Dutch Entrepreneurs Launch Vegan Intimate Product Lines Amid Rising Environmental and Ethical Concerns

Key points

• Lieke Warmoeskerken’s Rotterdam-based company LieLei sells vegan erotic products, noting that standard condoms may use milk protein to soften latex and that glues or dyes in sex toys can contain animal products.
• Simone Kuijer’s Amsterdam-based brand Aia offers vegan lubricants made with plant-derived glycerin instead of animal tallow, as well as massage oil candles without beeswax, manufactured within an hour of its headquarters.
• Kuijer’s products are packaged in glass jars to minimize microplastic exposure, a concern heightened by recent reports of microplastics in breast milk, and she has launched a glass adult toy line.
• Consumer Stephanie Heerema, a vegan in Amsterdam, avoids products containing lactose, such as certain birth control pills, and researches vibrator materials to ensure they are vegan and use recycled plastic for internal components.
• Wageningen University reports that meat consumption in the Netherlands has declined for the second consecutive year, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainable and animal-free lifestyles.

Background

This trend aligns with broader societal shifts toward sustainability and ethical consumption, as seen in earlier coverage of consumer behavior and environmental concerns. The focus on microplastics and natural materials reflects ongoing public health and environmental discussions.

Why it matters

The rise of vegan intimate products highlights how ethical and environmental considerations are expanding beyond food into personal care and wellness, influencing consumer choices and driving innovation in sustainable manufacturing and packaging.

What to watch

Expect continued growth in vegan and sustainable intimate product markets as consumer awareness of microplastics and animal-derived ingredients increases, potentially influencing regulatory standards and industry practices.