FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+ Are the condoms actually green?

No, the Green Condoms color is the untreated latex color, no dye was used as we believe in minimizing the number of ingredients to manufacture them.

+ What makes the condoms from Green Condoms vegan?

Casein, a milk protein often found in conventional brands, is normally added to the liquid bath to soften the latex, so it becomes smooth and flexible. Casein gives conventional condoms that sour latex odor and may also increase sensitivity for those allergic to latex. We produce our condoms at a slightly higher temperature than most manufacturers. The specific formulations and ingredients we use allow for us to do that without using casein or testing on animals, and without compromising on product integrity. The Green Condom Club has the vegan certification from the European V-label, also guaranteeing that they are cruelty free. For more information, this page gives a detailed answer.

+ Do the Green Condoms biodegrade?

No, the condoms do not biodegrade. Imagine if they did so before their mandatory 5 years expiration date?! For an item to start biodegrading, it starts with having holes. For a condom, that’s exactly what we don’t want. Condoms need to be eliminated through trash. They will not disintegrate during use.

+ Are the Green Condoms organic?

The latex (sap collected from the hevea or rubber tree) is the main component for manufacturing condoms. Several accelerators are added to the mix to make the material thin, resistant and without holes so the condoms can comply with the European norms for safety certification. Those additions make virtually all condoms not organic.

+ Do the condoms have any smell or taste?

No, the condoms do not have any specific flavor. Compared to regular brands, they do not have any plastic-like taste or smell! Experience the comfort they provide while enjoying great sensations.

+ What is the Green Condoms packaging made out of?

The boxes are made of recycled cardboard and the condoms foil packaging is plastic-laminated aluminum. The reason plastic is used is to guarantee that condoms are not damaged during the mandatory 5 years shelf life (CE norm requirement). Condoms packaging should be resistant to liquids and sturdy enough to sustain a degree of careless handling, even though we recommend using them with care and storing them appropriately. We are using the best currently known technology that passes safety requirements, and we're always on the lookout for new zero waste & ecological alternatives that can meet those requirements. Remember, the primary objective of a condom is to provide a barrier between bodies without any holes!

+ Why are the Green Condoms in a rectangular packaging?

By putting them in a rectangular and not square packaging, we reduce shipping volume and avoid sending empty air across the planet!

+ Are the condoms from the Green Condom Club reusable?

Never. Condoms should be used only once and then discarded. Opt for the trash can and not the toilet to avoid blocking the pipes.

+ Where are the Green Condoms produced?

The Green Condoms are manufactured in China. We tried finding a manufacturer in Europe but none agreed to a vegan composition and full ingredients transparency. Since our latex comes from South-East Asia, it also makes sense to produce in the same region.

+ How effective are condoms against STI and pregnancy?

STI (Sexually Transmissible Infections) are passed on through sexual contact or the exchange of body fluids. If used perfectly every time, male/external condoms can be up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Other than abstinence, the regular use of latex condoms offers the best protection against contracting the AIDS virus and other sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, HPV, genital herpes, chlamydia, syphilis and hepatitis-B. However, condoms are not guaranteed effective in preventing transmission of genital herpes unless the affected area is completely covered. To find out if you might have an STI, regular health exams and testing is recommended. If you suspect that you have been exposed to an STI, visit your doctor immediately.

+ Are the Green Condoms woman friendly?

Yes! Condoms are a safe and body-friendly method of contraception for women who choose not to use hormone-based methods including birth control pills, Nuvaring, the birth control patch, implants, IUD, or shots. An affordable, over-the-counter hormone-free birth control, condoms are the only prescription-free contraceptive method that provides 98% effectiveness with consistent and perfect use. For women who do use hormone based birth control, doubling up with condoms is essential to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. As a woman-owned company, we care about your wellness as we do our own. Designed for your health and pleasure, our products do not contain harmful additives or risky chemicals like benzocaine or nonoxynol-9. With a silky texture, our lightly applied lubricant is a premium medical-grade silicone oil with no artificial chemicals or sugars that could disrupt vaginal pH balance.

