Biodegradable Nappies – Could There be a Better Option?

What does ‘biodegradable’ actually mean?

First things first! What does 'biodegradable' mean?

Well, biodegradable refers to the breakdown of materials in a safe and natural way that is not harmful to the environment.

Therefore, your biodegradable nappies needs to be able to fully break down in such a way that it is kind to the planet.

What Are Biodegradable Nappies Made Of? 

Biodegradable nappies are free from dyes, perfumes, latex and chlorine which could prove harmful to your baby. 

They are made from eco and baby skin-friendly products such as :

• Biodegradable wood pulp from sustainable forestries
• Organic woven bamboo fibre
• Sustainably harvested corn and sugarcane
• Chlorine-free fluff pulp also from sustainable sources
• Use synthetic rubber as adhesives
• Use latex for stretch

Why Are Biodegradable Nappies Better Than Normal Disposable Nappies?

Biodegradable, eco-friendly nappies are more expensive than normal disposable diapers, BUT if you are able to afford them then they are DEFINITELY kinder to our planet and your little one too.

Compared to normal disposable nappies, biodegradable nappies have the following benefits...

• They produce fewer carbon emissions at the point of production
• Contain some biodegradable materials that are sustainably sourced
• Are kinder to your baby’s skin
• They do not contain harmful chemicals such as perfumes, chlorine or other toxins

Are Biodegradable Nappies Really 100% Biodegradable?

Now, this is where things can get a bit confusing and why I would rather call these nappies eco-friendly nappies and not biodegradable nappies...

Sadly, at present, there are NO nappies on the market that are 100% biodegradable; there are only ones that are made from natural environmentally friendly materials.

So, Can You Home Compost Biodegradable Nappies?

Despite being made out of biodegradable materials such as wood pulp, you CANNOT realistically home compost biodegradable nappies… This is because it only works with wet nappies and NOT soiled ones.

Therefore, you would also have to separate out the biodegradable bits from the non-biodegradable which would be very time-consuming (and not very pleasant!!)

In addition, the Environmental Health Department for England does not recommend home composting diapers as they may pose a potential health risk. You would also have a mountain of nappies sitting at the bottom of your garden!

As I would NOT recommend putting biodegradable nappies in the compost bin, the reality is that all disposable nappies (eco or not) will inevitably end up in landfill sites...

In an ideal world, the best way to dispose of biodegradable nappies is to compost them in an industrial compost but this is not always an option. Be sure to check what your country and county/state offers and check if this is a viable option for your diapers!

In Calgary, Canada, Mark Arishenkoff, co-founder of Soiled Diaper, explains how his system for composting biodegradable nappies works.

‘We go [to homes] and collect the nappies and we bring it back to our facility, shred them up to organic material and once it’s all shredded up, it goes into the composting unit and it takes 10 to 12 days from start to finish to compost the nappies.’

It would be great if, in the future, more parents have access to services like this and did not have to resort to landfill sites to dispose of their nappies. 

I am hopeful that things will change in the future and that parents will have the option of following through with their eco choice by being able to dispose of their nappies in an ethical fashion.

But for now... your biodegradable nappies will most likely end up in landfill... But how long does it take to ACTUALLY degrade?

How Long Does It Take For Biodegradable Nappies To Degrade In Landfill?

Biodegradable nappies take 50 years to decompose.

This may sound like a very long time, however regular disposables take between to 150 and 500 years to decompose in a landfill!

So whilst it may seem like a long time to degrade, a biodegradable diaper is certainly a better option than regular disposable diapers!

Are ‘Eco-Friendly’ Products And ‘Biodegradable’ Products The Same?

It is important to remember that eco-friendly nappies do not necessarily mean biodegradable and that these terms mean two different things!

Eco friendly refers to the ethics behind the way a product is sourced and produced. So when it comes to a disposable nappy, we need to consider how the nappy is made. Does the company use plant-based, sustainable materials that are ethically sourced?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘biodegradable is the ability to decay naturally and in a way that is not harmful to the environment.’

So if a product is described as eco friendly it does not always follow that it is biodegradable. 

But knowing the difference between these two terms will ensure you are a savvy shopper when choosing items for you and your baby!

So, What actually Are the most environmentally friendly nappies?

As a parent, you will literally change hundreds and thousands of nappies!

WRAP - Waste & Resources Action Programme UK, says that by the time they are potty trained, a baby could have used 4,000 to 6,000 disposable nappies or 20 to 30 reusable nappies. 

So if you REALLY want to be eco-friendly then you need to be using reusable cloth nappies, as they are BY FAR the most environmentally friendly way to go. 

Award-winning Bambino Mio has a brilliant reusable nappy system which works from birth onwards. Their nappies function like disposables with their quick fasteners so they're super easy to put on and take off. They also come with the option for an added insert for extra protection and their super-absorbent core draws moisture into the nappy away from your little one’s skin.