The 7 Best Biodegradable Diapers of 2021 - Treehugger

diapers.indah.link

Anatomy of a Diaper

Biodegradable diapers have an inner absorbent core that makes up the middle of the diaper. That core includes the top sheet that touches your baby’s skin and serves is to draw moisture away and prevent diaper rash. Some brands include lotions or other skincare products in this wicking layer.

Below that is a “distribution layer” that prevents leaks by spreading liquids across the absorbent core below it—the innermost layer or fluff is usually made from bamboo or cotton pulp (cellulose). Parents might see that the fluff is labeled either Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) meaning it wasn’t bleached with chlorine-based chemicals or Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) meaning it was bleached with chlorine dioxide. Although TCF is considered slightly better for your skin, it takes more wood pulp, water and energy to produce compared to ECF so they are roughly comparable when all things are considered.  

Bamboo is generally more absorbent than cotton and is considered more sustainable because it grows faster, requires less water to produce and uses fewer pesticides. If you do choose cotton, many recommend holding out for organic cotton for that reason. However, bamboo is also generally more expensive than other materials—at least for now. The hope is that as bamboo diapers become more popular, increased demand will lower the cost over time. But we’re not there yet market-wide.

The fluff in many diapers also includes a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) that absorbs large amounts of liquid. Most “natural” diapers use plant-based SAP or cornstarch rather than the synthetic polymers first developed in the 1980s. The most common SAP in biodegradable diapers is Sumitomo SAP, a sustainable product of Japan that ranks highest for absorbance but is not compostable. Therefore, many brands note what percent compostable they are.  

The outermost layer varies by manufacturer but has several functions. The material must be water-resistant to contain fluids but it is also integral to a diaper’s fit. Some have stretch panels to prevent gaping and leaking as your baby bends. Most also have adhesive tabs for a custom adjustable fit.

The materials used to make each part of the diaper vary from brand to brand. Each material was considered when evaluating the diapers we recommend on this list.

The Link Lonk


February 01, 2021 at 11:50PM
https://ift.tt/3oDUQcm

The 7 Best Biodegradable Diapers of 2021 - Treehugger

https://ift.tt/2Comt7j
Diapers