The sustainable start-up, Eleria, was founded in 2021 by Monica Wai and Kira Goode after they graduated in MSci Innovation from the University of Bristol. Last month, having navigated significant development & funding hurdles, including the financing of injection mould tools, the Eleria team launched a new product they have designed to improve the experience of using a menstrual cup – a compact Cleaning & Sterilising Case, that solves 2 of the major barriers to uptake.
Sustainable alternatives to period products have existed for over a century –the first menstrual cups were invented in 1867, more than 150 years ago; before even the first commercial pads and tampons were available. However, in common with the evolution of many health care products, the uptake of less sustainable options raced ahead because they were easier to use, while the more environmentally friendly options got left behind.
This problem has resulted in an environmental calamity of composite waste. According to Eleria’s research, 200,000 tonnes of period products are disposed of, worldwide, every year, meaning it is now essential to walk back the development of these products and reimagine them with new criteria. This is what Monica and Kira have done with their period cup cleaning case, which is designed to be easy to use in public bathrooms & quick and simple to sterilise at home. It is a significant step forward for the sustainable option.
WHP engineers have been involved as Eleria’s manufacturing partner from the DFM stage, and we are proud to have partnered in the development of this product. We wish Monica & Kira a successful launch & first year trading.
While they were with us last month, inspecting their finished products, we asked them a few questions about their journey from concept to market.
What were the most challenging aspects of bringing your product to market?
Raising money as a pre-launch female-led sustainable product business was challenging
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs with sustainable objectives
I would say: Consider carefully what motivates people to choose sustainable routes
Did you receive any grants to develop your product?
Yes, we received a number of grants from multiple different sources including Innovate UK, Santander, Adobe, and the University of Bristol
What feedback would you give WHP on working with us? What did you like? How could we improve?
It is lovely working with WHP, they are responsive, experienced, accommodating, and a bunch of really nice people! They’ve used their expertise in helping/guiding us with the manufacturing process.
What happens next?
We have launched our product – the Period Cup Cleaning & Sterilising Case and alongside we are selling five different period cups, we’re currently looking into offering Sterilisation Tablets for those who don’t have access to a microwave!
Where can we buy your products?
Please visit eleria.com!
If you are interested in wholesale, or want to stock some period cups and cleaning cases for your employees/workplace, please email hello@eleria.com
Are you doing any shows or events to promote your launch?
We will be attending the Natural Health Expo at the Excel on the 12th and 13th of May! Come talk to us if you see us!
For further information about Eleria, how to use period cups, or to purchase Eleria’s products, visit: www.eleria.com
For further information about funding for product development, visit:
For more information about WHP services for sustainable start-ups like Eleria, visit: