IWD Q&A: How Alpine Group is Fighting Period Poverty

Around the world, millions of women and girls lack access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities and education about menstruation.

This can impact physical and mental health, educational and work outcomes and social mobility. 

Clare Woodford is VP of Sustainability and Impact at Alpine Group, an end-to-end textile and apparel manufacturer, dedicated to driving sustainable innovation across the industry. 

Her role focuses on embedding sustainability at every stage of its supply chain, from responsible material sourcing to ethical production and social impact initiatives. 

This International Women's Day, Clare discusses period poverty with Sustainability Magazine.

What is the Dignity Kits programme and why is it important to Alpine Group?

The Dignity Kits programme is Alpine Group’s initiative to combat period poverty by transforming post-industrial textile waste into reusable menstrual hygiene kits. These kits provide essential sanitary supplies, which are complemented by reproductive health education to create better educational outcomes, social mobility, physical and mental health and economic outcomes for vulnerable women and girls globally. 

To achieve this, we partner with NGOs and charities, like Freedom4Girls and The Egyptian Clothing Bank to support localised manufacturing – creating employment for local seamstresses, along with distribution and educational outreach in conflict zones and in regions across the Middle East and Africa.

A core part of our Threading the Future sustainability strategy, this initiative integrates material innovation, social impact and environmental action to reinforce our commitment to a circular economy while empowering females globally.

How significant are the implications of period poverty?

Menstruation is a natural process, yet a shocking 800 million girls and women worldwide lack access to sanitary protection and education. 

Inadequate menstrual health and hygiene has far-reaching consequences, impacting education, social mobility, overall well-being and economic opportunities for women and girls worldwide. 

By addressing period poverty, we are striving to remove barriers to education and economic independence, along with stigma, ensuring that women and girls can fully participate in society with confidence.

How are the Dignity Kits made?

Dignity Kits are thoughtfully designed to minimise waste by upcycling pre-cut materials from garment manufacturing processes. These repurposed materials are transformed into absorbent liners, offering an eco-friendly alternative to commercial sanitary pads, and are also used to create reusable underwear. Each kit includes shields and snaps – key components we invest in to ensure quality and durability. 

Additionally, the kits come with waterproof wash bags, detailed instructions and menstrual cycle calendars. Designed to last up to three years, these kits provide a sustainable and long-term solution to menstrual hygiene challenges. Alpine Group also invests in the shipping of Dignity Kits, ensuring they reach communities in need.

What has been achieved with this programme and what do you hope it achieves?

Since 2020, Alpine Group has produced over 150,000 Dignity Kits, reaching women and girls across the Middle East and Africa. We are on track to meet our UN Commitment goal of impacting 250,000 women and girls.

Beyond distribution, we assess the real-world impact of these kits. In Kenya, through our partnership with UK charity Freedom4Girls, we found that before receiving the kits, 84.9% of surveyed girls relied on makeshift materials, causing discomfort and mobility issues.

After using our kits, 100% reported positive feedback, noting improved confidence, comfort, reduced worry and greater school participation.

The initiative also creates employment opportunities, empowering local women with sewing training and sustainable income. Looking ahead, we plan to train 3,000 female production workers in waste redemption and kit manufacturing, expand partnerships with NGOs and governments and strengthen Alpine Group’s leadership in impact-driven manufacturing.

By scaling the Dignity Kits initiative, we aim to drive systemic change, normalise menstrual health conversations and empower communities worldwide.

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