LAUSR

Abstract Most condoms, especially those purchased by international aid agencies, are packed in square aluminium foil packs. The alternative rectangular packs use less packing material, and are more compact to ship and store. Polymer packs, which do not contain an aluminium foil layer, offer the potential of easier re-cycling and reduced embodied energy. This article presents data originally generated by condom manufacturers that shows the difference in physical properties of condoms packed in different materials and different shapes. Tensile properties measured by an independent laboratory are also included for one manufacturer's product. It is concluded that there is no evidence that the plastic packs, or rectangular packs, provide inferior protection to the condom.