The network campaigns for the use of reusable cloth nappies rather than the disposable variety, which are largely landfilled after use. Disposable nappy manufacturers had complained about a WEN leaflet which went out of print in March 2002.
The leaflet had stated: “The UK alone produces about 800,000 tonnes of nappy waste per year,” and that the total annual cost amounted to 40m. It also said that savings from using cloth nappies could amount to 600 for one child.
The ASA originally upheld complaints from the Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association that these claims were inaccurate. But an appeal reviewer for the association has now accepted that they were substantiated.
According to the network, nearly three billion disposable nappies are thrown away every year in the UK, even though the number is diminishing as the birth rate declines. The network said that the manufacturers' association had used the original ruling to put pressure on local authorities to withdraw or rewrite promotional material on nappy disposal. “It is hoped that this latest ASA decision will mean that the disposables industry will desist from applying undue pressure on charities, small companies and local authorities,” the network said.
Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association director general Peter Stephenson said: “The judgement relates to data that is now acknowledged to be out of date, although the reviewer has said that it was the best available at the time.
“We don't dispute that they do mostly go to landfill, but information should be accurate.” He said the Government Strategy Unit's report Waste Not, Want Not had said that disposable nappies accounted for some 2.4% of all landfilled material.
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