Best Eco Nappies Australia 2024

According to Ethical Consumer, all reusable nappies are the best nappies for the environment. This was backed up by a recent report by DEFRA in the UK which concluded that:

• reusable nappies product 25% less CO2 than single-use disposable nappies
• the environmental impact of production is over 90% lower for a reusable nappy than for a single-use nappy
• the environmental impact of the disposal of a single-use nappy is 9x higher than that for a reusable nappy
• single use nappies use approximately 98% more resources to produce than reusable alternatives
• if every child in the UK in nappies used reusables rather than disposables, it would save the equivalent of 700 million car miles of CO2 - that's nearly 3,000 journeys to the moon in a car!
• the report shows that even when factoring in the washing and drying, reusable nappies are still the best nappy choice for the environment

We recognise that deciding on the best nappy option for you isn't just about how environmentally friendly they are; it also involves considering what works best for your lifestyle, budget, and poo squeamishness. Which is where we come on to 'eco disposables'

Whilst eco friendly nappies are usually made from *slightly* better materials, there is a HUGE amount of greenwashing in this area.

In fact, the ONLY thing more eco about eco nappies is that generally any wood pulp they use comes from FSC certified companies, rather than virgin rainforest. And some of the nappy brands which create these nappies are making the nappies in 'carbon neutral' factories. Which again is a bit of a grey area as to what that actually means.

Be aware that here at Cheeky we have 'skin in the game' here as we have been all about 'Simple Reusables' since we launched our bestsellling reusable baby wipes kits back in 2008. (Plus the GREAT news is that you can use our wipes with any type of nappy and know you're doing your bit for the environment!)

However when it comes to eco nappies, we feel like the little boy pointing out that the emperor has no clothes on!

Eco Nappy Greenwashing

ALL eco nappies contain between 15% and 20% plastic.

This might be 'bio plastic' which is often referred to in marketing material as 'plant material' or 'bio based materials' rather than what it actually is. According to scientists at Yale, bio plastic is no better for the environment than oil based plastic. It just breaks into smaller particles, slightly faster.

All single use nappies use a load of resources and create mountains of waste

which need to be dealt with. 'Compostable' nappies and nappy recycling is generally only designed for large scale industrial complexes and processes. This is creating a hugely expensive, energy wasteful solution to a problem which the single use nappy market is creating!

'Compostable' does not mean suitable for home composting. It's only suitable for industrial composting which requires much higher temperatures and specialised collection.

'Eco' or biodegradable nappies will only break down a tiny bit faster in landfill than standard disposables

The companies make claims about how quickly these nappies will biodegrade, but don't give details of the conditions of testing. NO nappy is 100% biodegradable.

Why? Well because they go into landfill in a plastic kitchen bin bag. Plus landfill is NOT designed to make things biodegrade quickly because in doing so they release landfill gases such as methane which are NOT eco friendly!

Eco Nappy Positives

Chlorine / bleach free and low tox

Eco nappies are generally chlorine / bleach free and use low toxicity materials. That means they are better for your baby's skin and less likely to give nappy rash.

FSC Certified Wood Pulp

Most use at least 70% FSC certified wood pulp for the highly absorbent core, from maintained and managed forests.

With all that being said, we understand that not everyone can commit to reusable nappies full time. So we've collated this list of the best 'eco' nappies for 2024 and split it into best eco disposable nappies, plus best reusable nappies.

Best Eco Nappies Australia 2024:

Best Budget Eco Disposable: Joonya

Best Designer Eco Disposable: Luvme Panda

Best Overall Eco Reusable: Bubblebubs Candie

Best Budget Eco Reusable Nappy: Hippybottomus Stay Dry

Best Pocket Reusable Nappy: Seedling Baby

Best Budget Eco Disposable Nappy: Joonya

Materials

"As eco-friendly and non-toxic as possible. The top sheet touching your baby and back sheet have bio-based materials in the nappies, while the totally chlorine free core (TCF) is made from super absorbent polymers and FSC® Mix (C145475) certified wood pulp – sourced from responsibly managed forests."

Manufactured in

Denmark

Ethics

We like that Joonya are fairly transparent about what goes into their nappies. However like all manufacturers, they gloss over the 'bio plastics' referring only to 'bio based materials' rather than calling it what it is, bio plastic. At least 70% of the wood fluff in our nappy core comes from responsibly managed forests that are independently certified to FSC standards. The remainder comes from controlled wood sources. In addition, they share all their test results online.

