Super Simple Eco-friendly Diaper Guide for Parents

Super Simple Eco-friendly Diaper Guide for Parents

This eco-friendly diaper guide helps parents understand their options. There are so many choices when selecting earth conscious products for your baby. And many diaper companies claim their products are good for the planet. 

After reading this eco-friendly diaper guide, you’ll understand which brands are actually protecting the environment. And which ones only claim to. Finally, at the end of this article, I’ll provide a short definition of different buzzwords and certifications.

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

The Best Eco-Friendly Diapers

eco friendly diaper guide graphic ranking sustainability and cost friendliness for different diaper brands
The green stars (Bambo and DYPER) are the most sustainable. Earth + Eden (pink) is a lower cost but still very eco-friendly option. The most budget-friendly options that are still sustainable are Hello Bello, Thrive, and Cloud Island (yellow, brown, and gray)

I’m a nerd, so you guessed it! I put together this handy chart to help you understand this complex topic. It compares the cost versus sustainability of each diaper brand on this list! If you want to sum up this eco-friendly diaper guide into one picture, here it is!

Bambo and DYPER are the most eco-friendly diapers. Surprisingly, they are not the most expensive! They are in the middle of the pack.

Bambo diapers are 95% naturally sourced. They are manufactured in an eco-friendly way that reduces the use of chemicals.

DYPER diapers are 65% biodegradable, can be composted, and are carbon neutral.

The most budget-friendly sustainable diaper brand is Earth + Eden. They are produced in a zero waste-to-landfill facility.

The eco-friendly diaper guide continues below. Keep reading for the in-depth scoop on each brand!

All Good Diapers

All Good diapers fall in the same category as Hello Bello, Cloud Island, and Thrive. They give back to the community, use recycled materials, are reasonably priced, and have decent performance.

Read more in my full review here.

Andy Pandy Diapers

Andy Pandy claims their diapers are biodegradable. But they do not list any third party certifications. They plant two trees for each item purchased, and are made in China. 

If you’re looking for a diaper around this same price range, check out Bambo or DYPER. Both are certified to be much more sustainable. If you’re looking for lower cost options, consider Hello Bello or Cloud Island.

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining): bamboo
  • Backsheet (outside cover): bamboo. 
  • Absorbent core: chlorine- free fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: elastic
  • Fasteners: Velcro tape
  • Adhesive 
  • Lotion: Aloe essence

Free from

Andy Pandy diapers are free from

  • Latex
  • Chlorine
  • Alcohol
  • Preservatives
  • PVC
  • TBT
  • Antioxidants
  • Phthalates

How sustainable are Andy Pandy diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Two trees are planted for every item purchased from Andy Pandy. They partner with the Eden Reforestation Project to plant the trees.

Andy Pandy claims that their diapers are 87% biodegradable. However, they do not provide a source or certification.

Where are Andy Pandy diapers made?

Andy Pandy diapers are manufactured in China.

Where can I buy Andy Pandy diapers?

Andy Pandy diapers are available on Andy Pandy’s website, and on Amazon.

Babyganics Diapers

Babyganics focuses on skin-friendly diapers free of allergens and irritants. They do not make any claims about environmental friendliness or sustainability. They’re available in many major US stores and are manufactured in North America.

If your main focus is diapers that are gentle on your baby’s skin, Babyganics might be right for you. However, if you are looking for sustainable diapers, check out a different brand.

DYPER and Bambo are a little more expensive but much more eco-friendly. Earth + Eden are much cheaper and more sustainable.

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining): nonwoven polypropylene 
  • Backsheet (outside cover): nonwoven polypropylene 
  • Absorbent core: chlorine- free fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: nonwoven polypropylene 
  • Fasteners: polyolefin plastics
  • Lotion: NeoNourish® 5-seed oil blend

[Source: Babyganics FAQ]

Free from

Bayganics diapers are free from

  • Chlorine
  • Latex
  • Petroleum-based lotions
  • Fragrances

How sustainable are Babyganics diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Babyganics diapers are not compostable or biodegradable. In fact, Babyganics are not more sustainable than name brand diapers. Their only eco-friendly claim is that they are “made with our new blend of plant derived materials.” 

Technically, most diaper brands are made of a blend of plant-derived materials. Nearly every brand of diapers uses wood fluff pulp in the absorbent core.

