What is an eco-nappy?
On average, a baby requires 6000 nappy changes before they are potty trained. In the UK alone 8 million nappies and 30 million wet wipes are thrown away every single day.
We are all aware that single-use plastic needs to be reduced. This is of no surprise to most. What many people do not realise is that traditional disposable nappies and baby wipes are typically made from oil-based plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester. These materials are not commonly recycled and cannot be composted. They will take hundreds of years to break down when disposed of in landfill. But it is not just their end of life break down that causes damage to the environment. For every plastic nappy that is created, 150ml of crude oil and 15ml of chlorine bleach is required, both of which are immensely damaging to our planet’s ecosystems.
To combat all of these problems, an eco disposable nappy (which looks and performs just like a regular nappy – or better!) is made using significantly less plastic and fewer chemicals. This means that its production and end of life impact on the environment can be virtually nothing.
But are all eco nappies the same?
In short, no, not all “eco-nappies” are the same. The term “eco nappy” is widely applied to any nappy brand using less plastic and less chlorine. There are, however, significant differences between the various brands.
The better eco-brands:
- use zero % plastic covers, liners and packaging.
- are free of latex, PVC and chlorine.
- use natural water based or plant based dyes.
- have zero perfume and zero lotion.
- the bulk of the nappy and packaging is plant based and compostable.
- tend to be carbon neutral and will have a higher ethical rating.
What is greenwashing?
It’s worth reading the info on each brand’s website and packaging very carefully. Some will use ‘greenwashing’ marketing speak. Key phrases to watch out for include:
- “cotton enhanced” – This may be as little as 30% of it is cotton enhanced. Meaning there will still be 70% plastic on your babies’ skin.
- “oxo-degradable liners” – These types of “eco” plastics are banned in Europe. This is because they create micro-plastics and require special conditions to degrade. Look for “bio-based” or “compostable” liners.
- Silence – Some eco-brands actually use normal oil based plastic for liners and simply fail to mention it in their marketing! If they are using compostable bio-based liners, they will definitely call it out. If it is unclear, you can safely assume they are using oil based plastic.
- “lower impact” – This is fairly nondescript and can mean very little sustainability has been designed into the actual product. It might refer to the company using some green energy during manufacture and very little else.
- “recycled packaging” – The detail may well reveal that just 30% is recycled content (the absolute minimum required to avoid the plastic packaging tax)
- “recyclable packaging” – But you can recycle at larger supermarkets only.
Introducing Mama Bamboo
At leading eco brand, Mama Bamboo, they endeavour to opt for the sustainable choice at every stage, even when that makes it firstly, less profitable and secondly, harder for themselves.
Mama Bamboo has both B-Corp certification and Sustainable X Summit certification – meaning it has passed the highest standards of ethical and sustainable business. They have been rated “Best for the World Environment” by the B-Corp for 2 years running; meaning that they are the “best of the best”.
Mama Bamboo is the highest rated ethical, eco nappy brand by The Good Shopping Guide and the highest rated disposable brand by The Ethical Consumer.
Their nappies and pants are made using:
- 100% bamboo viscose
- 100% compostable liners
- 100% ECF chlorine free certified pulp
- 100% compostable packaging
- No lotions, fragrances, latex, PVC, phthalates or parabens.
Their wipes are made using:
- 100% bamboo viscose
- 99.4% purified water
- 100% kerbside recyclable packaging
- No harmful toxins or endocrine disruptors.
Conclusion
All eco nappies are better than standard plastic ones – both for the environment and your baby – but some are better than others!
Look for the 100% brands like Mama Bamboo.
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