9 Biodegradable Nappies That Are Better for Bums and the Planet
On a mission to raise a zero waste baby?
Let’s start at the bottom, by which we mean biodegradable nappies.
With 8 million nappies thrown away every day in the UK, it’s time we made a (nappy) change for the better.
Reusable nappies are ideal but we know disposables make days out or trips away easier. Or you might not be ready to make the leap to cloth yet, and that’s okay!
However you choose to doo(doo) eco-friendly diapers are a far cry better than traditional ones stinking up the planet with plastic pollution.
Progress, not poo-fection, right?
Whilst there isn’t a 100% biodegradable nappy yet, we celebrate brands like Eco By Naty using 60% plant-based and biodegradable materials for their vegan and OEKO-TEX certified nappies.
Certified B Corp Mama Bamboo’s 80% compostable content and 100% compostable packaging make for some of the best biodegradable nappies.
Kit & Kin’s chlorine-free natural materials and cute animal designs add a touch of fun to changing time.
To find out how we learned which disposable nappies are biodegradable, head down to the bottom of the article.
*This post contains affiliate links
QUICK LINKS FOR NATURAL BIODEGRADABLE NAPPIES
1. ECO BY NATY
About Eco by Naty
Family-owned Swedish brand Eco by Naty has been on a biodegradable nappy-making mission since the 90s.
They’re now one of the world’s leading brands for nappies made from plant-based and compostable materials.
Certified vegan and made with TÜV Austria certified biobased ingredients, they’re tested for harmful substances via the OEKO-TEX 100 Standard.
They also sell pull-up pants, eco-friendly baby wipes, and sustainable period products.
Eco by Naty’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Eco By Naty’s biodegradable nappies feature up to 60% plant-based and biodegradable materials, like FSC-certified wood pulp for absorption.
The nappies contain a small amount of superabsorbent polymer (SAP).
No oil-based plastic comes into contact with the baby’s skin and the elastic in the leg cuffs are covered with plant-based material.
Supply chain & labor practices:
None of their products are tested on animals and they partner with suppliers who uphold their code of conduct in terms of fair labor practices and minimal environmental impact.
Green business practices:
Their whole fem-care line, baby wipes, and disposable nappy sacks are 100% compostable, as is their sugarcane plastic nappy packaging.
You can read more about their eco-efforts in their latest Sustainability Report.
Available: EarthHero
2. KIT & KIN
About Kit & Kin
Kit & Kin offers biodegradable wipes, natural skincare, baby clothes, and nappies—whose cute animal designs will make you wonder why they’re not in the clothing category.
Their natural biodegradable nappies are hypoallergenic and free from all harsh chemicals including chlorine, latex, perfume, and parabens.
They come in sizes 1-6 so whether you’re looking for newborn biodegradable nappies or some for your toddler, you’ll be able to buy a size to suit.
Kit & Kin’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Kit & Kin nappies are made mostly from plant-based and biodegradable materials, like sugarcane chlorine-free, bio-based SAPm and FSC® certified wood pulp.
They’ve yet to find a biodegradable alternative for the velcro tabs and elastic in the leg cuffs, but they’re looking.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The cruelty free nappies are ethically made in the Czech Republic at a carbon neutral facility.
Kit & Kin was also just awarded B Corp certification.
Green business practices:
The nappy sacks and baby wipes are 100% biodegradable and all packaging is recyclable.
Community & charitable giving:
The Kit & Kin foundation helps protect endangered rainforests. It also supports women and children living in these areas with scholarships, family planning, and healthcare.
The brand also regularly donates wipes and biodegradable nappies to UK baby banks.
Available: Ethical Superstore
3. BEAMING BABY
About Beaming Baby
Beaming Baby’s natural biodegradable nappies from the UK are over 75% biodegradable—including packaging—within four years.
Only the velcro tabs and the elastic in the leg cuffs won’t degrade in that time.
These affordable biodegradable nappies are available in sizes 1-6.
Beaming Baby’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The top sheet is made with natural cotton and cornstarch fibers paired with a GMO-free absorbent core.
They recently launched a new bamboo biodegradable nappy made from organic bamboo.
Each one contains 54% fewer chemicals and will biodegrade 40% faster than standard nappies.
Supply chain & labor practices:
We’ll be reaching out to confirm where/how their nappies are made.
Green business practices:
The plastic nappy sacks contain an additive that enables them to break down in 2-5 years in a landfill.
Available: Ethical Superstore
4. MOLTEX
About Moltex
Moltex organic biodegradable nappies are made with more than 50% renewable materials.
They’re free from chlorine, bleaching agents, perfumes, and lotions, making them certified hypoallergenic and a safe choice for babies with eczema and sensitive skin.
Moltex’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Moltex organic biodegradable nappies contain 15% organic cotton in the outer layer. The bio-based inner layer is derived from corn and sugarcane.
Nappy ingredients are EU Ecolabel and OEKO-TEX certified.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The nappies are ethically made in Germany, where regular BSCI social audits are carried out to ensure good working conditions.
