The urgent need
In Italy we consume 6 million diapers a day, two billion and 190 million a year, numbers that are certainly not easy to dispose of. A child in the first three years of life uses about 4,500 disposable nappies, equal to about a ton of waste that contribute to environmental pollution. Every year, 3.5 billion liters of fuel oil, 82 thousand tons of plastic and 1.3 million tons of wood pulp are used to make all the diapers in the world. These diapers are not easy to dispose of: they will decompose in 500 years contributing to environmental pollution.
The absorbents are made of a synthetic fiber mixed with synthetic rayon and cotton. Reproduced in the laboratory, it is known to cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a potentially fatal disease caused by bacteria associated with the use of absorbents.
The raw materials used in the production of hygienic products, such as diapers and absorbents, were in many cases the triggering factor, responsible for allergic phenomena and skin irritation, both in infants and adults.
Urinary tract infections are rarely a danger to young people, but a serious threat to the elderly. In absorbency for the elderly, it is important to minimize the occurrence of bacterial infections by keeping the affected area dry. Natural clays have been used to heal skin infections since the earliest recorded history and having them as the main component of an absorbency product merges the need of a dry and pathogen free microenvironment.
The problem with conventional diapers
Single-use conventional diapers are typically made from a variety of synthetic materials such as polypropylene/polyethylene and other plastics that take approximately 500 years to decompose in landfills. Considering that a baby goes through thousands of diapers in their lifetime, the alarming environmental burden of conventional diapers is unfortunately set to affect generations to come.
Conventional diapers are also treated with dozens of dangerous chemicals and allergens- such as pthalates, TBT and chlorine- that can cause adverse skin reactions and wounds. Such diapers are additionally an established risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs) since the faeces in the diaper are not contained and can infiltrate into the genitals and cause infection.
Conventional diapers are also treated with dozens of dangerous chemicals and allergens- such as pthalates, TBT and chlorine- that can cause adverse skin reactions and wounds. Such diapers are additionally an established risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs) since the faeces in the diaper are not contained and can infiltrate into the genitals and cause infection.
The problem with “Biodegradable” and “Healthy” diapers
Diapers marketed as biodegradable and eco-friendly are in fact only 50-80% biodegradable. They often still contain plastics and petroleum-derived superabsorbent polymer gel, and can take up to 50 years to decompose in landfills. While substantially more eco-friendly than conventional diapers, they still pose a great burden on the environment.
Diapers marketed as “natural” and “healthy” are treated with substantially fewer harmful chemicals than conventional diapers but can still include harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, that may have adverse effects for sensitive skin. Moreover, like conventional diapers, they are not designed for faecal containment and can lead to urinary tract infections.
Diapers marketed as “natural” and “healthy” are treated with substantially fewer harmful chemicals than conventional diapers but can still include harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, that may have adverse effects for sensitive skin. Moreover, like conventional diapers, they are not designed for faecal containment and can lead to urinary tract infections.