The will to reduce waste also extends to intimate hygiene. More and more people are abandoning pads and tampons and opting for more sustainable solutions like the cup. Another option that has been looking for its audience for some time is menstrual panties, designed to absorb menstruation without having to use anything else.
The Barcelona-based Cocoro was one of the first companies to enter the market with this new proposal for menstruation. Their panties, manufactured entirely in the Catalan capital, resemble conventional ones, but are thicker to be able to absorb menstruation, vaginal discharge, and light urine leaks. To do this, they combine different types of fabrics to retain these liquids, such as a layer of organic cotton and a layer of antibacterial absorbent technical fabric. The panties can be worn for hours and can be reused, washing them up to 60 times.
The company sells its underwear in stores and pharmacies throughout Spain. It also does so through its website and platforms such as the Barcelona-based Platanomelón, which has also started designing its own menstrual panties. Cocoro began operating in 2016, after closing a microfinancing round through Verkami. It managed to raise 169,000 euros and added more than 3,400 patrons. Three years later, it closed a new round, through which they sold company shares and mobilized about 320,000 euros.
Cocoro sells its underwear in stores and pharmacies throughout Spain, as well as through its website and platforms such as the also Barcelona-based PlatanomelónThe resources from this second round were supposed to help them grow their sales team and expand their product throughout Europe, as well as invest in R&D. Currently, the company is already present in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, and Portugal, among others.
In the midst of the pandemic and with Brexit, the company has closed several distribution agreements to bring its menstrual panties to the United Kingdom. Cocoro has placed its product on online platforms that promote responsible and sustainable consumption, such as Ethical Superstore, Natural Collection, Frank & Faith, and Spirit of Nature. In addition, the company has positioned itself on Amnesty Shop, Amnesty International's virtual platform, and in the physical store Coco-Boo. To reach these agreements, it has had the support of Acció.
With its entry into the United Kingdom, Cocoro expects to increase sales in this market by 20% by 2023. Today, 34% of the company's activity is dedicated to export, and with the expansion to the British country, it expects to balance national and international turnover within three years. In 2020, it doubled its income compared to the previous year, reaching a total turnover of 800,000 euros. With a staff of 17 employees, it has a growth forecast of 300% for 2022.