Green business practices:
Moltex’s factories are powered by 100% green electricity and two of the sites are CO2 neutral.
The nappies and organic baby wipes come packaged in an OK bio based certified sugarcane plastic bag.
Available: Ethical Superstore
5. ECORIGINALS
About Ecoriginals
Looking for the best biodegradable nappies in Australia?
Ecoriginals’ are hard to beat, being made with over 90% plant-based materials—and that’s only until they achieve 100% biodegradability.
The nappies are free from harmful chemicals and both the nappy packaging and the brand’s wipes are 100% home compostable.
You can save 20% on cost with their subscription service, making them a good option if you’re looking for affordable biodegradable nappies.
Ecoriginals’ Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The 90% natural materials include non-GMO corn starch, 100% cotton, and FSC-certified wood pulp.
Only the polyethylene (PE) front tape and tabs and lycra leg holes are stopping these from being completely plastic free nappies.
Ecoriginals use plant-based glue and there are no dyes, inks, or otherwise harmful chemicals.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The different nappy materials are sourced from the US, China, and Japan before being sent to Ecoriginals’ manufacturing partner in China.
The brand is looking for partners in Australia and New Zealand (where the wipes are made) but says that at the moment there isn’t any machinery outside of China that can make the nappies.
We’ll be reaching out to them to confirm their labor practices.
Green business practices:
Ecoriginals is a plastic neutral company. For every gram of plastic they use in their products, they collect and recycle an equal amount from the environment via Plastic Bank.
Their New Zealand wipe factory uses 100% renewable energy from wind, hydro, and solar and their Chinese nappy factory recycles all water.
Products are shipped in recyclable cardboard and the nappy packaging is 100% home compostable.
Community & charitable giving:
Ecoriginals plant one tree for every order to help offset their carbon emissions through their partnership with Ecologi.
Available: Ecorginals
6. MAMA BAMBOO
About Mama Bamboo
Award-winning Mama Bamboo was the first European and UK biodegradable nappy company to gain B Corp status.
Although these bamboo biodegradable nappies bear an impressive 80% biodegradable content, a nappy composting service isn’t currently available in the UK.
However, Mama Bamboo says they can be composted at home in a hot compost set up to safely destroy the bacteria and pathogens in human waste.
Before composting, remove the non-biodegradable elastic tabs and ruching sections.
Mama Bamboo’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Mama Bamboo’s bamboo biodegradable nappies are made from sustainably certified bamboo viscose with a plant-based liner and chlorine-free pulp.
Materials are cruelty free and certified by FSC, OEKO-TEX 100, and the Vegan Society.
In three months, 60% will biodegrade. In an industrial or hot composting setting, 80% of the nappy will degrade within two years.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Mama Bamboo’s suppliers are audited by the British Standards Institute (BSI).
Green business practices:
Mama Bamboo is on a mission to achieve at least 90% compostability by 2050.
Their wipes and nappy bags are already certified home compostable and the nappy packing is 100% industrially compostable.
They are working with a private firm to explore the development of industrial nappy composting as well as a byproduct collection for the non-compostable parts so they can be turned into fuel pellets. With this in place, waste free nappies could become a reality.
Mama Bamboo offsets shipping through the Ugandan Bamboo Village and aims to offset all emissions by 2025.
Community & charitable giving:
Mama Bamboo donates 20% of annual net profits to worthy causes.
They also donate nappies to disadvantaged families in the UK via In Kind Direct.
Available: Mama Bamboo
7. THE CHEEKY PANDA
About The Cheeky Panda
Certified B Corp The Cheeky Panda focuses on its namesake’s favorite fodder—bamboo—for its toilet paper, compostable paper towels, tissues, straws, wipes, and bamboo biodegradable nappies.
While the nappies aren’t there yet, the wipes are 100% biodegradable and compostable.
All products are certified vegan by the Vegan Society.
The Cheeky Panda’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The biodegradable nappies feature a 100% bamboo top lining, FSC-certified wood fluff, and absorbent polymer (SAP) core.
Safe for baby’s skin, they don’t contain any chlorine or chemical nasties.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The Cheeky Panda products are manufactured in SW China where they source their bamboo.
We’ll be reaching out for more details on any in-place worker protections.
Green business practices:
The brand uses FSC-certified surplus virgin pulp bamboo which would otherwise be wasted.
Shipping is carbon offset through rainforest conservation work through World Land Trust.
Community & charitable giving:
Cheeky Panda gives back via donations to Toilet Twinning and Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Available: The Cheeky Panda
8. COMFY KOALAS
About Comfy Koalas
Founded by Sydney parents Nat & Mo, the Australian biodegradable nappy brand Comfy Koalas is on a mission to help curb plastic pollution and make safe nappies.
Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, you won’t find any nasties including ink, dyes, chlorine, perfume, latex, or PVC.
With four sizes available, you’ll find biodegradable newborn nappies through toddler nappies.
For cheap biodegradable nappies, have a look at their subscribe and save service.
Comfy Koalas’ Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Comfy Koalas’ nappies are made from 67% plant-based and biodegradable ingredients. This includes FSC-certified bamboo and chlorine-free wood pulp.
