March 2024 - Sustainable Femtech Network Newsletter

Biodegradable contraceptive, celebrity endorsement for babycare B-Corp and why investing in emerging menstrual health markets is important

                                                               

 

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News 

👩‍🔬 Clinical trial for biodegradeable contraceptive 

The first trial of a novel biodegradable contraceptive implant has commenced. Casea S by FHI 360 is an implant designed to dissolve in the body after 18-24 months, eliminating the need for medical removal.

👶 Hilary Swank partners with B-Corp babycare brand

HealthyBaby, the plastic-neutral diaper and wipes company has announced Hilary Swank as partner and Chief Innovation Officer.  

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                                                  Future Focus
 

🌎 'Don't send us pads!' - The need for investment in menstrual health

Investment in developing menstrual health markets provides an incredible opportunity to impact women, economies AND the environment. With 500m menstruators worldwide still unable to access safe, affordable and quality products, this excellent article from Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) explains why a radical rethink is needed. As RHSC notes;

'Not only is there a very real need to ensure that a growing population can meet its health needs, there is also a very real environmental impact of menstrual health management. Addressing the environmental impact associated with menstrual health should not be a burden that is passed on to menstruators, but rather, one that is solved through product innovation and the availability of product choice.'

(Read the related Hystra report in our Resource section)

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                                                         Events 

♻️ Moving towards a circular MedTech sector

Free lunchtime webinar hosted by the UKRI Circular Economy hub

Online - 12:00pm GMT on Thursday 7th of March 2024

🛠️ Longer in Use and Reuse Workshop

InnovateUK are hosting a workshop in London for companies considering extended product lifecycles and reuse. (We'll also be there to talk about our work with Oshun Labs and the Sustainable FemTech Network - come say hi!) 

London, UK - Tuesday March 26th 2024. 

⏩ SHARE 2024 - Sustainable Healthcare Academic Research and Enterprise 

Register now for this free online conference co-hosted by the University of Brighton, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. 

Online - 25th June 2024.

♽ ReMed conference 

The ReMed programme explores circularity and recycling in the MedTech and HealthTech sector. The next conference in September is open for registration now. See you there?  

Loughborough, UK - Tuesday 17th September, 2024.

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                                                      Resources

💰 Make your money matter: How green is your company pension?   

Greening your pension can reduce your carbon footprint 21x more than going veggie, giving up flying and switching energy providers. For founders and CEOs, switching to a greener, more ethical company pension provider is a great way to increase your impact. Check how your provider scores here. (UK-based - let us know if you'd like to see this for other countries!)

📄 A business case for the Global South as a market for reusable menstrual health products 

Hystra reports in detail on the untapped market of 800 million menstruators in the Global South. 

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                                         Accelerators and Awards

 👩🏾‍⚕️ Are you a female founder with an impact-led business?

Startup Discovery School is running a Women in Impact Accelerator with an emphasis on women-led businesses that address sustainability challenges. We would love to see members of our SFN community get the support they need, so apply here.  

📈 Calling Female Entrepreneurs in the Global South 

Bayer Foundation wants to empower female founders in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East who are working in health and nutrition. Gain valuable exposure, resources, and opportunities for your business to thrive with the Bayer Foundation Accelerator as well as a €25,000 cash prize.

📦 Sustainable Healthcare Packaging Awards 

The Tyvek Sustainable Healthcare Packaging Awards recognise leaders in the healthcare industry who utilise Tyvek^® packaging products to drive sustainable progress. Any FemTech, HealthTech or MedTech company using Tyvek-based packaging can apply here.

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                                                     Funding

💫  iF Social Impact Prize 

Health-focused companies whose social impact is aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals can apply for a share of €100,000 in funding.

🌐 Zayed Sustainability Prize 

If you are an innovative SME or Non-Profit working on sustainable solutions (there is a health category!), apply now for the Zayed Sustainability Prize  with a global prize fund of up to $1m.  

⚕️Wellcome Trust Climate Impact Awards 

For researchers in climate and health - the Wellcome Trust is looking for transdisciplinary teams who will deliver short term, high impact projects that drive climate policy change by demonstrating the impact of climate change on physical and mental health. Up to £2.5m in funding is available for up to 3 years of research.  

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Jobs

Account Manager - Grace & Green

Sustainable period care company Grace and Green are looking for an Account Manager.

Trade Marketing Manager - &Sisters

Eco-friendly period brand &Sisters are looking for a Trade Marketing Manager

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👋  That’s all for this edition. See you next month! 

PS: Forward this to a friend and let them know about all those awards and funding opportunities!