Where are Babyganics diapers made?

Babyganics diapers are made in Mexico [Source: Diaper Dabbler]

Where can I buy Babyganics diapers?

Babyganics diapers are available in the following stores and online:

  • Amazon (click to check the price on Amazon)
  • Buy Buy Baby
  • CVS
  • Harmon
  • Harris Teeter
  • Heb
  • Kroger
  • Meijer
  • Publix
  • Rite Aid
  • Safeway
  • Shop Rite
  • Target
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart

Related post: Choosing The Best Diapers for Your Baby’s Sensitive Skin

Bambo Nature USA Diapers

Denmark-based Bambo diapers have it all! They have multiple certifications for their sustainable and environmentally friendly diapers. Plus, they go through extensive testing to ensure they are safe for skin.

Bambo diapers are available online and at many health food stores in the US.

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  nonwoven polypropylene 
  • Backsheet (outside cover): nonwoven polypropylene and polyethylene 
  • Absorbent core: chlorine- free fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: elastane
  • Fasteners: PET/co-PWT plastics

Free from

Bambo diapers are free from

  • Chemical dyes
  • Parabens
  • Perfumes
  • All known allergens. 

Bambo diapers are certified by “Asthma & Allergy Nordic” and are dermatologically tested.

The Asthma & Allergy Nordic label offers certification to products that pose the smallest possible risk of causing allergy, eczema or skin irritation to the user. Products that earn this certification must contain no fillers, perfumes or formaldehyde.


How sustainable are Bambo diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Bambo diapers are produced with at least 95% naturally resourced ingredients. They have several sustainability certifications, including

  • Ecocert Cosmos
  • The Forest Sustainability Council
  • The Nordic Swan Ecolabel.

Bambo does not claim that their diapers are compostable or biodegradable. 

Where are Bambo diapers made?

Bambo diapers are manufactured in Denmark [Source: Bambo FAQ page].

Where can I buy Bambo diapers?

Bambo diapers are available on the Bambo website and on Amazon. They also have a handy store locator to find where you can buy them locally!

In my area, they are available at Buy Buy Baby, as well as several small local health food chains.

Cloud Island Diapers (Target)

Target’s budget-friendly Cloud Island diapers are great for sensitive skin. And they use sustainable materials for the absorbent diaper core.

Cloud Island, Hello Bello, and Thrive Market are the best choices for low cost, sustainable diapers

=Related post: Cloud Island diaper review=

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  nonwoven polypropylene 
  • Backsheet (outside cover): nonwoven polypropylene,  polyester 
  • Absorbent core: chlorine- free fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: polypropylene, polyurethane 
  • Fasteners: polypropylene 

[Source: Target’s website]

Free from

Cloud Island diapers are free from

  • Chlorine
  • Latex
  • Lotion
  • Fragrances
  • Phthalates
  • Propyl-paraben & butyl-paraben
  • Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

Their diapers are also cruelty free and are not tested on animals.

How sustainable are Cloud Island diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Cloud Island diapers are made using FSC-certified wood pulp. They are not compostable or biodegradable. 

Where are Cloud Island diapers made?

Cloud Island diapers are made in the USA.

Where can I buy Cloud Island diapers?

Cloud Island diapers are available on Target’s website or in their stores.

DYPER Diapers

DYPER diapers are a little more expensive than other options on this list. But, they’re extremely sustainable. Each purchase includes carbon offset credits. These credits cover the carbon footprint of producing the diapers. They are also biodegradable and compostable, and fairly skin-friendly. 

You’ll pay a bit more for DYPER diapers. But, they have extensive testing and certification to back up their claims. 

=Looking for more information on one of the most eco friendly diapers out there? Check out my detailed post on DYPER here.=

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  viscose (bamboo), and bioplastics
  • Backsheet (outside cover): viscose (bamboo)
  • Absorbent core: chlorine- free fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: polypropylene, elastane
  • Fasteners: polypropylene

Free from

DYPER diapers are free of

  • Pigments
  • Dyes
  • Rubber
  • Latex
  • Chlorine
  • Alcohol
  • Lotions
  • TBT and other phthalates.

How sustainable are DYPER diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

DYPER diapers are carbon neutral. Each purchase includes carbon offsets for the manufacturing of the diapers. DYPER diapers are 65% biodegradable. And DYPER offers a service called REDYPER. It allows parents to ship their used diapers back to DYPER for composting. 

