There are disposable nappies, and there are re-usable nappies which many mothers will choose because they are environmentally less harmful. So what are eco disposable nappies? Basically some mothers are concerned that there are chemicals used in the production of disposable nappies and they wonder about the effect of their sensitive baby’s skin. On the other hand they feel they don’t have the time to deal with reusable nappies.
A disposable nappy is lined with white granules of an acrylic acid polymer which become gel when wet. They increase the ability of the nappy to absorb liquid, but the gel can get onto baby’s skin. There is no evidence that this per se is harmful, but some mothers will prefer eco disposable nappies for a number of reasons;
Eco-disposable nappies tend to made from sustainable eco-friendly materials with little or no treatment with chemicals. They also are not usually manufactured using bleaching agents.
Most eco-disposable nappies have less or no gel and are free from dye and latex
Some eco-disposables may well break down more quickly than other disposables – though they will still produce methane, a primary greenhouse gas as a by product
It is said by some manufacturers that their eco-disposable nappy products can be broken down in a wormery – and thus avoid landfill altogether, but it is important to remember that only wet nappies can be put into a wormery –it is illegal and dangerous to put poo-filled nappies into a wormery.
Mothers should read the small print of the manufacturer’s claims before buying eco disposables