Young man talks about starting Femme Organic with his sisters

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A young man who generated $200,000 in sales after signing a deal with top Australian distributors for a highly unlikely product reveals how he fell into the female-dominated industry

  • Thomas Burns, 24, has talked about starting a menstrual care business with sisters.
  • The Femme Organic range is plastic free and recyclable, as well as 100% cotton.
  • They are available to buy online, at Priceline and Woolworths

An Australian family, including a 24-year-old man, is behind one of the country’s fastest-growing plastic-free sanitary businesses that generated $200,000 in initial orders after signing a deal with Priceline and Woolworths.

Thomas Burns, 24, along with his sisters Annabelle, Victoria, Elissa and Mia, are the proud creators of organic womana brand that seeks to destigmatize menstruation by offering high-quality organic products that are beneficial for both people and the environment.

The business started as a passing thought when Thomas overheard his older sister Annabelle, 25, complaining about the plastic waste associated with traditional tampons and sanitary napkins in the market.

Thomas Burns (right), 24, along with his sisters Annabelle, Victoria, Elissa and Mia, are the proud creators of Femme Organic

Thomas Burns (right), 24, along with his sisters Annabelle, Victoria, Elissa and Mia, are the proud creators of Femme Organic

Once Covid hit Australia in 2020, the family had time to brainstorm how they could fix this plastic problem, and Thomas wasn't worried about delving into a female-focused market.

Once Covid hit Australia in 2020, the family had time to brainstorm how they could fix this plastic problem, and Thomas wasn’t worried about delving into a female-focused market.

Once Covid hit Australia in 2020, the family had time to brainstorm how they could fix this plastic problem, and Thomas wasn’t worried about delving into a female-focused market.

‘For me personally, it made a lot of sense. Growing up in a female-dominated household with four sisters and my mother, I was lucky to be surrounded by an environment where I was able to see firsthand my sister’s period-related struggles,” she told FEMAIL.

“Even from a very young age I realized that there were a lot of misconceptions around menstrual health and period care: whenever we had classes or presentations on anything related to female reproductive health and care, my classmates they laughed and made jokes about periods.

“I think it's essential that men help remove any stigma around period talk.  I hated the fact that my own sisters, friends, and family felt uncomfortable talking about a natural bodily process.

“I think it’s essential that men help remove any stigma around period talk. I hated the fact that my own sisters, friends and family felt uncomfortable talking about a natural bodily process,” Thomas said.

Menstruation products contribute greatly to the tons of plastic waste that is generated daily.

Menstruation products contribute greatly to the tons of plastic waste that is generated daily.

“I think it’s essential that men help remove any stigma around period talk. I hated the fact that my own sisters, friends and family felt uncomfortable talking about a natural bodily process.’

Vintage products are large contributors to the tons of plastic waste that is generated daily.

On average, women have about 450 periods in their lifetime, which means they would be using about 10,000 tampons or pads in total.

“Unfortunately, most products available contain plastic packaging that is not only dangerous to consumers, but also fills landfills and contributes to the detriment of our environment,” Thomas said.

Introduced to the public in March 2021, all Femme Organic products are made from 100% organic cotton, are biodegradable, plastic-free, recyclable, compostable, and cruelty-free.

Introduced to the public in March 2021, all Femme Organic products are made from 100% organic cotton, are biodegradable, plastic-free, recyclable, compostable, and cruelty-free.

Introduced to the public in March 2021, all Femme Organic products are made from 100% organic cotton, are biodegradable, plastic-free, recyclable, compostable, and cruelty-free.

“We’ve had rapid growth partnering with retailers like Woolworths and Priceline. We currently have over 600 dealers across the country and are now partnering with numerous local schools, cafes and gyms,” he said.

“We believe period care products should always be easily accessible when needed, no matter what environment you’re in.”