SOS Vending Machines Giving Away Tampons

Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief

SOS, the Boston-based company that says it is redefining wellness on the go through a fast-growing network of smart vending machines, is announcing its exclusive product partnership with Unilever Ventures backed Rael, a 360 holistic feminine and beauty company focused on clean period care, intimate care, and skincare.

Susanna Twarog, co-founder and co-CEO of SOS told us “Every woman has experienced a moment when she needed a tampon and one was nowhere to be found, a frustrating feeling only exacerbated when in a public space like a sporting arena or office building. We believe that all people deserve access to period care products wherever, whenever, and our partnership with Rael helps us bring that mission to fruition as we make their organic, effective pads and tampons available for free in all of our machines.”

The two female founded and female led companies are committing to give away 200,000 tampons and pads at all of SOS’ 100+ machines throughout the next year in an effort to increase access to essential personal care products in high-traffic public locations where people need them most. The partnership is backed by a six-figure investment from Rael and is the largest direct brand investment to-date for SOS.

Easily recognizable by its curvy shape and sleek video touch screen, SOS machines offer a range of exceptional just-in-time personal care and wellness products to meet a variety of needs. Completely cardless and contactless for consumers, SOS machines also deliver targeted, interactive advertising and educational content when not in use. This digital component is a unique aspect of SOS machines and enables highly targeted brand-building and customer acquisition programs that help brands stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. As part of the partnership, Rael will have access to personalized marketing campaigns and valuable data capture information at all SOS locations.

Sorah Park, Chief Marketing Officer of Rael said “We are excited to launch this initiative with SOS to promote equitable access to feminine care products. Our mission has never been clearer, and through this partnership, we look forward to giving more people access to healthy, organic options in women’s wellness and hygiene,” said “We know there can be a real financial burden when accessing feminine hygiene products, especially organic, and Rael is committed to providing greater ease for those in need of clean, safe, and effective solutions through the high traffic access points in urban cities where SOS machines featuring Rael can be found.”

Launched in 2020 by Susanna Twarog and Robina Verbeek, SOS has grown its footprint to include prominent placement at high-traffic areas including New York City’s iconic Rockefeller Center, top sporting venues like Fenway Park, FLA Live Arena and TIAA Bank Field, in addition to a variety of public spaces around Boston, including Boston Children’s Hospital, District Hall, Prudential Center, South Station, and more.

Rael is made by women for all people who bleed. Founded by three Korean American women in Los Angeles, including CEO Yanghee Paik in 2017, Rael empowers women to make healthier choices for their bodies through its safe and high-performance personal care products accessible to women around the world. Thoughtfully designed with natural and sustainable materials, Rael’s products are manufactured with cutting-edge South Korean manufacturing technology to deliver the latest innovations in feminine and skin care, providing a 360° holistic solution for the modern woman. Rael products can be found at getrael.com, as well as major retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. Rael is backed by Unilever Ventures, BAM Ventures, PGVC, Softbank Ventures Asia, and Atinum Partners among others.


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