Vodafone Ireland partners with Riley to provide eco-friendly period products to employees

Vodafone Ireland has today announced a partnership with sustainable period product subscription service, Riley, and will provide free period products to all employees at its head office in Dublin and in retail stores.

While Vodafone employees have been working from home since March 2020, the company has continued to create a better and more inclusive working environment for women, supporting them through all life stages.

Vodafone employees will return to the office on a hybrid basis from September 20^th which will see them split their time between home and the office on a 60:40 basis (60% time working remotely and 40% time in the office).

Vodafone Ireland will make Riley sustainable period products available to employees at its head office in Mountainview, and to those employees located in the 21 retail stores nationwide. The introduction is expected to impact over 500 Vodafone employees across Ireland.

Riley is a business born out of the pandemic, spearheaded by three female entrepreneurs, Aine Kilkenny, Fiona Parfrey and Lauren Duggan, based in West Cork. With the average sanitary pad containing an approximate plastic content of 90%, Riley sought to create an eco-friendly alternative that wouldn’t harm the planet.

All of their products are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, which means there are no added chemicals or toxins. The majority of packaging is compostable, and the tampon applicators are bio-based and made from sustainable sugar cane. 

Anne O’Leary, CEO, Vodafone Ireland said: “Today’s announcement highlights our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive culture for our employees. Vodafone values innovation and it is fantastic to see a small Irish business like Riley, see a problem and find a sustainable solution through the development of their eco-friendly period products. Our partnership with Riley is another positive step towards supporting our colleagues through all life stages.” 

Fiona Parfrey, Co-Founder of Riley added:  “Our mission at Riley is ultimately to improve women’s lives. With our eco-friendly period products made from 100% organic cotton, women are getting sanitary products that are better for their bodies and better for the planet. Organisations working together is a major piece of the puzzle towards female equality. We are thrilled to be partnering with Vodafone, a female-led business that values the health and wellbeing of all its employees.”