One year after launch, Daye’s Diagnostic Tampon has joined NHS (National Health Service) Innovation Accelerator. Using cutting-edge testing technology, the tampon allows women to more conveniently test for HPV, which causes 99.8% of cervical cancer cases, as well as other common vaginal infections and STIs, from the comfort of their own homes. 

Daye’s patented technology collects more vaginal and cervical fluid than a standard swab, covering a larger vaginal surface area and increasing the diagnostic accuracy of at-home HPV screening. Daye’s clinical data shows that the Diagnostic Tampon outperforms the self-collected swab in terms of sensitivity and specificity, with the lowest rates of false positives and false negatives when compared against the self-collected and clinician-collected swab. 

Since its launch, Daye has been one of several companies pioneering the use of feminine care products as diagnostic or medical tools with the aim of making testing more accessible and appealing to those who have been underserved by traditional methods. By joining this accelerator, Daye will now be able to pilot the technology at scale, measure real-world outcomes and integrate seamlessly into existing cervical screening pathways. For Daye, it’s not just recognition—it’s a pathway to contributing to the NHS’s mission to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

Daye is just one example of how the feminine care market is changing, seeking to offer benefits beyond menstrual care. Another start-up, The Honey Pot Company, recently launched Calming Herbal Infusion Menstrual Pads. Made with a 100% organic cotton cover, the pads are infused with ashwagandha, lavender and lemon balm to help calm and soothe while providing a sense of calm, without the cooling tingle of the brand’s original herbal pads. They’re ultra-absorbent for leak-proof protection, even overnight.

Innovations like these prove that today’s market is definitely “Not Your Mother’s Menstrual Care Market.” This month, associate editor Tara Olivo (see page 22) talks to brand owners and executives about the many new product formats, independent brands and innovations that are reshaping the feminine care market.

Also this month, we take a look at two key areas that are being redefined by the push toward sustainability—packaging and airlaid nonwovens. Find out how these two categories are using alternative raw materials and lessening the use of plastic in response to retailer mandates, government regulations and, most importantly, consumer wants.

As always, we appreciate your comments.

Karen McIntyre
Editor
kmcintyre@rodmanmedia.com