Frequently Asked Questions
Learn everything about the Kelpon, its production, and our company
The Kelpon
What Kelpon sizes are available?
The Kelpon is currently available in 'Midi' size. We call it 'Midi' because it is what is considered 'Regular' for conventional tampons. We believe that all sizes are normal.
The 'Mini' and 'Maxi' sizes are still undergoing product optimization and will be added soon.
All our Kelpons are applicator-free.
Why is the Kelpon so soft?
Our Kelpon is made from algae fibers, which are naturally very supple. They are a natural product that does not need to be bleached or treated with additives.
Why does the Kelpon cost more than a conventional tampon?
The Kelpon is not a standard product, but a patented technological innovation based on seaweed. This makes its production more complex and currently more expensive than conventional tampons.
We produce in Europe
Our supply chain is deliberately more regional than that of many conventional period products. This means higher but fairer standards, shorter distances, and better quality control.
Regulated raw materials, manufacturing in Germany
Our seaweed is harvested under controlled conditions and according to applicable EU regulations; tampon production takes place in Germany. This costs more than global low-cost chains, but for us, it is a promise of quality and responsibility.
Innovation instead of stagnation
The Kelpon is a product that has changed little for decades. We invest in research, development, and scaling to make period products healthier, more sustainable, and better. We don't want a luxury tampon, but a premium product.
Are Kelpons really safe?
When used correctly, tampons are a safe product (instructions for use). However, they are often associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
In the lab, we were able to show that our algae fibers do not increase the risk of TSS, and we are working to potentially even lower it. There are also recurring reports about the heavy metal contamination of commercially available tampons. Our Kelpon contain neither harmful substances nor do they have an elevated iodine content, which is common with algae, as we do not use the entire biomass for our algae fibers, but only an extract.
We have had this comprehensively confirmed in a toxicological report. You can view the report here.
How should I dispose of the Kelpon? Can I flush it down the toilet or put it in organic waste?
Although the Kelpon is biodegradable, like other period products, it belongs in the residual waste. According to the German Biowaste Ordinance, products that have been in contact with bodily fluids are not permitted in the organic waste bin.
However, if the Kelpon accidentally ends up in nature, it will not cause any harm, unlike plastic products. If you have your own compost, you can dispose of it there without any problems.
Can the Kelpon dissolve in the body?
Since the Kelpon remains in the body for only a few hours, you don't have to worry about it dissolving there. However, biodegradability on land and in water (i.e. outside the body) is generally very important to us, because only then can a product truly be called 'circular'.
Why isn't the Kelpon green?
Since we use an extract for Kelpon and not the whole algae, the color pigments don't even get into the fibers. This is also how we ensure that heavy metals, which may have been present in the
algae, stay out of Kelpon. The extract is naturally white-beige, which is why we don't have to bleach the Kelpons - a small gift from nature.
Does the Kelpon absorb the same way as other tampons?
Due to its seaweed fibers, the Kelpon has better absorption than cotton and viscose fibers. The
algae fibers optimally absorb menstrual fluid and retain it without drying out the vaginal mucous membrane.
The ideal combination of high absorption performance, a slightly gelling effect and the special
softness of the algae fibers results in perfect absorption.
Don't algae bind a lot of heavy metals? What about the high iodine content? And what about microplastics?
In fact, algae do have a kind of filter function and can bind heavy metals. However, since we do not use the entire biomass for our fibers, but only an extract, our Kelpons have no pollutant contamination. The same applies to iodine, which many algae naturally contain in high concentrations - our Kelpons do not have an elevated iodine concentration. #kelponCertificates
I don't use tampons - will there be other products made from algae?
We're starting with tampons because we believe that's where improvement is most urgently needed – after all, they are in contact with one of the most sensitive areas of the body for many hours. In the future, we also plan to include all other types of absorbent products, from panty liners to pads, to diapers and incontinence products, and perhaps even beyond!
Are Kelpons vegan?
Of course! Our Kelpons are designed to harm no one, including non-human animals. By sourcing our seaweed from controlled cultivation, we actively create habitats for non-human animals. And because we don't need pesticides, we also don't contribute to the mass extinction of insects.
The manufacturing
Where is Kelpon produced? Where do your algae come from and which types do you use?
We produce in Germany and rely on European algae to keep transport routes short and support the European algae industry.
For our Tangpons, we use marine macroalgae, specifically brown algae. Since various brown algae contain the necessary polymers, we are not limited to one specific type.
