Athlete launches UK’s first fully recyclable pregnancy test

The female-founded fertility wellness brand OVUM has launched the UK’s first first fully recyclable pregnancy test to reduce environmental impact.

The company’s “game-changing” product aims to offer women an accurate, fully recyclable pregnancy test and minimise the impact on the environment.

Some industry experts estimate that around two million pounds of pregnancy test plastic gets sent to US landfills each year.

In the UK, 15.5 million home pregnancy tests are completed a year, creating a substantial amount of plastic waste.

“For too long, the woman who is trying to conceive has been ignored so today we’re proud to announce the launch of the UK’s first and only fully recyclable midstream pregnancy test,” said OVUM co-founder and pro endurance athlete, Jenny Wordsworth.

“Today marks the end of pregnancy tests ending in landfill, and this product is destined to become a best-in-class and a clear disruptor brand to Clearblue.”

According to OVUM, the FDA-approved pregnancy tests have a sensitivity of 10mIU/ml, the most sensitive available in the UK market, and include four tests per box.

Dr Kat Joseph, chief medical officer at OVUM, said: “We hold ourselves to the highest standards at OVUM, so securing FDA approval was vital as their performance criteria for the accuracy of early detection tests are stricter than those in the UK.

“We know our customers want to test as early as possible, and with our tests they can do so with confidence.”

The founders, who have themselves struggled trying to conceive, say they recognise the psychological toll of infertility.

To help, each box of tests includes access to a free guided meditation, with fertility mindset coach, Alice Rose.

The product has been certified as Plastic Negative by the plastic action platform, rePurpose Global, and for every box of pregnancy tests purchased, OVUM funds the removal of twice as much plastic from the environment as is used to make the tests.

The company has partnered with recycling company Enval to develop the test, but acknowledges that the product still introduces new plastic.

“Ensuring our tests were fully recyclable was a non-negotiable for us,” said OVUM COO, Kate Freeman.

“Manufacturing and producing this product was a real test for our team – finding the balance between offering sound, affordable and accessible products and making the best choices as a company that holds itself to the highest environmental responsibilities was tough.

“As a B Corp (pending), we strongly feel we’ve got the balance right.”