Where are DYPER diapers made?

DYPER diapers are made in China.

Related post: Where are all the diaper brands manufactured?

Where can I buy DYPER diapers?

DYPER diapers are available on DYPER’S website here, and on Amazon.

They tend to be cheaper on DYPER’s site than Amazon, especially if you sign up for the subscription.

Earth + Eden Diapers

Are you are looking for low-cost diapers that balance sustainably and skin-friendliness? Then Earth + Eden is right for you! DYPER and Bambo are a bit more expensive, but a bit more eco friendly. The only drawback is that they’re only available on Amazon.

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  polypropylene and polyethylene 
  • Backsheet (outside cover): polypropylene and polyethylene
  • Absorbent core: chlorine- free fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: elastic
  • Fasteners: elastic

Free from

Earth + Eden diapers are free from

  • Lotions
  • Parabens
  • Fragrance
  • Chlorine
  • EU 26 allergens

You can find a full list of all 26 allergens here.

And they are cruelty free and are not tested on animals. 

How sustainable are Earth + Eden diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Earth + Eden diapers are made in a “zero waste to landfill” facility.

Plus, their absorbent fluff is certified as sustainable by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

Earth + Eden diapers are not compostable or biodegradable. 

Where are Earth + Eden diapers made?

Earth + Eden diapers are made in the US. 

Where can I buy Earth + Eden diapers?

Earth + Eden diapers are only available on Amazon.

Eco BOOM Diapers

Eco BOOM diapers have biodegradable inner and outer liners. But I don’t think those benefits justify the price. 

If you’re planning to spend that amount on diapers, consider Bambo or DYPER. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, I recommend Earth + Eden or a store brand like Hello Bello or Cloud Island.

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  bamboo
  • Backsheet (outside cover): bamboo 
  • Absorbent core: chlorine- free fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: elastic
  • Fasteners: elastic

Free from

Eco BOOM diapers are free from

  • Latex
  • Alcohol
  • PVC
  • TBT
  • Antioxidants.

How sustainable are Eco BOOM diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

The topsheet and backsheet of Eco BOOM diapers are made of bamboo, which is biodegradable. However, the rest of the diaper is not biodegradable. They also claim that the plastic packaging is biodegradable. 

Additionally, the company does not have any certifications to show they are biodegradable. 

Where are Eco BOOM diapers made?

Eco BOOM diapers are made in China.

Looks like all their marketing materials are made in China too. Their Amazon store has some pretty amazing descriptions. 

Feel the nature’s grace and total safety for yourself and all of your homies with ECO BOOM!

Yep, this is from Eco Boom’s page on Amazon!

Where can I buy Eco BOOM diapers?

Diapers made by Eco BOOM are only available on Amazon

Eco By Naty Diapers

Eco by Naty diapers are made of 55-60% bio- based material and have no oil- based materials touching baby’s skin. They are one of the more sustainable diapers on this list, along with Earth + Eden, DYPER, and Bambo.

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  bio-based material
  • Backsheet (outside cover): bio-based material
  • Absorbent core: fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: not listed
  • Fasteners: bio-based material

Their packaging is also made of plant-based materials 

Free from

Eco by Naty diapers are free from

  • VOCs
  • Fragrance
  • Paraben
  • Latex
  • HEP
  • Dioxins
  • Phthalates
  • Dyes
  • GMOs
  • Heavy metals.

Their diapers are also free from animal products. And they’re certified by The European Vegetarian Union.

How sustainable are Eco By Naty diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Eco by Naty diapers “contain as much as 60% of” biodegradable and natural materials [source].

Their diapers are certified by TÜV Austria as bio-based.

Eco by Naty does not recommend composting products like diapers at home! Diapers contain feces. Composting at home can be dangerous. Most people aren’t equipped to compost safely to kill harmful bacteria. [source].

Naty’s products are never tested on animals. 

Where are Eco By Naty diapers made?

Eco by Naty diapers are made in Turkey [source].

Where can I buy Eco By Naty diapers?

You can buy Eco by Naty diapers on Amazon here.

Eco Pea Diapers

Eco Pea diapers claim to be biodegradable and composed of bamboo. However, they do not share their ingredients or have any third party certifications. I’m disappointed by their lack of transparency.