For the first generation of our Kelpons, we are using seaweed from Norway.
What certifications does Kelpons have?
The Kelpon has undergone extensive toxicological testing, confirming its freedom from harmful substances and its safety for health.
It is also the world's first microbiome-friendly certified tampon. Where we (still) have to, we exclusively use GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Furthermore, the positive impact of the Kelpon and its contribution to achieving the SDGs have been externally audited and certified.
You can find our certifications here.
Is the Kelpon really made entirely of algae?
Our goal is to eventually produce Kelpons entirely from seaweed, including the retrieval string and packaging.
The current Kelpon Generation 1 still consists of a blend of organic cotton and algae-based fibers
for the smooth absorbent core, a cotton retrieval string, and recyclable plastic packaging.
Why does the Kelpon not have a fleece cover?
Did you know that most tampons have a plastic cover fleece designed to prevent lint and facilitate insertion?
The Kelpon is completely plastic-free: thanks to its algae-based fibers, it is particularly soft and hardly lint. This allows it to be inserted and removed gently without drying out the vaginal mucous membrane.
The natural property of the algae fibers to form a kind of gel upon contact with liquid ensures maximum comfort and supports health.
Why does the Kelpon have plastic packaging?
Unfortunately, we haven't yet found anyone who can supply us with the perfect algae film!
Therefore, the packaging currently (unfortunately!) still consists of conventional recyclable monolayer plastic, as product safety is our top priority.
Unfortunately, the commercial bioplastic solutions could not meet our standards for safe use.
But we are working on it and collaborating with various film manufacturers on prototypes to soon be able to package the Kelpon in an appropriately circular way.
Where do your seaweeds come from?
For our initial prototypes, we used seaweed from the North Atlantic – and it is also our long-term goal to contribute to the establishment of a European marine permaculture and to use European algae for the European market. However, since the European seaweed industry is still in its infancy, we will initially source our seaweed from other oceans, such as the Pacific. As we are not limited to one species, we hope to be able to use the respective local species for the different markets in the long term.
The Impact
Why is controlled algae cultivation good for the environment?
The cultivation of seaweed in marine permaculture helps to stabilise existing ecosystems. Algae provide fish and other animals with nurseries, food and habitat. They reduce greenhouse gases and clean the sea by binding large amounts of CO2 and nitrogen. In doing so, they counteract ocean acidification and thus save coral reefs. In addition, they produce large quantities of vital oxygen. Their controlled cultivation can therefore be an active contribution to solving the climate crisis. VYLD is part of a global movement that is committed to establishing such marine permaculture, with the aim of establishing large-scale seaweed cultivation in a healthy way and not repeating the mistakes of land-based agriculture.
Why is algae cultivation also good for humans?
By promoting controlled algae cultivation, the living conditions of coastal communities are improved. Various pilot projects have shown that new income opportunities related to algae cultivation generally benefit women+ and can thus contribute to gender equality.
But I already have sustainable organic cotton tampons...
We know how difficult it is to find truly sustainable and healthy products. We don't want to disparage anyone; we think it's great when sustainability is considered at all.
However, cotton cultivation, even organic, is very resource-intensive, especially in terms of water consumption.
In comparison, a single Kelpon can save up to 30 liters of water. Seaweed requires no water, pesticides, or
land.
The algae fibers can be obtained in an environmentally friendly way, do not need to be bleached, and are so smooth that they do not
lint, which is why the Tangpon can do without plastic. They are gentle, facilitate insertion, and unlike many conventional tampons, they absorb without drying out the mucous membranes.
But then won't the algae be missing in nature if they are harvested?
Algae can be cultivated and harvested in a way that preserves the main part of the plant, allowing the algae to regrow well and quickly in the same spot. And this is a very important point for VYLD – we want to implement controlled algae cultivation as a measure for marine reforestation.
What's special about seaweed?
They are one of the most sustainable resources of all – their cultivation does not harm the oceans, but even contributes to the stabilization of the marine ecosystem: In addition to providing habitats for fish, they reduce greenhouse gases and clean the sea by binding large amounts of CO2 and nitrogen.
Seaweed requires neither fresh water, pesticides, fertilizers, nor even land. They are perfectly suited for tampons due to their natural absorbency and their anti-inflammatory properties.
Why are algae suitable for menstrual products?
