For Dean and Nina Tavener, sustainability is at the heart of Pixii, a company reshaping access to period products while challenging outdated stigmas. “When realized that nearly every menstruating person has been caught without a period product – and that workplaces and schools weren’t set up to help – we knew this was a problem worth solving,” says Nina.
What began as a simple idea of providing free, organic period essentials in workplace and school bathrooms has grown into a social enterprise “supporting over 250,000 people monthly”. More than just about convenience, Pixii is rooted in equity, sustainability and giving back, with 50% of profits funding girls’ education. In this conversation, the Taveners share their vision for a future where period care is as accessible as toilet paper, and how climate-conscious innovation is shaping that reality.
No one holds the ultimate solution to sustainability. It’s an evolving challenge that requires diverse approaches and fresh ideas.
What inspired you to enter this space, and what have been some of the most rewarding moments in your journey so far?
Nina: I have years of experience in process improvement for major global companies in industries like shipping and banking. Dean has been a hands-on problem solver in small businesses, working across finance, IT, and other sectors. Neither of us had prior experience in period products or inventory-based businesses, but when I realized that nearly every menstruating person has been caught without a period product – and that workplaces and schools weren’t set up to help – we knew this was a problem worth solving. That’s where our passion for creating better spaces for menstruating individuals began.
Dean: A major highlight has been our impact on girls’ education, helping hundreds access opportunities they might not have had otherwise. Another is the shift in attitudes toward periods – taboos are breaking down, and we’re having open conversations with people from all backgrounds, including men and non-menstruators. Today, we support over 250,000 women every month with accessible period products, a sign that society is increasingly recognizing the necessity of these provisions in every bathroom facility.
Please tell us more about Pixii. Could you elaborate on the sourcing and production of your 100% organic, plastic-free period products?
Dean: Pixii is a certified social enterprise. We offer simple, fuss-free dispensers designed for offices, warehouses, schools, basically anywhere with bathrooms where period products should be accessible. Our 100% organic cotton pads and tampons come in specially designed packs, allowing users to take as many individually wrapped products as they need, one at a time.
When we founded Pixii, we built it on three core principles: equity, sustainability and giving back. Equity means ensuring everyone has equal access to basic hygiene supplies, regardless of race, religion, sex or gender. Sustainability is our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint across all operations. As a certified social enterprise, giving back is fundamental to us. We donate 50% of our profits to girls’ education through our charity partner, Stars Foundation.
The more people take responsibility for sustainable choices, the greater the collective change we can achieve.
How does Pixii address the challenge of sanitary product waste, and what innovations have you introduced to enhance biodegradability and minimize environmental impact?
Nina: It’s true that most menstrual products end up in landfill, including ours. While we fully support reusable options, they don’t suit everyone, and they’re not always accessible when needed. That’s where Pixii comes in, ensuring that when someone is caught off guard, they have access to a period product, rather than going without.
While our products are single-use, they are made from 100% organic cotton and plant-based biofilm, meaning they biodegrade within five years – significantly faster than traditional plastic-based products, which can take centuries to break down.
Q: Many young women are passionate about climate action and sustainable business. What advice would you give to aspiring female leaders who want to drive meaningful change in the climate tech or sustainable products industry?
Nina: Just go for it! If you want to drive meaningful change, you absolutely can. All it takes is determination, creativity, and a willingness to learn. No one holds the ultimate solution to sustainability. It’s an evolving challenge that requires diverse approaches and fresh ideas. Many of the best solutions have yet to be discovered.
If you have the drive to make a difference, start by evaluating the systems around you. Look at your workplace, your supply chain, or even your daily habits and ask, what can be improved? Small changes add up. Switching to greener suppliers, using recycled materials, or adopting circular economy principles all contribute to a more sustainable world. Conscious decisions, even on a small scale, can have a lasting impact. The more people take responsibility for sustainable choices, the greater the collective change we can achieve.
Read the full story in the March 2025 issue of Impact Leadership magazine.
