How long do biodegradable nappies take to decompose? There is a real debate going on concerning biodegradable nappies and they might not be as biodegradable as they ought to be.
Disposable nappies are going to take forever to break down, studies did indicate they can take 50 or 500 years to biodegrade completely however this differs from brand to brand.
There are quite a lot of reasons you should be concerned about the environmental impact of nappies. Which explains why biodegradable nappies are becoming a much more appealing option to go for.
Cloth diapers might have been around for a very long time but they are less absorbent hence why they are being used less now. Different brands use different materials when making biodegradable nappies which also means some might be good for the planet while some are not.
It is important to know that not every item that claims to be biodegradable actually breaks down fast enough. There are really benefits attached to choosing an eco-friendly diaper for your baby. However, before doing that, read further to know how long biodegradable nappies take to decompose and if they are worth it.
Biodegradable Items Explained
Biodegradable simply means something that can be deposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
This can be a product or a substance if it can be broken down into natural particles or disintegrate into the earth then it is biodegradable. There is no ecological harm done during this process and it can e really healthy for the earth.
How Long Do Biodegradable Nappies Take To Decompose?
Biodegradable nappies can take 50 years to decompose which means they might not be as planet-friendly as they claim to be. Different brands make use of different materials while making nappies and while some are eco-friendly, some are not.
Biodegradable nappies made with natural fiber than the traditional ones are safe for the environment but they are not 100% biodegradable either.
To make sure the nappies you are using are safe for the environment, it is recommended that you choose ones made from sustainable materials. Furthermore, studies claim that those reusable nappies are more friendly to the environment.
There is currently no biodegradable nappy that decomposes fast in the market right now. While some are made with materials that are safe for the environment, it still doesn’t mean they decompose fast. However, biodegradable nappies still mean fewer nappies in the landfill, and those that are made with the right component break down faster than disposable nappies.
What are eco-friendly nappies made from?
To ensure you are choosing a nappy that is safe for the environment, you need to be aware of what goes into it.
The material used in making nappies depends on the brand. Beaming baby brands are known to make their eco-friendly nappies are formed with a biodegradable water-resistant outer sheet which is made from natural cotton and cornstarch paper. This is 77% biodegradable.
Mama bamboo is another key brand in making biodegradable nappies. Their nappies are made from bamboo fibers and chlorine-free wood pulp which means they can decompose by 80%.
Are there any 100% biodegradable nappies?
No, there are no 100% biodegradable nappies. Some can be 60% or 80% biodegradable but unfortunately, there are no nappies made with 100% biodegradable material. It can e a bit confusing on how biodegradable your nappies are and no brand listed 100% biodegradable on their nappies either. However, some are still made with materials that are completely safe for the environment.
Can you compost biodegradable nappies at home?
Unfortunately, it’s best not to try composting them at home.
Biodegradable nappies need to be actively composted before they can break down and if you have it thrown into the trash, they will go straight into your landfill. However, there is a particular way it needs to be composted which is why some manufacturers warn again doing it at home yourself.
To properly dispose of your biodegradable nappies, just have them placed in your waste bin. Do not have them placed in your green recycling bin as human waste isn’t allowed there and nappies can also go to some commercial composting operations.
What are the better options?
There are lots of eco-friendly and biodegradable nappies out there but none of them are 100% biodegradable. However, keep in mind that if you are choosing nappies with natural fiber that has been sustainably grown and harvested then this can have some friendly impact on the environment.
There is no doubt that disposable nappies are great since they won’t leach chemicals into landfills like regular nappies.
If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint on your baby’s bottom then reusable nappies are better alternatives since you can reuse them without having to send them to the landfill. Otherwise, here is an option we recommend.
- ✅ Durable & Large Size Diaper Sack: Keep your home smell fresh and clean. Made of 100% Biodegradable material that helps contain diaper odors, wetness and garbage stink. Heavy duty and easy to carry baby disposable diaper sacks and perfect to use for up-to size 6 diapers. A life-saver when traveling or visiting a friends house that are not used to diaper trash.
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Final Thoughts
In conclusion, biodegradable nappies will take ages to decompose and when they do, they are unlikely to decompose completely.
However, this doesn’t mean you should neglect them completely. Some of these nappies are good for sensitive skin hence they help prevent diaper rash but if the environmental impact is taken into consideration, they are not the ideal option.