News / Business

The Bristol company seeking to change the sex toy industry

By Ellie Pipe  Thursday Oct 18, 2018

A Bristol entrepreneur is set to shake up the booming sex toy industry with a new ethical approach.

Launched earlier this month, Kinky Panda has become the first online adult marketplace to only sell body-safe and non-porous products, while also championing reputable, independent retailers, and putting consumer health and wellbeing first.

Co-founder Cait Harris says research conducted by the company found that a large proportion of UK millennials are using “toxic” sex toys that contain chemicals such as phthalates – a group of chemicals often used to make plastics more flexible – and BPA – used to make plastic materials.

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Cait Harris says she wants to raise awareness of ‘toxic products’

“We’re the first online adult marketplace to only sell body-safe sex toys.” says Harris. “Our mission is to raise awareness of toxic products and to encourage brands within the industry to ensure their products are of good quality and made with safe materials.”

The European Union banned phthalates in children’s toys in 2005, but they can still legally be used in adult toys. The impact of such chemicals is a matter that attracts much debate.

Harris believes that the sex industry has been neglected due to its taboo status and says that while things are changing, she feels more can be done.

Kinky Panda aims to educate and help customers make informed purchasing decisions, while encouraging conversation and promoting inclusion.

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