Algae and algal fibers are traditionally used in medicine due to their particularly absorbent, anti-inflammatory, and hypoallergenic (i.e., they rarely trigger allergies) properties, among others. Thanks to the particularly silky surface structure of the algal fibers, our 'Tangpons' are particularly easy to insert, and we can do without plastic wrapping. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate in the lab that the vaginal microbiome reacts better to algal fibers than to conventionally used materials.
I don't menstruate at all, what does this have to do with me?
At Vyld, it's not just about developing better period products, but particularly about contributing to ocean health. By connecting menstrual health and marine conservation, we can contribute to 8 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. #Vympact
What exactly is the problem with conventional period products? There are already cups & co, aren't there?
Yes, fortunately there are already some more sustainable alternatives, such as period underwear, menstrual cups, and organic cotton tampons! And it's great that menstruating people finally have more choices (many people also combine different products, by the way). However, cups and similar products don't work for everyone (keyword: vaginal birth) and, more importantly, not in all situations (keyword: access to running water). Unfortunately, many of these products still contain plastic and are therefore neither good for the body nor for the environment. Furthermore, many people experience an uncomfortable feeling of dryness with conventional tampons, especially when inserting and/or removing them. Since menstruation is a completely natural process, the products used for it should also be natural! By the way, natural sponges are natural, but they are dead animals, and therefore not our thing.
About VYLD
Who is behind VYLD?
VYLD was founded in Berlin in 2021 by Marine Guide Ines Schiller as a profit-for-purpose company. Together with co-founder Melanie Schichan, they have made it their mission to develop consistently sustainable, ocean-friendly, and healthy absorbent products from seaweed.
They are supported by a wonderful team: the two biotechnologists Stefanie Malchow (R&D Lead Scientist) and Helena Rheinbay (R&D Scientist), as well as Maike Bruns in the area of period communication & Kelpon cooperation.
What is responsible ownership and why are you doing it?
Because we, as a company, want to grow as sustainably as our algae, we founded VYLD with "steward-ownership." This means that instead of growing as quickly as possible like a "normal" startup to then sell the company for the highest possible price ("exit"), we also focus on long-term sustainability in our business model – and have legally embedded VYLD in our statutes. VYLD owns itself and is not an object of speculation. Steward-ownership has two core principles:
1. Self-determination – the "steering wheel" of the company, i.e., the voting rights, always rests with the people who actively work in the company, not with (external) investors.
2. Asset lock – profits generated by VYLD cannot be extracted, as they are a means for us to pursue our mission and not an end in themselves to enrich investors (or us founders); they are therefore not distributed to shareholders but reinvested in the mission. A non-profit foundation has a veto right that would prevent any change to the statutes that could undermine these principles.
If the Kelpon is so great, why hasn't it existed before?
Historically, menstrual products have primarily been developed from an economic perspective, with little regard for their performance or health aspects.
We are consistently rethinking the tampon from the user's perspective. This also includes understanding how and what a tampon truly needs to absorb. When it comes to the absorption capacity of menstrual fluid, marine algae are simply unbeatable.
How did you come up with the idea of making products from algae?
People who menstruate should have a choice, as not every product suits every person or stage of life. Around 90% of period products are disposable, generating 2 million tons of waste annually – much of which ends up in our oceans.
Most tampons contain plastic and harm both the environment and one of the body's most sensitive areas.
Since tampons are used internally and by over ¾ of menstruators, we see the greatest need for an upgrade here – for health and the environment
What does the name 'VYLD' mean, and how do you even pronounce it?
‘VYLD’ sounds like the English word "wild" when spoken. And the name says it all, because with our products we also want to contribute to a greater connection with nature. The “V” stands for “Vagina” and shows “Love and Peace”. The “y” stands for “why”, and shows that we are about more than just beautiful products.
What does ‘Algaeverse’ mean?
'Algaeverse' describes our vision of a universe of sustainable algae products. We aim to contribute to establishing a regenerative economy within the boundaries and cycles of nature and to promote greater global justice, so that no one is disadvantaged, whether in terms of health or socially - and by no one, we also mean our oceans.
Do you also do something against period poverty?
Period poverty, the circumstance that many menstruating individuals are financially unable to manage their menstruation safely and hygienically, is a global problem – including in Germany and other countries in the Global North. We believe that access to period products in public places should be just as free as toilet paper. That is why we support initiatives that aim to achieve this political goal.
Why do you always talk about menstruating people and not just say women?
We use this inclusive language because not all women menstruate, and not all who menstruate are women.