essential items for themselves and their families.
The study shows 86 per cent of those who menstruate agree that free and consistent access to period products would improve their overall health and well-being.
The research also revealed period products are being ‘shelved’ in supermarkets, with people prioritising milk (30 per cent), fresh fruit and vegetables (29 per cent), and bread (29 per cent) instead.
Those who do buy tampons or pads often sacrifice household cleaning supplies (26 per cent) and food staples like eggs, bread, milk and cereal (all 18 per cent).
Without free access, many rely on friends and family (50 per cent), workplaces (19 per cent), or public services like sexual health clinics (13 per cent).
Some resort to using toilet paper, kitchen roll, old underwear or newspaper as an alternative to sanitary products.
This is a supermarket first
ALDI
Chief commercial officer at Aldi UK Julie Ashfield said: “We never want our customers to have to choose between buying the period products they need and feeding themselves or their families.
“For millions of people across the country, having access to period products is a basic and essential need, and we believe the provision of these in public toilets is as vital as toilet paper and soap. We are proud to announce our toilets will have pads and tampons freely available for anyone who needs them.
“As well as providing for our customers, we are delighted to be partnering with leading charity, Bloody Good Period, who are doing groundbreaking work in the menstrual equity space.
“Our donation of one million period products to Bloody Good Period will help to ensure that people are getting the products they need every month.”
