HERO Condoms has unveiled new packaging it says was guided by feedback from more than 1,200 Australian women.

The survey revealed a preference for packaging materials and imagery that evoke a high-quality, premium feel and a desire to align with brands that incorporate recycled materials. It also got rid of over-sexualised images that were reportedly a turn off to women.

“Women makeup close to half of the Australian condom market, but the latest surveys show the major condom brands don’t seem very interested in making a product with women in mind. Women are more empowered than ever when it comes to sex, so we want to make sure our products are engaging and reflecting the needs of this significant part of the market,” said Dustin Leonard, CEO of HERO Condoms.

The survey also found that more than nine out of 10 women thought it was important for brands to be socially responsible and give back to society – an important part of HERO’s one-for-one mission.

For every HERO condom sold in Australia and New Zealand, one is donated to a developing country. To date, HERO has donated 575,000 condoms to Botswana, which has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS infection in the world, and has pledged to donate two million condoms this year.

HERO partnered with leading brand design expert Gary Broadbent, who currently serves as creative director for Sydney’s new $1.1 billion International Convention Centre, to help articulate the new insight on the factors most important to female shoppers, in a visually appealing way.

Mr. Broadbent says HERO’s socially conscious mission is a key reason he was eager to be involved.

“Social responsibility is the future of brands, so I am incredibly proud to be a part of HERO which does extraordinary work to help fight the spread of HIV and AIDS, particularly in the developing world. The innovative work we are doing will help position HERO as one of the most important corporate social responsibility (CSR) brands in the world,” said Broadbent.