Modern real nappies not considered by EA study – WRAP

WRAP has highlighted the need to send less biodegradable waste – such as disposable nappies – to landfill and also pointed out that modern re-usable nappies “are replacing the traditional terry products assessed in the life cycle analysis study” undertaken by the Environment Agency.

Today the Agency said it was fully confident in the findings of its study and completely dismissed questions regarding the extent of the data. However, within its own report the Agency does confirm that the study reports on the performance of “the dominant nappy systems in use in 2001-2002”.

Developments
The Agency report goes on to say that the “the study does not address what future developments may take place in disposable or reusable nappy systems.”

The report also points out that the study has been supported by a stakeholder group representing the interested parties. However, while the Womens Environment Network was represented on the group, its representatives have questioned the report's basis.

” Modern re-usables offer parents more scope to reduce their environmental impact “
– Jennie Price, chief executive, WRAP
The Waste and Resources Action Programme has issued a strong statement suggesting that the Agency study only provides a starting point for more environmentally friendly nappies. It says that “newer, re-usable nappy designs, coupled with current best practice in laundering, can reduce energy and water use, which are the key areas of environmental impact of re-usables indentified by the study.”

Progress
Jennie Price, chief executive of WRAP said: “Modern re-usables offer parents more scope to reduce their environmental impact and re-usable nappy manufacturers have already made good progress in this area by producing nappies that don’t require pre-soaking and can be washed at lower temperatures. We also support the Environment Agency in its call for disposable nappy manufacturers to work to reduce the volume of nappy waste that goes to landfill.”

Publication of the Agency report is expected to be looked at closely by local authorities, several of which are promoting the use of real nappies. And the report will be seen as an embarrassment for WRAP which now finds the concept of one of its official programmes facing some opposition from the Environment Agency.