Johnson & Johnson’s Band-Aid is known as the leading brand of adhesive bandages. Invented in 1920, the brand is so dominant that most consumers don’t realize that Band-Aid is protected by copyright and can’t be used by competing bandage companies.
In response to demonstrations protesting police brutality, the company announced on Thursday (June 11, 2020), it recognized the need to be more inclusive.
The statement reads, “We stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, collaborators and community in the fight against racism, violence and injustice. We are committed to taking actions to create tangible change for the Black community.
“We are committed to launching a range of bandages in light, medium and deep shades of Brown and Black skin tones that embrace the beauty of diverse skin. We are dedicated to inclusivity and providing the best healing solutions, better representing you.
The company also announced plans to donate to Black Lives Matter and also pledged to take additional steps to “fight against systemic racism.”
Band-Aid hasn’t provided timing for the multi-colored bandages, but as an alternative consider Tru-Colour, a bandage company established in 2014 that has provided bandages in an array of skin hues since its inception. As well, Browndages is black owned and is themed on providing “perfect bandages for brown skin.”
Read the full Band-Aid statement below.
