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Egal created Pads on a Roll, an aptly-named, free-to-consumer product that dispenses pads much like toilet paper rolls. Pilot programs for the product are currently being conducted at several universities and schools in multiple countries using a $1 million angel-funded investment, the company announced on Tuesday, February 28.
Founded in August 2021, Egal's Pads on a Roll offers an in-stall alternative to menstrual product vending machines that the company claims is cheaper to operate, due to the product's easy-to-refill, space- and packaging-saving nature.
“The city of Brookline in Massachusetts spent $40,000 on vending machines," Tom Devlin, Egal’s founder and chief technology officer said. "How about zero?”
The company says it is on an egalitarian mission to support the nearly 62% of women who have to make immediate, unplanned trips to stores to purchase menstrual products, the 25% of menstruating teenagers who miss class because of lack of access to tampons or pads, and the 500 million women and girls who experience period poverty or lack access to menstrual products and facilities globally.
“I understand the humiliation and frustration when your period arrives and you don’t have the products you need. It’s very stressful and can throw off your whole day,” said Penelope Finnie, CEO of Egal. “Our goal with Egal pads is to be there where we are needed to help manage periods with confidence so users can be productive and successful moving forward.”
Multiple countries and US states and communities have mandated or provided funds so that period products will be available for free in public bathrooms, including Washington DC, Arbor, Michigan, and the state of California.
Egal pilot programs have already been introduced at the University of New Hampshire, the University of Vermont, Williams College, a private school in the United Kingdom, and two schools in Rwanda.
The pads are currently being installed in Cambridge Public Schools and the Mother Caroline Academy and Education Center in Massachusetts, as well as several schools in Rhode Island.
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