Published on 18 September 2024
Vyld is a German startup pioneering sustainable health products made from seaweed. With their innovative approach, they are transforming the women’s health industry by introducing the world’s first biodegradable tampons made from seaweed.
As awareness and acceptance of algae-based solutions grow, we spoke with Vyld’s CEO, Ines Schiller, and Head of Tampon Product, Melanie Schichan, about their professional journey, insights into the future of algae-based products, and how they are shaping the algae industry.
1. Can you share a bit about your background and how your journey led you to Vyld?
Ines: Before starting Vyld with Melanie, I studied philosophy and neuroscience and ran my own film production business. However, after completing marine guiding training in South Africa a few years ago, I became fascinated with seaweed – one of the world’s oldest life forms. Combining my passion for the ocean with gender equality, an issue close to my heart, led to the idea of an ocean-friendly, radically sustainable period product. This became the “Kelpon”, the world’s first tampon made from seaweed.
Melanie: Ines and I have known each other and worked together for over a decade, so founding Vyld together in 2021 felt natural. My background in business administration and gender studies complements Ines’ expertise perfectly. Since its inception, Vyld has grown faster than we anticipated (product-wise). We’ve successfully beta-tested the “Kelpon”, passing all relevant assessments, and just launched the limited Generation One Edition in our online shop!
2. It’s clear that Vyld's approach goes beyond product innovation, aiming for a larger societal shift. What were the biggest challenges Vyld faced in developing and marketing the “Kelpon”, and how did you overcome them?
Ines: Initially, there was scepticism about the viability of both our product and our funding model. As a self-owned, profit-for-purpose company operating under Steward Ownership principles, securing funding was difficult. However, through a highly successful crowdfunding campaign and a seven-figure seed round from mission-aligned investors, we gained incredible momentum without giving away equity in the company. It turns out we struck a chord, and there are far more people supporting our mission than anticipated. You can read more on our journey in a Case Study on Vyld.
Melanie: The tampon industry has been slow to innovate. The product itself has seen little change over the years, especially when it comes to materials and supply chains, which are optimised for viscose and cotton. It’s crucial that our seaweed fibre integrates seamlessly into this existing infrastructure. Thanks to our amazing research and development team, we made significant strides in that area. As for marketing, we’ll be sharing more details soon, so stay tuned by subscribing to our Newsletter to be the first to know!
3. What is the environmental impact of seaweed-based tampons compared to traditional ones, and how do you plan to expand your range of sustainable products?
Ines: Traditional tampons, made from resource-intensive crops like viscose or cotton, require significant water and chemical inputs. Increasingly relying on pesticides to cope with the growing impacts of climate change. More concerning, these tampons contain plastics, which persist in the ocean and are non-degradable. In contrast, our seaweed-based tampons are fully biodegradable both on land and in the sea, aiming to achieve two main goals: radical sustainability in production and the creation of a fully circular product. We source our seaweed from farms following marine permaculture principles, which not only support ocean health but also sequester carbon and produce oxygen. They’re called the blue lungs of the planet for a reason!
Melanie: The “Kelpon” is just the beginning! We’re aiming to develop an entire line of sustainable products, which we call the “ALGAEVERSE”. In addition to traditional period products like tampons or pads, we’re working on a kelp-based diaper called the Vyndel. With such a versatile raw material like algae at hand, ideas and potential use cases are endless.
4. From your perspective, how can Vyld bridge the gap between scientific research and public awareness in the algae industry?
Ines: We’re part of a global movement to establish large-scale, sustainable seaweed cultivation while sticking to the marine permaculture principles. Naturally, having the algae industry backing us up and supporting the greater cause is a no-brainer. If we can get more and more algae companies and consumers on board, the better.
Melanie: We bring a fresh perspective to the algae industry. Historically, algae have been used in healthcare, but no one has explored yet its potential for menstruation – a topic that has long been stigmatised and excluded from public discourse. We aim to not only revolutionise period products but also destigmatise discussions around menstruation, using algae as a multidimensional tool for change.
5. Considering Vyld’s goals and objectives, how have consumers responded to the idea of seaweed-based tampons, and what feedback have you received in terms of performance and satisfaction?
Ines: Interestingly, many people expected the “Kelpon” to be green, but were surprised that the fibre is naturally white and requires no bleaching, unlike traditional tampons.
Melanie: Our assumptions were validated by our wonderful testers in our consumer trial with over 100 menstruators. They reported that the “Kelpon” was much easier to insert and didn’t cause the dryness that traditional tampons often do when removed, thanks to algae’s natural absorbent and lubricating properties. We also received valuable feedback regarding the string, suggesting it be made more colourful for easier visibility, and the need for different sizes. At the moment, we’re working on making improvements, such as offering the “Kelpon” in three sizes – mini, midi, and maxi – and ensuring it’s entirely plastic-free, even in its packaging, something most requested by our testers! Ultimately, our goal is to make the “Kelpon” 100% algae-based and entirely plastic-free, even in its wrapping.
6. How does Vyld plan to educate consumers about the benefits of seaweed-based tampons and promote the shift towards sustainable menstrual products?
Ines: Based on interviews and beta tests, many people don’t think about what their tampons are made of or their environmental impact. We aim to change that by offering a healthy, eco-friendly alternative, and encouraging people to question their default choices. We don't see ourselves as period-glorifiers but rather as destigmatisers of a natural process that should be treated as such. At the moment, we're also actively developing various educational strategies around this topic.
Melanie: We also believe that period products should be as freely accessible as toilet paper. We need a fundamental shift in how society views and discusses menstruation. To make this a reality, our goal is for our “Kelpon” products to become available in public spaces like schools, universities, and workplace bathrooms. By doing so, we hope to relieve the financial burden menstruators face and promote equal access to menstrual health.
7. As the CEO and Head of Tampon at Vyld, beyond menstrual products, do you see other future applications for seaweed-based materials? Additionally, how do you plan to scale your operations and product offerings to make an even greater impact on global sustainability and shape public perception and understanding of algae as a whole?
Ines: We’re thinking big! We envision an entire range of “ALGAEVERSE” seaweed-based products, from Q-tips to diapers, and pads. Basically, anything in your bathroom that needs a seaweed upgrade.
Melanie: We’re also actively advocating for global adoption of marine permaculture principles, working to grow the seaweed industry in a regenerative way. This is just the beginning of the seaweed revolution, and we’re excited to be at the forefront!
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