Dutch startups target animal byproducts in intimate personal care items

Meat consumption in the Netherlands dropped for the second consecutive year, according to a recent study by Wageningen University. This decline has prompted a parallel shift in the sexual wellness market, where entrepreneurs are removing animal derivatives from products like condoms, lubricants, and vibrators.

Since 2020, LieLei, a company based in Rotterdam, has focused on erotic products that are vegan and ethically produced. Founder Lieke Warmoeskerken stated that the latex in condoms is sometimes softened using milk protein. She also noted that while silicone used in many sex toys is vegan, the glues and dyes often contain animal products.

Simone Kuijer, a 30-year-old entrepreneur in Amsterdam, launched her brand Aia after discovering that coconut oil, which she previously used as a lubricant, could interfere with the body's pH balance and damage latex condoms. She decided to create a 100% natural alternative. Her products are sustainably sourced and manufactured within an hour of her headquarters. Aia uses plant-derived glycerin instead of animal tallow for its lubricant and produces massage oil candles without beeswax.

The push for animal-free lifestyles is extending to medications and birth control. Stephanie Heerema, a 28-year-old vegan from Amsterdam, became a vegetarian at age 10 and stopped eating animal products entirely while at university. She expressed concern that her birth control pills contain lactose, a milk derivative used as a binding agent. To maintain her standards, she researches products to ensure they are vegan and use recycled plastic on internal components.

Microplastics remain a concern for these companies. Warmoeskerken's shop avoids plastic whenever possible and discloses which alternatives, such as vegan leather harnesses, still contain it. Kuijer, who is currently pregnant, is avoiding plastic due to recent reports linking microplastics to breast milk. Her products are packaged in glass jars, and the company recently launched a line of glass adult toys.

Warmoeskerken believes consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and vegan certifications. She told The Associated Press, “You think about what you put in your mouth, so why don’t you think about what you’ve put on your body?”

The companies are positioning themselves to meet growing demand for transparency in intimate care. Kuijer acknowledged that removing plastic is part of a larger effort. She said, “It doesn’t solve the whole problem, but it’s definitely a step towards it.”