hi, we're TABOO. Nice to meet you!
WE'RE HERE TO END PERIOD POVERTY
At TABOO, we have a vision.
A vision of a world free from period poverty, where every menstruator has access to safe and dignified period care. Through our Pad it Forward program, TABOO is committed to fighting period poverty here in Australia and overseas, one box of pads (or tampons) at a time.
Find out more about our fight against Period Poverty here!
OUR PRODUCTS
We don’t like to brag, but we like to think our period products are pretty special.
Our pads and tampons are made with certified organic and ethically sourced cotton, packaged up in fully recycled and recyclable cardboard - and unlike most conventional period products, ours are biodegradable. Sometimes less is more, and that's certainly the case with our pads and tampons. They are made without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilisers, perfume, or chlorine bleaching.
Good for you, good for the planet, and good for people experiencing period poverty.
Our pads and tampons are made with certified organic and ethically sourced cotton, packaged up in fully recycled and recyclable cardboard - and unlike most conventional period products, ours are biodegradable. Sometimes less is more, and that's certainly the case with our pads and tampons. They are made without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilisers, perfume, or chlorine bleaching.
Good for you, good for the planet, and good for people experiencing period poverty.
OUR VALUES
TABOO is all about providing high quality, ethical and sustainable products that contribute to effective, sustainable change through our social enterprise model.
- Periods are treated with respect and not stigmatised
- We believe that menstrual wellbeing is a human right, and is not bound to any gender identity.
- The range of goods and services offered are of the highest possible quality, encompassing the most diverse range possible
- We value our environment and will reflect that through company decision making
- We believe that menstrual wellbeing rights are human rights, not bound to any gender identity
- Company relationships, both internal and external, are built on honesty and integrity
- We value equality and will not discriminate against any individual or organisation for any reason, including culture, religion, gender identity, wealth or background
- We champion the social enterprise business model and believe it is a powerful tool for effective, sustainable change
OUR STORY
We're so proud of where we are now, but how did we get here?
Where did TABOO Start?
In early 2016, high school besties Isobel Marshall and Eloise Hall attended an inspiring leadership conference where they were first introduced to the Social Enterprise model of business. As young people with a burning passion for social justice and equal rights, they were exhilarated to learn about this socially-oriented business model. Enthused by the inspiration they’d just absorbed, the design of what would soon become “TABOO” began during the summer holidays before commencing their final year of high school.
How have we grown?
With significant support from experienced mentors and advisors, Izzy and Wheezie moved on to win two catalytic competitions; a local council “Fish Tank '' competition and Start up Adelaide's incubator competition. After another year of hard work, with company registration underway and a stable manufacturing relationship solidified, TABOO successfully raised $56,000 at the start of 2018 to purchase the first order of certified organic cotton pads and tampons.
Isobel and Eloise then travelled to Kenya and India, exploring what menstrual health care looked like in these socially and culturally diverse parts of the world. Inspired and encouraged by the organisations eradicating period poverty, the team came home feeling ready to launch TABOO with all of it's might. TABOO now sells a high-quality organic cotton range of period products with all company profits dedicated to eradicating period poverty.
Where are we now?
Since the arrival and celebration of TABOO products being launched in August 2019, the team has grown in numbers, confidence and passion - we currently have 5 dedicated young people on the team!
You can now find TABOO pads and tampons in OTR stores (SA), National Pharmacies stores (SA), Foodland (SA) and soon to be more! The online sales platform has been tremendously popular, with customers benefiting from TABOO’s subscription model.
Period poverty in Australia is addressed by TABOO through the “pad it forward" program. Through this program, people (commonly non-menstruators) can purchase TABOO products on behalf of someone at risk of period poverty. TABOO then distributes that product to partner organisations that provide period products to those who need it.
The company is loud and proud about periods, advocating for improved provision of menstrual health care and education in Australia and worldwide.
TABOO is a strong advocate for the social enterprise model and hopes to improve government support of this potentially world-changing business model. Menstrual stigma is smashed with TABOO’s branding - we celebrate the process of bleeding amongst a community of passionate people.