Berlin-based Vyld has introduced the world’s first tampon made from seaweed, called the Kelpon, following successful certification. The profit-for-purpose company is now rolling out the product across German restrooms through partnerships with employers, coworking spaces, gyms, and major event organizers.
“Product safety is our top priority, so we made sure to test the Kelpon well beyond the basal legal requirements,” emphasizes Stefanie Malchow, R&D Lead Scientist at Vyld. Independent laboratory tests have confirmed the product’s safety, absence of harmful substances, and microbiome-friendliness.
The company has partnered with Periodically, Germany’s leading period product dispenser provider, to distribute Kelpons in office restrooms nationwide. “We highly value sustainability in all our products. Partnering with Vyld allows us to proudly offer one of the most environmentally friendly period product alternatives out there,” confirms Periodically founder Katharina Weißig.
Early adoption has shown promising results at major events. “People were grabbing them as fast as we could put them out! During those three days at Labor Tempelhof, we must have heard ‘You’re saving my day’ dozens of times. We expected a great response, but the sheer enthusiasm blew us away,” says Vyld CEO Ines Schiller.
The product is gaining traction across various sectors. Fitness studios, including Berlin’s Dokan Sportclub, are providing Kelpons through specially designed in-cubicle dispensers. Coworking spaces like Unicorn Workspaces have also adopted the product. “How brilliant is it to create tampons from algae? We love the Kelpons and are beyond excited to offer them in our spaces,” says Max Bondy, Operations Manager at Unicorn Workspaces.
Founded in 2021 by Ines Schiller, Vyld operates under steward ownership and has secured a seven-figure seed round through their Future Profit Partnership Agreement. The company’s vision extends beyond tampons to an ‘Algaeverse’ of sustainable products, with plans including a compostable diaper called Vyndel. Their approach aims to mainstream algae in non-food sectors while contributing to ocean regeneration and at least 8 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