Plus, they’re the most expensive diaper on this list!

Ingredients 

Eco Pea diapers contain bamboo. But they do not disclose all the ingredients in their diapers. 

Free from

Eco Pea diapers are free from

  • Chlorine
  • Phthalates
  • Dioxin
  • Alcohol
  • Latex
  • Fragrances

How sustainable are Eco Pea diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Eco Pea claims their diapers are 50% biodegradable in 2-3 months. However, they do not share any certifications [source].

Where are Eco Pea diapers made?

Eco Pea does not share where their diapers are manufactured. So, I emailed them and they replied that their diapers are made in China. 

Where can I buy Eco Pea diapers?

You can buy Eco Pea diapers on their website here

Hello Bello Diapers

Hello Bello diapers are made with some plant-based materials. They are one of the cheapest diaper brands on this list, and are available at Walmart and on Amazon.

Hello Bello, Cloud Island, and Thrive Market are all similarly priced. And all three are similarly sustainable.

Related post: In-depth Hello Bello diaper review with pictures

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  polypropylene
  • Backsheet (outside cover): polypropylene/polyethylene fiber 
  • Absorbent core:
    • Chlorine- free fluff pulp
    • SAP (super absorbent polymer)
    • Lined with corn-derived PLA fiber
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: polypropylene nonwoven fiber, spandex strands, and elastomeric film
  • Fasteners: elastic

Free from

Hello Bello diapers are free from

  • Lotions
  • Fragrance
  • Phthalates
  • Latex

How sustainable are Hello Bello diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Hello Bello diapers use some plant-based materials. They are not compostable or biodegradable. 

Where are Hello Bello diapers made?

Hello Bello diapers are made in Canada [source].

Where can I buy Hello Bello diapers?

Hello Bello diapers are available on Amazon, on Hello Bello’s website here and in store at Walmart. 

Honest Diapers

Honest diapers are the second most expensive diapers on this list. They’re a little cheaper than Eco Pea.

Despite their price tag, Honest diapers aren’t particularly eco-friendly. Their outer liner is made from plant-based materials. However, they have cute designs and Jessica Alba as their spokesperson…

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  Polyethylene & Polypropylene
  • Backsheet (outside cover): 100% plant-based material
  • Absorbent core: chlorine- free fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: Polymer Spandex & Polypropylene
  • Fasteners: elastic

Free from

Honest diapers are free from

  • Latex
  • Fragrance
  • Parabens.

And their diapers are cruelty-free and never tested on animals.

How sustainable are Honest diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Honest Company diapers have a

“bio-based core of sustainably-harvested fluff pulp and plant-derived materials.”

But this is a feature of nearly all eco–friendly diapers. 

Honest diapers are not compostable or biodegradable. 

Where are Honest diapers made?

Honest diapers are made in Mexico [source].

Where can I buy Honest diapers?

Honest diapers are available at a wide number of retailers, including

  • Amazon
  • Honest’s website
  • Target
  • Walmart
  • Whole Foods
  • Buy Buy Baby

Huggies Special Delivery

If you want a premium diaper that is somewhat eco-friendly and AMAZING at stopping blowouts, then Huggies Special Delivery are the diapers for you.

Read more in our in-depth Huggies Special Delivery Diaper Review here!

Seventh Generation Diapers

Seventh Generation diapers are certified bio- based and are skin friendly. They are a fairly eco conscious choice, but also fairly expensive! 

Ingredients 

Seventh Generation diapers include the following ingredients [source]

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  polypropylene
  • Backsheet (outside cover): polypropylene and polyethylene
  • Absorbent core:
    • Chlorine free, FSC certified sustainable fluff pulp
    • SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: polyurethane elastomeric film, Spandex
  • Fasteners: elastic, Spandex

Free from

Seventh Generation diapers are free from

  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Chlorine bleaching.

How sustainable are Seventh Generation diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Seventh Generation diapers are USDA Certified Biobased Product 30%. That means they are composed of 30% bio-based materials. 

They are the first and only USDA Certified Biobased diaper.

Seventh Generation diapers are not biodegradable and cannot be composted

Where are Seventh Generation diapers made?

Seventh Generation diapers are made in Ohio, USA 

Where can I buy Seventh Generation diapers?

