Since creating the world’s first certified organic cotton tampons in 1989, Natracare has always prioritised people and planet. We’re proud to now share another important milestone in our journey.
Bodywise (UK) Ltd, the company behind Natracare, is now owned by the Natracare Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
This marks a new chapter for our business. One that’s rooted in independence, shared responsibility, and the long-term protection of the values that have guided us for more than 35 years.
But what does becoming an employee-owned trust actually mean? And what does it mean for our team, our customers, and our future?
What is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)?
An Employee Ownership Trust is a structure where a company is owned on behalf of its employees.
Rather than being dictated by external stakeholders or investors, the business is held in trust for the people who help build it and run it every day. This model protects long-term independence and ensures that success benefits employees collectively. It also means that decisions are made with purpose and stability in mind, not short-term external pressures.
How This Aligns With Natracare’s Values
Becoming employee-owned reflects the principles we have championed from the beginning:
- Long-term environmental responsibility
- Ethical manufacturing
- Transparency and integrity
- Protecting independence
- Putting people first
This transition ensures our founding mission remains protected as we grow. It strengthens our ability to stay true to our standards, whether that be certified organic, compostable, biobased, or campaigning for stronger regulations for period products and for menstrual equity – just demanding better for people and planet.
Why Natracare Chose Employee Ownership
The period care industry has changed dramatically over the decades, with increasing consolidation and acquisition by larger corporations and irresponsibly funded private equity. Choosing employee ownership was a conscious decision to:
- Protect our founding mission
- Preserve our ethical and sustainable manufacturing standards
- Keep environmental responsibility at the core of decision-making
- Recognise and support the employees who have helped build the brand
What This Means for Our Team
For our team, becoming employee-owned represents stability, shared responsibility, and empowerment.
It means having a collective stake in the company’s future and contributing to decisions that shape long-term growth. It strengthens the culture of care and accountability that already exists across departments, from quality and logistics to marketing and customer support.
This transition also honors the legacy of Natracare’s founders who have innovated and built the company in the belief that period care should be safer for people and planet. As they begin to gradually step back from day-to-day leadership, entrusting the company to an Employee Ownership Trust ensures that the values and mission they established remain protected for the long term.
For employees, this creates an opportunity to guard that legacy while continuing to shape Natracare’s future together.
As one team member shared:
“It means a meaningful stake in the company and being able to input and shape its future. Employee Ownership helps safeguard the rich history of the brand and its core values that the team really care about.”
Another reflected:
“Moving to an EOT feels like a natural transition for Natracare. People have always been one of the key focuses of the business, so not being sold privately shows our values haven’t been compromised”
What This Means for Our Customers
Bodywise (UK) Ltd remains unchanged in its operations and relationships. While our ownership has transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust, the company continues to trade as Bodywise (UK) Ltd, now held in trust on behalf of its employees.
For our customers, wholesalers, and distributors, this change does not alter our business relationships, agreements, or the way we work together. It also does not impact the quality of our products or the standards we have upheld for over three decades.
Our commitment to innovation, certified organic principles, the circular economy, ethical sourcing, and avoiding harmful chemicals of concern remains unchanged. In fact, becoming employee owned strengthens our dedication to sustainability, transparency and innovation, ensuring that the values you trust are safeguarded for the long term.
Looking Ahead
As we enter this new chapter, we are also pleased to introduce Nina Davies as Natracare’s new CEO.
Nina brings strong leadership and deep commitment to responsible business practices. It marks an exciting moment of continuity and renewal as she guides Natracare forward while remaining firmly grounded in our founding principles.
Under employee ownership and Nina’s leadership, we look ahead with a clear focus: to continue creating safer, more sustainable period and personal care, while campaigning for change and higher standards for people and planet.