The absorbent core’s liner also contains a preservative-free pure aloe vera gel.
The leg cuffs, front tabs, and waistband still contain plastic.
Comfy Koala’s nappies have been independently tested by SSG Labs and are completely free of toxins.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Komfy Koala nappies are ethically manufactured at an environmentally certified and regularly audited factory in China.
Green business practices:
The nappies are wrapped in 100% certified home compostable packaging made from GMO-free corn starch.
Available: Comfy Koalas
9. BAMBO NATURE
About Bambo Nature
For biodegradable nappies that are skin and planet friendly, Bambo Nature has you (or rather your baby’s bottom) covered.
They are free of perfumes and parabens, have been dermatologically tested, and are certified by the Asthma Allergy Nordic label.
While the nappies are still partially so, their baby wipes are 100% biodegradable.
Bambo Nature’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Bambo Nature’s partially biodegradable nappies contain more than 30% biobased materials.
The fluff is made from FSC-certified wood fibers and is Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) and all ingredients are certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Nappies and skincare products are made in Denmark and Bambo Nature is SMETA certified for its social practices.
Green business practices:
The nappies are made on energy-efficient machines using 100% renewable energy.
The Danish factory is ISO50001 certified for its energy-efficient practices and recycles 95% of production waste.
Nappy packaging is made out of 30% post-consumer recycled materials.
Available: Ethical Superstore
HOW TO DISPOSE OF BIODEGRADABLE NAPPIES
First things first: it’s important to remember that biodegradable vs compostable are not the same thing.
To be genuinely biodegradable, an item must break down into its natural components within a reasonably short period of time (within one year according to FSC guidelines).
To be compostable, they must break down within six months.
So unless they’re certified for composting, and until recycling services exist, biodegradable nappies have to be sent to landfill.
That may sound bad, but with average disposables taking 300-500 years to biodegrade, even if biodegradable nappies take 3-5 years, it’s still a massive improvement.
An important factor to consider is the conditions that are needed to break down a nappy. The landfill environment is very different from an industrial composting setting.
To maximize biodegradability, use a biodegradable or compostable nappy bag, or wrap in old newspaper/paper packaging before putting it in your bin (but not inside a plastic bin liner).
HOW WE FOUND THE BEST BIODEGRADABLE NAPPIES IN THE UK
So, how did we find the best biodegradable nappies?
First, we had to consider which nappies are actually biodegradable which takes a bit of detective work to sniff out; looking at you biodegradable balloons.
We looked for transparency, not only regarding the percentage of the biodegradable nappy materials but also on the timeframe and conditions needed for the nappy to break down.
Having established which nappies are biodegradable, here’s how we choose the best of the bum bunch:
Materials:
Whilst none of the nappies are 100% biodegradable (much like recyclable diapers), we looked for high percentages of plant-based, biodegradable materials, the best biodegradable nappies landing at 90%.
Bamboo fabric is a popular choice as it’s naturally absorptive, antibacterial, breathable, and temperature regulating.
Other biodegradable nappy materials include FSC-certified wood pulp, organic/regular cotton, and cornstarch fibers.
The velcro side tabs and elastic leg cuffs seem to be the sticky issue as far as plastic is concerned.
At the same time, we fully appreciate the need to balance sustainability with performance (AKA keeping poop and pee contained!).
Nappies that are free from chemical nasties are also a must. The most skin-friendly nappies are free from chlorine, bleach, parabens, perfumes, inks, and dyes.
- Certifications: Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX® 100, Nordic Swan Eco-Label, V-Label Vegan, Vegan Society
Supply chain and labor practices:
We’re glad to see that ethical manufacturing is on the rise with an increasing number of brands sharing where and how their products are made.
Third-party audits lend credibility so we can be sure that these nappies are not only a better choice for the environment but that they are a better choice for factory workers too.
- Certifications: Certified B Corp, British Standards Institute (BSI), SMETA, Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI)
Green business practices:
It’s exciting to see biodegradable nappies being made in factories powered by clean energy.
Other eco-conscious practices include minimizing water use, using sustainable packaging, and partnering with carbon offset programs.
Community & charitable giving:
Big-hearted brands make us smile and several brands on our list give back by donating nappies to families in need or through financial contributions to various charities.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BIODEGRADABLE NAPPY BRANDS
So, are biodegradable nappies better for the environment?
Absolutely.
While not perfect, they’re a much better choice than nappies that are made from oil-based plastic—at least until we unlock the secret to making disposable zero waste nappies.
Beyond how much and how quickly these nappies biodegrade, there are plenty of reasons why plant-based, natural biodegradable nappies are preferable.
Being chemical free, safe for babies, and made from renewable materials instead of fossil fuels, to name a few.
However, if you’re keen to go for fully plastic free nappies, check out our advice on how to wash cloth nappies to talk you through the process (we promise it’s not as scary as it sounds!)
Know some eco conscious parents looking for sustainable or organic baby products?
Help them out with their diaper duties by sharing this article on the best biodegradable nappies.
