Washable Vs Disposable

Many parents will have heard about the Environment Agency's 2005 study into the impact of washable versus disposable nappies. The report concluded that using real nappies was no better for the environment than using disposables.

However, these findings were regarded to be flawed by many in the real nappy world and wider field of waste prevention.  The report was criticised for being based on poor quality data.  Campaign group, Women's Environmental Network countered the report with evidence to show that parents who use cloth nappies can save waste confident in the knowledge that washing them will cause no more global warming than disposable nappies.

An update to the EA report is anticipated in the near future. This is urgently required to bring the report in line with recent technological and product developments.

Our aim has always been to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. In light of the report we will continue to encourage parents using washable nappies to make sure they minimise the impact of washing nappies by following a sensible washing routine.