Thinx settled a lawsuit over allegations of PFAS in its period underwear, as a viral tweet claims. Here’s how impacted customers can file a claim.
VERIFY often reports on class-action lawsuit settlements offering impacted customers money if they file a claim.
Now, claims are circulating about Thinx, a company that sells washable and reusable period underwear. One person claimed in a viral tweet that Thinx recently settled a case over “toxic chemicals” known as PFAS that were found in the garments.
Recent online search data also show that people are searching for information about a Thinx class action settlement.
THE QUESTION
Is there a Thinx class action settlement over claims of PFAS in its underwear?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, there is a Thinx class action settlement over claims of PFAS in its underwear.
WHAT WE FOUND
People who bought a pair of Thinx period underwear between Nov. 12, 2016 and Nov. 28, 2022 are eligible to file a claim as part of a class action settlement.
A class-action lawsuit filed against Thinx in May 2022 alleged that the company’s underwear contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) , also known as “forever chemicals,” that may be linked to adverse health effects.
The plaintiffs accused Thinx of deceptive advertising practices by leading consumers to believe the underwear are a “safe, healthy and sustainable choice for women” and “free of harmful chemicals.”
Both parties reached a settlement agreement on Nov. 22, 2022, a lawyer for the plaintiffs confirmed to VERIFY. Thinx has denied the allegations in the lawsuit and maintains that PFAS “have never been a part of its product design,” according to a website for the settlement.
A hearing to officially approve the settlement is scheduled for May 24, 2023.
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As part of the settlement, Thinx has agreed to pay up to $5 million to class members who submit valid claims. People who submit claims will be able to choose cash reimbursement for up to three pairs of Thinx underwear, or a single-use voucher toward a future Thinx underwear purchase.
Those who opt for the cash reimbursement option and have valid proof of purchase may receive a $7 refund for each purchase of up to three pairs of underwear, for a total of $21, the settlement website says.
If you don’t have proof of purchase, you may receive a $3.50 refund for each purchase of up to three pairs of underwear for a total of $10.50.
People who choose the voucher option will receive a discount of 35% off a future purchase of up to $150 in eligible products on the Thinx website.
The deadline for filing a claim to receive a payment in the settlement is April 12, 2023. If you don’t file a claim, you won’t receive any money.
There are two ways to file a claim: online or by mail.
If you received a notice about the settlement, you should have a claim number and PIN that you can enter online. People who don’t have a claim number or PIN can still file a claim online.
You can also print out a paper claim form and mail it to the address listed on the form.
The answers to more frequently asked questions about the settlement are available online.