Cost

$95 for a two week rolling subscription of 150 size 4 nappies (63c per nappy)

Customer Reviews

"These nappies work so well for my little one, I’m so glad to have found a low tox nappy that actually holds throughout the night! Can’t recommend these enough." productreview.com.au

Best Designer Eco Disposable Nappies: Luvme - Panda Bamboo Nappies

Materials

Bamboo: Unbleached 100% bamboo 100% compostable back sheet films Tissue Paper: Super absorbent polymer for nappy absorbency, Spandex to prevent leaks Polypropylene: Minimal use for strength and flexibility Wood Pulp: Sustainably sourced for plant-based absorbent core, draws moisture into a soft, breathable centre

Manufactured in

New Zealand

Ethics

All over the website is the fact that the nappies are 85% biodegradable materials. However in landfill conditions, 'biodegradable' means 'ever so slightly better than pampers'.

Plus they mention that the back sheet is 'compostable' but give no details as to how that is supposed to happen. However Luvme do contribute to local community schemes which is great.

Cost

$64.96 for a box of 64 size 4 nappies ($1.01 per nappy)

Customer Reviews

"I tried so many other brand of eco nappies prior to finding the Pandas - all of which either came unstuck and/or leaked. I was so happy to finally find the perfect nappy - not only are they eco, but they hold everything they need to - and they are also kind and gentle on my bubba’s skin. Thank you x" Product Review

Best Eco Reusable Nappies

Best Overall Eco Reusable Nappy: Bubblebubs Candie

Materials

Plush or PUL outer, bamboo inserts, fleece / microsuede inner

Manufactured in

China & Pakistan

Ethics

Bubblebubs partner with factories in China and Pakistan, which Vicki the owner had visited regularly to ensure quality standards are as high as they can be and most importantly employees are happy and well looked after. This is clear and transparent on their website.

Price $36.95 for their All In Two part 'candie' nappy

Customer Reviews

"We have been using the Bubblebubs Candies on our son since he was 4 weeks old (now 5mths). We have not used a single disposable nappy since discovering this brand and product. The nappies come with a variety of cute designs, and with the adjustable side snaps they easily fit our baby as he keeps growing. We use a booster for overnight and never have night leaks or need a night change. Nappies and inserts are very well made/high quality. We follow the MCN washing guidelines and they wash up extremely well." Product Review

Best Budget Eco Reusable Nappy: Hippybottomus Stay Dry

Materials

Bamboo fleece stay dry layer, microfibre inserts, PUL top layer

Manufactured in

China

Ethics

Nothing on the website regarding supply chain or ethical sourcing which is disappointing.

Cost

$17.95 for a single Stay Dry nappy. $199.95 for a starter kit of 10 stay dry bamboo nappies (each nappy includes an insert, 2 x extra bamboo charcoal inserts, 2 x wetbags

Customer Reviews

"New to cloth nappies and trialled a few different ones. These are the first that we’ve had no leaks with! I love the one size fits all design, it saves us money having 2 growing kids in cloth. The gorgeous designs are just a bonus" Product Review

Best Pocket Nappy: Seedling Baby

Materials

Pocket nappy is made from a soft breathable waterproof outer cover, a bamboo prefold and a microfibre booster.

Manufactured in

Seedling Baby uses a factory in China that they have worked with for almost 17 years. The factory was established in partnership with a UK cloth nappy company that is strict about labour welfare.

Ethics

Seedling baby aren't transparent on their website about where their nappies are made which is disappointing. However they do support community programmes both in AU and overseas.

Cost

$34.95, now $24.95 as Seedlingbaby have sadly decided to close.

Customer Reviews

"Love the prints and an excellent way to update my (well used) stash for the next baby. Fast drying and plenty of room in the pocket to get the inserts in without bunching up. Seedling Baby Comodo wraps are great too." Product Review

Bestselling Eco Change Products:

Reusable Baby Wipes Kit - PREMIUM All-In-One Kit £52.99 View Product Trustpilot

Worth Over £55 Cloth Nappy Starter Kit - Cloth Nappy Bundle £49.99 View Product Trustpilot

Reusable Cloth Wipes Kit - WHITE Cotton £50.99 View Product Trustpilot

We hope this has been useful in helping you decide on the best eco nappy for you. Got more questions or need advice? Drop us a line, or check out our other guides or blogs which might be of interest: 

Are Reusable Nappies Worth it?

Best Cloth Nappies in Australia

A Glossary of Reusable Nappy Terms

Do Reusable Cloth Nappies Smell

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About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable period kits and reusable sanitary pads. Both she and the rest of the leadership team are now navigating menopause, with all the joys it brings!

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.