Author: Vanessa Howard
The ethical Welsh luxury skincare brand Goodwash is an inspiration. CEO Mandy Powell and her team rose to the challenge when asked to partner with The Hygiene Bank to create an edible soap for a campaign designed to raise awareness of UK hygiene poverty.
‘This is not a product. This is a protest.’ features Goodwash’s soap to highlight that last year 5.3 million adults in the UK were forced to choose between buying food or toiletries. The campaign notes that soap is taxed at 20% but lobsters are VAT-free.
The edible soap is not for sale but people can visit Goodwash’s website and make a symbolic purchase for £15, the average cost of soap per person a year. All proceeds will go to support The Hygiene Bank get basic hygiene products to individuals and families across the UK who would otherwise go without.
Removing VAT on soap would cost the Treasury an estimated £19.52 million, which the campaign argues is a minor fiscal adjustment compared to other government expenditures but one that would have a high social impact, especially for those with lower incomes.
It’s a great campaign, supported by a great Welsh company, and one Good With Words is proud to back.