One box of Tampax Pearl, regular containing 18 tampons. Made in Csömör, Hungary, by Proctor and Gamble.

Periods have long been a taboo topic, but there have been increased efforts to reduce the stigma around them. As part of this, there have been campaigns to reduce period poverty and to remove the “period tax”. Prior to 1 January 2021, period products like pads and tampons were subject to VAT (value added tax) as non-essential items. This tax was removed at the start of 2021 and reflects wider efforts to reduce period poverty. In 2020, period products began to be provided for free in English state schools. Scotland even became the first country to make period products free to all who need them.