Vegan Intimacy: The push for animal-free products extends beyond the plate

Meat consumption in the Netherlands has dropped for the second consecutive year, according to a recent study by Wageningen University. This decline signals a wider shift in how consumers approach their daily habits, a trend that is now reaching the bedroom.

Entrepreneurs in the country are developing sexual wellness products that exclude animal byproducts. Lieke Warmoeskerken, founder of LieLei in Rotterdam, notes that many standard items contain hidden animal components. She explains that latex in condoms is sometimes softened with milk protein. Additionally, the glues and dyes used in silicone sex toys, such as vibrators and dildos, can be derived from animals.

"You think about what you put in your mouth, so why don’t you think about what you’ve put on your body?" Warmoeskerken told The Associated Press. Her company produces erotic goods that are vegan, environmentally friendly, and ethically made. She says educating the public about these ingredients is a key part of her work.

Simone Kuijer, a 30-year-old entrepreneur in Amsterdam, started her brand Aia after discovering that coconut oil, a common natural lubricant, could damage latex condoms and disrupt the body's pH balance. "I thought, this is not good. I need to come up with an alternative that is 100% natural," she said. Her products use plant-derived glycerin instead of animal tallow for lubricant and beeswax-free ingredients for massage oil candles.

Kuijer manufactures her goods one hour from her headquarters to ensure sustainable sourcing. She is also addressing microplastic concerns by packaging items in glass jars and launching a glass adult toy line. "It doesn’t solve the whole problem, but it’s definitely a step towards it," she noted.

Stephanie Heerema, a 28-year-old vegan in Amsterdam, uses these products to maintain an animal-free lifestyle. She has been vegetarian since age 10 and fully vegan since university. "It bothers me that there is lactose in my birth control," Heerema said. Lactose, a milk derivative, is often used as a binding agent in pills. She now researches every purchase to ensure her contraceptives and toys are vegan and use recycled plastics internally.

Warmoeskerken’s shop also addresses plastic use by disclosing which alternatives, such as vegan leather harnesses, still contain plastic. Both founders aim to provide consumers with transparent options as global temperatures rise and environmental concerns grow.