Tampons,Toxins, and Truth: Inside theNatural Care Revolution with Susie Hewson, Natracare
In this episode of The Wild Party Podcast, we sat down with Susie Hewson, the fierce environmentalist, changemaker, and founder of Natracare—the world’s first organic and plastic-free period product brand. Long before "sustainable" became a marketing buzzword, Susie was on a mission to disrupt the menstrual care industry, fueled not by profit, but by purpose.
From Graphic Designer to Environmental Pioneer
Susie didn’t start out in the health or manufacturing world. In fact, she began her career as a graphic designer and later trained as a secondary school teacher. But what remained constant was her instinct for problem solving and her lifelong passion for protecting the environment. “I was probably trying to save the world before I was a graphic designer,” she laughed.
Her aha moment came in the late 1980s when she watched a documentary exposing the toxic pollution caused by chlorine bleaching in the pulp and paper industry—an industry that produced the very pads and tampons women use every day. Outraged by the indifference of corporate manufacturers and aware of the potential health risks, she knew she had to act.
Not Just a Product—A Campaign for Change
Susie didn't set out to start a business. She set out to launch a campaign—one that happened to take the form of an ethical brand. Natracare was born in 1989 out of anger, advocacy, and a vision for safer, more sustainable menstrual care. Her mission was clear: to challenge the status quo by creating an alternative that respected both bodies and the planet.
“I didn’t want to tie myself to a tree,” Susie said, “I wanted to infiltrate the system and show that there was a better way.”
Research, Resilience, and a Good Old Library Card
Long before the days of Google, Susie dove headfirst into research at her local reference library. She learned about dioxins, toxic shock syndrome, the lack of regulation in feminine hygiene, and the shocking amount of plastic in conventional pads and tampons. She even called scientists directly to understand the risks and data. That dogged determination would soon set her apart from the industry giants.
But as a woman in business in the late ‘80s, her journey wasn’t easy. “Four out of five banks didn’t even open the envelope of my business plan,” she said. One local bank finally granted her a modest overdraft—just enough to start production, handle FDA registration, and build a supply chain. “I never went over that budget,” Susie proudly noted.
Building a Sustainable Brand from the Ground Up
Susie brought deep textile knowledge, a fashion design background, and a risk-averse mindset to the table—meaning she scrutinized every material she used. From organic cotton tampons to biodegradable pads, every product was developed with rigorous ethical and environmental standards.
“When I say something is compostable or flushable, I have the data to prove it,” she said, holding up lab reports during our chat.
She pioneered not only plastic-free period care, but also the first moist tissue to pass the U.K.’s Fine to Flush certification. It wasn’t just about making a product. It was about raising the bar for the entire industry—and she succeeded. After Natracare’s flushable tissue hit the market, over 150 other brands applied for the same certification.
Pushing Through Industry Pushback
As a vocal disruptor, Susie has faced corporate harassment and legal threats for decades. But she never backed down. Her strategy? Facts, validation, and unwavering purpose.
“If you’re getting pushback, you’re doing something right,” she said. “I’ve never said anything I couldn’t defend in court.”
Even during personal health battles and a global pandemic, she stayed committed to her mission. Because for Susie, it’s never been about business as usual—it’s always been about protecting people and the planet.
The Be Kind Campaign: Making Compassion Contagious
Most recently, Susie launched the Be Kind Campaign—a 30-day pledge to inspire small, meaningful acts of kindness for the Earth and each other. Whether it's choosing organic, reducing plastic, or simply sharing a smile with a stranger, the campaign is a reminder that kindness is powerful—and contagious.
“It’s a human trait to be kind,” Susie shared. “Sometimes we just need to be reminded how.”
Where to Find Natracare
Natracare products are available in Whole Foods, natural grocers across North America, and online. You can take the Be Kind pledge and find a store near you at natracare.com.
Susie Hewson isn’t just a founder—she’s a force. A disruptor with heart, a strategist with soul, and a woman who turned righteous anger into a global movement for good. If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, go queue it up now—you’ll walk away inspired, informed, and maybe even a little fired up to change the world in your own way.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast app or on YouTube.
