International Paper and Always partner to drive systemic solutions and commit to providing more than 25,000 Period Care kits to people with periods across the globe
SOURCE: International Paper Company
DESCRIPTION:
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 12, 2022 /3BL Media/ - International Paper (NYSE: IP), the leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products, and Always, the leader in global menstrual care, have joined forces to address period poverty, an issue facing more than 500 million women and girls globally.
The lack of access to period protection is often known as period poverty – and it affects millions of people around the world. At least 500 million women and girls globally lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management1. Even the most economically developed countries have some level of it. In the U.S., nearly 1 in 5 young people have missed school because they didn’t have access to the period products they need2.
Beginning in March, Women’s History Month, International Paper kicked off their partnership with Always by holding a series of packing events in locations across its global operations to raise awareness about period poverty and provide Period Care kits to people who need them the most. Period Care kits included menstrual care products donated by Always.
Today, they take their collective efforts to Washington D.C. in advance of Menstrual Hygiene Day and in support of Congresswoman Grace Meng’s Menstrual Equity for All Act – advocating for systemic change. This bill aims to ensure that young people in the U.S. have access to period protection so no one misses school because of their periods. To help support the ongoing need for period products, Always and International Paper – alongside Feeding America, are hosting an event in Washington D.C. to discuss period poverty and work together to pack 500 period product kits to donate to Mary’s Center, a local community health center serving the Washington, D.C. metro area.
By the end of 2022, International Paper and Always will have provided more than 25,000 Period Care kits to people across the world.
“International Paper and Always strongly believe in empowering girls and women. When girls have access to the products and resources they need each month, there’s nothing they can’t accomplish,” said Jason Handel, vice president of sales, Global Cellulose Fibers, International Paper. “This effort is aligned with our Vision 2030 goal of impacting 100 million lives. As we strive to be a force for good in our communities, we are proud to partner with Always, and we are incredibly grateful for our team members across the world who are helping resolve this important issue.”
“Since the launch of our #EndPeriodPoverty program in 2018, we have donated over 160 million period products to those in need around the world, including 50 million products here in the U.S. We’re thrilled to continue our joint efforts with International Paper to help #EndPeriodPoverty and advocate to bring about societal change so that lack of period protection doesn’t stand in the way of education and confidence ever again,” said Melissa Suk, Vice President of North America Feminine Care at Procter & Gamble. “Always has been championing people’s confidence for more than 35 years and we are excited to collaborate and form alliances with individuals and organizations – like International Paper – who share the same mission as this will play a critical role in helping solve period poverty.”
“Millions of people across our nation suffer from a lack of access to period products. Sadly, one in five girls have reported missing school because of this. No one should have to forego educational or employment opportunities because they cannot afford pads and tampons. That is why I introduced the Menstrual Equity for All Act, the first whole-of-government approach to address this issue,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “As we celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day later this month, we must reaffirm our commitment to ending period poverty and ensure that menstrual products are available for those who need them. Together, we can make a real difference and create a country where no one has to miss out on school because they do not have access to period protection.”
To join International Paper, Always and Congresswoman Grace Meng in their efforts to help #EndPeriodPoverty, you can contact your elected officials and ask them to show their support for the Menstrual Equity for All Act.
Learn more about how you can help #EndPeriodPoverty here.
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About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.
About Always®
Always®, the world's leader in menstrual protection, offers a wide range of pads, wipes and liners designed to fit different body types, period flows and preferences. For over 35 years, Always has been supporting millions of young people globally through puberty and confidence education, providing products to those in need and tackling societal barriers to girls’ confidence. Together, Always believes we can create a world where neither periods nor gender get in the way of young people reaching their full potential. Please visit www.always.com for more information.
1World Bank, 2018
21000 U.S. females, 16-24 y.o., Research Now ’17
KEYWORDS: NYSE:IP, International Paper