+ Are the Green Condoms comfortable?

Our customers with a penis have repeatedly come back to us reporting a high level of comfort and sensations compared to regular brands. Some of them praised the thinness of the material while others indicated their erection lasted longer!

+ What about the latex you use?

We use a patented formula of high-quality, organic, sustainably harvested natural rubber latex. The condoms are made of natural latex drawn from renewable plantation trees. There is also not any possibility of cross contamination during the manufacturing process. While we do not recommend our products for those with severe latex allergies, individuals with only minor latex sensitivity have reported using our products with comfort and success.

+ What makes Glyde condoms vegan?

Thistle extract is used during the manufacturing process to replace casein, as a cleaner and greener option. Glyde condoms are certified by the Vegan Society, also guaranteeing that they are cruelty free.

+ I have an allergy against vulcanization accelerators (i.e. thiuram mix allergy). Which vulcanization accelerators are used during the manufacturing process?

The Green Condom Club believes in transparency for its ingredients. They are the following, in descending order of quantity used and according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI): Rubber Latex, Dimethicone, Hydrated Silica, BHT, Zinc Ethylphenyl Dithiocarbamate, Sulfur, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Polynaphthalene Sulfonate, Potassium Hydroxide, Ceteth-12, Lauric Acid, Laurtrimonium Chloride. Read the detailed explanation of which ingredient is used for what. During the manufacturing process of Glyde condoms, diphenylguanidine is used. Zinc N diethyldithiocarbamate and zinc N dibutyldithiocarbomate are not used.

+ Are formaldehyde or other chemicals used during the manufacturing process?

No, formaldehyde is not used during the manufacturing process. The lubricant on the condoms is made of 100% silicone oil. It is paraben free, glycerin free and without palm oil. The condoms do not contain any pharmaceutically active substances (spermicides, benzocaine or thermoactive substances).

+ How are the Green Condoms lubricated?

The condoms’ lubricant is made of 100% silicon oil which is physically, chemically, and biologically inert. It does not contain any spermicide (nonoxynol-9), anesthetic for delaying ejaculation (benzocaine), or thermoactive substances.

+ Why do you use silicon oil lubricant and not a water-based one?

The silicon used to lubricate condoms is a drop of pure dimethicone (a kind of silicon). Dimethicone is chemically and biologically inert and allergies to it are extremely rare. Silicone manufacturing is not linked to the petrochemical industry (unlike mineral oils for example). It is used to lubricate condoms for 3 reasons:

1. It does not dry (the expiration date of a condom is 5 years after production)
2. Since there is no water, no need for preservatives (such as parabens) to avoid bacterial or fungal proliferation
3. Phtalates don't need to be used (suspected to be carcinogenic and mutagenic when in contact with the skin)

That being said, if you need additional lubrication, we sell water-based lubricant so you can have a good time when using the condoms!

+ I have an allergy to gluten (celiac disease) - may I use the condoms?

Yes you can use them, there is no gluten used in the manufacturing.

+ I have an allergy to corn - may I use the condoms?

Yes you can use them, there is no corn or corn derivative used in the manufacturing.

+ Is talcum powder used during the manufacturing process of the condoms?

No, hydrated silica (Green Condom Club) or oat powder (Glyde) is used instead of talc (a known carcinogen) and each condom is double washed to eliminate any residue, latex taste or odor.

+ Do Green Condom Club or Gylde condoms contain nitrosamines?

Nitrosamines can be found in many everyday items such as beer and other foods, particularly if preserved with nitrites. In latex products such as condoms, gloves or baby pacifier, the quantity is very low. The estimated level of nitrosamines in daily intake of food is at least five times higher than the average exposure to nitrosamines from using a condom one time. That being said, we took extra care to reduce the amount of nitrosamine drastically while manufacturing the Green Condoms.