Seventh Generation diapers are available at

  • Amazon
  • Target (online and in store)
  • Walgreens (online and in store)

Thrive Market Diapers

Thrive Market diapers are low cost. Their Market diapers are like the other low-cost diapers on this list. They are not much more sustainable or hypoallergenic than name brands. If you aren’t certain Thrive Market diapers are right for you, check out Cloud Island and Hello Bello.

Ingredients 

  • Top sheet (inside lining):  plant-based PLA plastic
  • Backsheet (outside cover): plant-based PLA plastice
  • Absorbent core: Chlorine free sustainable fluff pulp and SAP (super absorbent polymer)
  • Waistband and leg cuffs: polypropylene, Spandex
  • Fasteners: elastic, Spandex

Free from

Thrive Market diapers are free from

  • BPA
  • Dye and color additives
  • Chlorine
  • Latex
  • Fragrance

How sustainable are Thrive Market diapers? Are they compostable or biodegradable? 

Thrive Market claims that their diapers use

30-40% more renewable and sustainable raw materials than other conventional brands.

But they do not provide data or certifications about their sustainable materials.

Thrive Market diapers are not compostable or biodegradable. 

Where are Thrive Market diapers made?

Thrive Market diapers are made in Mexico.

Thrive Market does not share where their diapers are made. I emailed them, you can read their full response below. 

Where can I buy Thrive Market diapers?

Thrive Market diapers are only available on the Thrive Market website.

Eco Friendly Diaper Definitions

Many brands describe just how eco-conscious their diapers are. But what do these terms and buzzwords actually mean? 

Bamboo

Bamboo is often touted as more sustainable than crops like cotton. This comes up a lot when we talk about fabrics or the absorbent parts of diapers.

Part of this is true. Cotton requires a lot of land, water, fertilizer and pesticides to grow successfully. And bamboo does grow quickly without irrigation, fertilizer, or pesticides. 

But it takes significantly more energy to turn bamboo fiber into fabric than cotton. And much of the world’s bamboo is grown in China. That means there is very little information on if it’s grown in a sustainable way. 

Also see viscose section below.

Bio-based

Bio-based products come from renewable materials like plants. They are often used in place of petroleum-based materials.

Biodegradable 

Biodegradable products break down and decompose over time. 

But this term can be misleading when it comes to disposable diapers. Some companies may use the word biodegradable. But they might not mention how much of the product is biodegradable. Look for brands that have a biodegradable certification or more details. 

For example,  DYPER has third party certifications that their diapers are 65% biodegradable. 

Carbon neutral, carbon offsets 

Some diapers claim to be carbon neutral. It takes energy to make stuff, including diapers. And carbon dioxide is generated in the process.

A carbon neutral product does something to make up for, or offset that carbon dioxide. That’s where we get the term carbon offset. Usually this means a certain number of trees are planted.

Compostable 

Some diaper brands claim their products are compostable. This means that the diaper can be broken down and used as plant fertilizer. 

Take this claim with a grain of salt. Most health agencies recommend not composting diapers at home for safety reasons. Since diapers contain poop, composting them can potentially breed harmful bacteria if it isn’t done correctly. 

Some brands like DYPER let you return the dirty diapers to the manufacturer. Then, they can be composted safely in an industrial scale process. 

Chlorine-free pulp

Most of the diapers on this list use chlorine free pulp in the absorbent core of their diapers. What does this mean?

To turn pulpy wood fibers into a diaper core, the wood pulp must be bleached. There are lots of ways to do this. The two that are important for eco friendly diapers are:

Elemental chlorine free processing. It doesn’t use chlorine gas, so no dioxins or carcinogens are generated. 

And then there’s the more eco-friendly totally chlorine free processing. It doesn’t use any type of chlorine for bleaching. [Source: Wikipedia]

Naturally resourced ingredients

See bio-based section above.

Oil-based materials

Oil-based materials are typically plastics that are made using oil byproducts. This is in contrast to bio-based materials (see above),

It is possible to make plant-based plastics, like viscose (see below), and PLA. These are used in some types of eco friendly diapers.

Plant derived materials

Plant-derived materials is a tricky phrase. Derived means that some sort of processing is used to turn the plant into something else.

Renewable materials

Renewable materials, similar to bio-based materials, can be grown or generated again. Plants and trees are the most common renewable materials. 

