Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.

D is a reusable tampon applicator. It uses self-cleaning technology so you can enjoy the comfort of an applicator without the plastic waste.

Alec and I used to sell period products to women around the UK. The more we sold, the more we realised the enormous waste coming from these small everyday items. We were selling reusable alternatives on our site but no one was buying them. Why not? We dug deeper and discovered that the habit change was one of the biggest barriers to women switching to more sustainable alternatives. We wanted to make it easy.

So we stopped selling tampons, took a deep breath, and decided to tackle the problem ourselves. This is our story so far, and we'd love Kickstarter's help bringing D to life.

After 14 months, we now have a fully functioning prototype. We've teamed up with medical engineers to ensure D is not only hygienic, but the most comfortable applicator you'll ever use.

Yes, we said antimicrobial. D contains advanced Saniconcentrates™ that work on a molecular level giving the Mediprene® material antiseptic and antimicrobial characteristics.

These properties last D's lifetime and the materials are proven by test according to ISO 22196 and JIS Z 2801 standard.

D is made of just two parts and a lid, so it couldn't be simpler.

While designing D, we aimed to improve every aspect of current disposable applicators. It's packed full of features that make it 100% keepable.

EXTRA CARE

D is not a medical device, but we wanted it to be totally safe and hygienic... so designed it to medical standards anyway. It's passed:

Cytotoxicity tests according to ISO 10993-5 Biocompatibility tests according to ISO 10993-10 ISO 10993-11 (Acute Systemic Toxicity) and USP Class VI.

Due to D's antimicrobial technology, cleaning it couldn't be easier. In any washroom it's the same - just wipe, rinse, and go.

Each D comes with its own storage tin, travel pouch, and 6 of our own DAME organic tampons.

TRAVEL POUCH DESIGN

Made from sustainable organic cotton, breathable, and convenient.

ORGANIC TAMPONS

We engrain sustainability in all we do. With every D you get 6 DAME organic tampons, so you're ready to go from the start. The tampons are:

bleach free

rayon free

pesticide free

fragrance free

biodegradable

100% organic

... and while we're on the topic, our packaging is fully compostable and resealable. No more big boxes exploding in bags.

PACKAGING & STORAGE TIN DESIGN

Materials matter, so your tin can be reused to store your tampons - no more ugly boxes in your bathroom.

The tin can be reused time and again to store your tampons.

WITH YOU ALL THE WAY

We believe in building products for life - building relationships even more so. If you ever need to replace a part of your D, you can send it in to us and we'll replace it free of charge.

DAME was founded by Celia Pool and Alec Mills. This is us...

OUR VALUES

We're on a mission to to reduce waste from everyday products, without compromising on performance or beauty. Period products are just the start.

We're rethinking the bathroom. D is the start of a whole range of sustainable products that eliminate plastic and enrich our lives.

Having won the B Corp Hackathon for Best Sustainable Business idea, it's great to know there are many people who share our vision.

Like all ideas, we've needed help along the way and have built a community of amazing women who share our vision. We couldn't have done it without their awesome support:

We're all about women, they've been key at every stage of the process. (Our intended female engineer was on maternity leave - so we started a campaign to get more female engineers. Why not.)

We've been working on this project for over a year now, hit all the big milestones, and it's getting exciting.

We need Kickstarter's help and have some great rewards for everyone who supports us.

DON'T HAVE A VAGINA? WHO CARES!

If you don't use tampons we've made a special reward for you. Our GIVE A DAME reward allows you to give a D to someone you know would love one, or to the women supported by our charity partner, Bloody Good Period.

So buck the trend - be a badass. Plastic is everyone’s problem. Support a woman and get excited, you're changing an industry!

MOULD TOOLS

We've sourced our tool makers and manufacturer already. We wanted to be on top of the process so have gone British, with scope to expand production when we see fit.

ORDER PACKAGING

Whilst we pride ourselves in reducing packaging, we still need to order the tin and bags. They've all been designed, sized up, and sourced. We even have samples... just need to pull the trigger.

PRODUCTION & ASSEMBLY

After tooling and packaging, we're production-ready and can start shipping Ds to women around the world.

... for even getting this far. We're so grateful for any support, but particularly to the Kickstarter community for helping bring D to life and preventing a bloody waste of plastic.

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WE'VE ALREADY HAD SOME GREAT PRESS: