At Bio-D, we believe that everyone deserves access to essential hygiene products. That’s why this National Hygiene Week (7th-13th October 2024), we’re proud to join forces with In Kind Direct, a UK charity working to tackle hygiene poverty for the millions of families experiencing it in the UK. As a certified B Corp, Bio-D is committed to putting people before profit, ensuring that our products and efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of people most in need. To support this initiative, we’ve donated almost £6,000 worth of products, including more than 1,600 essential hygiene items—to help UK charitable organisations support their communities.
What is Hygiene Poverty?
Hygiene poverty means being unable to afford everyday personal hygiene products that many of us take for granted—like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. For the 10 million people in the UK, the reality of choosing between staying clean and feeding their family is a heartbreaking, daily struggle.
The consequences of hygiene poverty are profound, impacting self-esteem, mental health, and social inclusion. People facing this struggle often resort to diluting products or even washing with just water.
Alarming Hygiene Poverty Statistics in the UK
The scale of hygiene poverty is staggering. According to research from In Kind Direct:
Key items individuals struggle to afford include:
These figures highlight the urgent need for action, and we’re determined to make a difference through our partnership with In Kind Direct.
Ref: https://www.inkinddirect.org/reports/hygiene-poverty-briefing-spring-2024
Why Bio-D’s Involvement Matters
As a B Corp, Bio-D’s ethos is built on sustainable and ethical business practices. This is why we’re proud to align with In Kind Direct’s mission during National Hygiene Week. Our donation of over 1,600 essential hygiene products, such as eco-friendly hand wash, laundry products, and cleaning supplies, is intended to help alleviate the growing strain on UK families who can no longer afford these necessities.
Our B Corp status signifies that we meet rigorous social and environmental standards, ensuring that we put people and the planet ahead of profit. Supporting communities through partnerships like In Kind Direct aligns with our core values, and by providing high-quality products to help those who need it most.
The Impact of In Kind Direct
In 2023, In Kind Direct distributed over 340,000 hygiene packs, each filled with essential items such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and period products. These packs are critical for families struggling to maintain basic hygiene. This year, with support from partners like Bio-D, In Kind Direct aims to distribute 400,000 packs by the end of 2024.
These hygiene packs offer more than just products—they offer hope and dignity. Here’s what some of the organisations benefiting from In Kind Direct’s work had to say:
“Laundry products and hygiene products are our main items that support all of our families. With your help, people can take better care of themselves.”
“The quality of the products we receive makes such a difference to our clients. They feel valued and dignified when they receive high-quality essentials.”
These testimonials show how access to hygiene products can elevate a person’s sense of self-worth and restore their confidence.
Bio-D’s partnership with In Kind Direct during National Hygiene Week 2024 is just one step in our ongoing mission to fight hygiene poverty. With the combined efforts of charities, brands, and communities, we can ensure that no one in the UK has to make the impossible choice between heating, eating or keeping clean.
To learn more about this important cause and how we’re working together to make a difference, please visit In Kind Direct’s website here. Discover how you can get involved and help provide essential hygiene products to those in need.
