After struggling with horrendous periods and unreliable single-use period care since the age of 12, I founded Hello Period in 2017 with the mission to create reliable, sustainable period products that were better for people and the planet.
Robyn McLean - Co-Founder and CEO of Hello Period
2024 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Finalist, Asia-Pacific Region
Robyn McLean, co-founder and CEO of Hello Period, transformed her personal struggle with unreliable period care into a pioneering mission for sustainable menstruation products. Founded in 2017, Hello Period aims to offer high-quality reusable period products while normalizing conversations around menstruation and breaking societal taboos. “There’s too much stigma around periods - which is crazy given half the world will menstruate for around 40 years of their lives,” McLean told us.
The Birth of Hello Period
Motivated by her own experiences and the desire for her daughter to have better options, McLean partnered with her best friend, a nurse, to establish Hello Period. They began by manufacturing menstrual cups and soon expanded their range to include menstrual discs, period underwear, and reusable panty liners and pads. Each product is designed to last for years, significantly reducing waste and environmental impact.
Hello Period is distinguished as the only global brand offering a reusable period care product for everyone. Since its inception, the company has diverted over 500 million single-use tampons and pads from landfills, with a goal of reaching 1 billion by 2030. McLean’s commitment to sustainable period care is further emphasized by Hello Period’s B Corporation certification and Climate Positive status, offsetting 120% of their emissions.
Commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Hello Period advocates for reusable period products to become the mainstream choice, aiming to make single-use items the exception (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production). The company’s recycling program offers incentives for customers to return their used cups, which are then recycled into compost bins. Additionally, all product packaging is compostable, and the film on their boxes is plant-based.
McLean and her team are dedicated to reducing period poverty through their Hello Kindness program, which donates reusable products to those in need, ensuring access to reliable period care without financial strain (SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing). This initiative helps women and girls continue their education and work without interruption (SDG 5: Gender Equality).
Looking Ahead
Expanding their influence, Hello Period has secured a grant from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to grow their presence in Australia, achieving nationwide distribution in a pharmacy chain. They have also launched a Workplace Program, encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable period initiatives, and are planning to expand their reusable pad offerings to include various absorbencies.
Robyn McLean’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her dedication to creating a better future for people and the planet through sustainable period care.
I believe that by sharing our knowledge, influence and goals we can have a bigger impact overall.
By Grace Reiter, WE Empower Intern