Viscose

Viscose is a synthetic and natural fabric. Bamboo is made of cellulose fibers. Those fibers go through extensive chemical processing to become a fabric. It’s also known as rayon or artificial silk.

When we’re talking about disposable diapers, viscose usually refers to bamboo-based fabric.

See bamboo section above.

Zero waste to landfill

Zero waste to landfill is an impressive certification. It means that any waste generated at a factory doesn’t go into a landfill.

That’s right, no trash is generated by the factory. Everything from garbage to scrap products to leftover raw materials do not end up in a landfill.

The waste can be recycled, converted into fuel, or reused.

Eco-Friendly Certifications and Projects

Many eco-conscious brands have certifications or work on larger sustainability projects. We’ll dig into the details on those here

Ecocert Cosmos

Ecocert Cosmos, the first certification body for natural and certified organic cosmetics, ensures that products meet high environmentally friendly standards, straight from ingredients to packaging. Only products with a minimum of 95% naturally sourced ingredients by weight are eligible for certification.

Source – Bambo Nature USA

Bambo diapers are certified by Ecocert Cosmos.

Eden Reforestation Project

The Eden Reforestation Project is a nonprofit organization. They employ local people to plant trees. They reforest impoverished areas like

  • Nepal
  • Honduras
  • Madagascar
  • Haiti
  • Indonesia
  • Kenya
  • Mozambique
  • Nicaragua. 

You can learn more on their website here.

Purchasing Andy Pandy diapers supports the Eden Reforestation Project. Two trees are planted for each item purchased from Andy Pandy.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and FSC- certified wood pulp

The Forest Stewardship Council certifies that wood used in products is sustainably sourced. And that it’s not harvested illegally or from protected forests. They have three different labels you might see on your diaper’s packaging. 

  • FSC 100%: All the materials are sourced from sustainable forests. This is the FSC’S highest mark of distinction.
  • FSC RECYCLED: All the materials with this label are made with 100% recycled content. Recycled materials protect forests since no new wood must be harvested. 
  • FSC MIX: These products use a mixture of sustainable, recycled, and controlled wood. Controlled wood is not from FSC certified forests. But it is verified not to be illegally harvested. 

You can find more information on the FSC’s website here.


Nordic Swan Ecolabel

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is an extremely stringent licensing system. It looks at a company’s environmental, quality, and health impacts. They set strict environmental requirements and restrict usage of certain chemicals.

What does this mean for diapers? They have a 98 page list of requirements for sanitary products, like diapers. It goes into extraordinary details on what exactly is required. 

To summarize it in less than 98 pages:

All components of the diaper must be manufactured without harmful chemicals. And as much of the diaper must be made of recycled materials. Plus, the product must perform similarly to “regular” products. That is to say, a certified diaper can’t leak, or only absorb a little bit of urine.

You can read more on Nordic Swan’s website here.

TÜV Austria bio-based

TUV Austria certifies products based on “how much renewable raw material” is used to make them. Products receive between 1 and 4 stars, based on how much bio-based material they contain. 

You can read more on TUV Austria’s website here.

USDA Certified Biobased Product 

The USDA Certified Biobased Product label guides consumers. It certifies that the USDA verified the amount of renewable ingredients.

You can read more on the USDA website here.

Other resources and background information on this eco-friendly diaper guide

  • Pricing information is based on Size 3, largest box on Amazon. If the brand wasn’t available on Amazon, I checked the manufacturer’s website.  
  • For pricing, I assumed parents did not have a diaper subscription or membership. Overall, the relative prices work out about the same. Most places offer a 5-15% subscription discount. 

Related post: Check out our Healthybaby Eco-friendly Diaper Review!

Wrap-up- Eco friendly diaper guide 

eco-friendly diaper guide chart by brand

Choosing the right diaper for your child can involve an incredible amount of research and trial amd error. And if you’re looking for sustainable diapers, that task is even more challenging. 

I hope this eco-friendly diaper guide helps you understand

  • The choices available to you
  • Their pros and cons
  • The way brands could mislead you with certain phrasing

There are dozens of diaper brands out there! If I’ve missed one, please let me know in the comments. Then, I’ll update the eco-friendly diaper guide!

=Related Post: Learn why cloth diapers are a bad choice for some families!=

Interested in other eco-friendly diapers? Check out more of our reviews, complete with photos:

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