+ Is BHT toxic?

Transparency and safety are our main concerns. We understand that BHT has drawn an ambiguous reputation for itself, however scientific data, to this day, confirms BHT does not pose a health risk in our products. It is not bioaccumulative, and is 100% metabolized through the system in 7 days.

At this stage there is no other antioxydant that can be used in our products as the condoms would not keep their integrity with production heat.

We are constantly in search of new studies results, and new formulations to further test inert antioxydants.

The study conducted by Le Lanceur (reverse engineering ingredients in main condom brands) is an excellent start, but nonetheless it could not precisely determine ingredients and their quantities, and whether the findings were a result of chemical interactions, or raw ingredients added to the mix.

This is why we insist on transparency and hope all other manufacturers will follow suit. The more our industry is transparent, the better we all progress in creating even more performant and safe products.

More information with a summary of the situation here and the link to a litterature review here.

+ How are your condoms tested?

Condoms are Class II medical devices and the materials and methods with which they are made are subject to rigorous regulatory controls including ISO manufacturing requirements (also set by the World Health Organization) and FDA (Gylde only) and CE approvals. Our condoms are tested multiple times for quality assurance – including measuring elasticity and material uniformity, electronic strength/burst testing, and examination for holes or punctures. Prior to distribution, our products are regularly tested again by independent third party laboratories to ensure they meet performance standards. Additionally, the Green Condom Club condoms are produced according to the ISO 4074 standard in a facility approved by the WHO, ISO 9001 & ISO 13485 and CE certified. More detailed information are available here.

+ What is the expiration date?

It is indicated on the packaging. Industry standard for shelflife is 5 years after production.

+ Do I have to pay extra for shipping?

Yes. As of March 1st, 2019, we no longer offer free shipping but have reduced the price of the condoms to separate the price of the product with the price of the shipping for more transparency. Some destinations such as Switzerland and France actually save money this way. Also, we now include tracking on all orders!

+ Where do you ship to?

We ship anywhere you want in the world. We are committed to bring healthy and sustainable condoms to as many people as possible. We believe that access to quality and safe products should be universal and not depend on your location.

+ How long does it take for my order to arrive?

We work with the French and Swiss Post, here is a list of the number of days your order will take to reach you. It’s also indicated when you checkout. The average delivery times indicated below are in working days (Monday to Friday) and do not include the day of mailing. They only apply to major cities and urban regions, more remote areas might take longer to reach.

• Switzerland: J+1
• France: J+2
• EU: J+3 to J+5
• Rest of the world: J+5 to J+10

+ How can I track my package?

Track your delivery for Switzerland here https://www.post.ch/en Track your delivery for France, the EU or the world: https://www.laposte.fr/outils/track-a-parcel

+ Where do you ship from?

We currently ship from Geneva, Switzerland and Ferney-Voltaire, France.

+ What does the packaging look like?

Your condoms will be sent in a nondescript envelope or package (without logo or identifiers) so you can receive them discreetly.

+ I have not received my package, what's happening?

Have you checked where your package is with your tracking code? If it has not been delivered to your house, it might be at your local post office. Once the order is indicated as delivered, our responsibility ends and becomes that of the shipping company. Please reach out directly to the shipping company with your tracking code in case of questions.

+ I made a mistake writing down my address, what should I do?

If we have not yet shipped your order, send us a quick email at fun@green-change.ch explaining the situation and indicating the correct address. If your order has already been shipped, please reach out to your local post office to retrieve your package.

+ How do I change my subscription?

You can manage your subscriptions directly in your customer account.

+ Where can I find the condoms?

We keep track of our retailers and distributors, you can find the list here.

+ Can I buy condoms from your location in Geneva?

No, this is just the office and is not open to the public. Check Pharmacie Bédat if you’d like to pick some up (regular opening hours) and Pharma24 next to the hospital, they are open 24/7.