In the News: Which ecological diaper to choose? The (really) complete guide for enlightened parents

Baby is coming soon, and you are lost in the jungle of diapers: organic, eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, certified, tested, approved by the neighbor's cousin? We understand you. It's a bit of a headache when you start looking at the different brand statements and this choice is very important since we're talking about little baby bottoms to be protected day and night for (hang in there) three good years! And like the Yuka of the diaper does not exist, we made it for you!

As a company with a mission, we have decided to say stop greenwashing and help you sort out fact from fiction, we decipher the crucial information to take into account around the ecological layer and we do it in complete transparency 😊

In this article, we offer you a comparative table factual so that you can make your own informed choice:

 

 

The information noted in these tables for each criterion results from the brands themselves through the information given on the packaging, the information published on their website or results from the carrying out of a weight decomposition study carried out on the product by an independent third-party laboratory and/or independent control bodies.

 

In summary: 

🍼 A crucial choice for health and the planet

This article gives you the keys if you are looking for a truly ecological diaper. Ecological diapers appear to be a more responsible alternative to conventional diapers, but not all are equal.

✅ What defines a true eco-friendly diaper

To be considered ecological, a diaper should ideally:

• Have a recognized label (European Ecolabel, Nordic Swan or GOTS)

• Contain materials of natural origin

• Be designed to reduce waste and carbon footprint

• Do not add intentionally controversial substances (perfume, chlorine, endocrine disruptors, etc.)

🔍 An objective comparison

The article proposes a comparison table based on transparent criteria (labels, composition, naturalness rate, place of manufacture, etc.) which are all detailed below. 

💡 In summary

In this article, we invite you to be vigilant in the face of greenwashing and encourage you to rely on verifiable data rather than marketing promises. We remind you that no disposable diaper is organic or 100% natural and that you should be wary of vague mentions. The choosing an ecological diaper is an act of health, consistency and CSR commitment.

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🍼 Why choosing the right diaper is essential?

Three years. 24 hours a day. This is the time a diaper will spend in contact with your baby's bottom. Suffice it to say that it is better to find out and examine the products to find out what will be best for your baby. How do you know which diaper will fit your baby?

Eco-friendly diapers: empty promise or real alternative?

Ecological diapers are a more responsible alternative to traditional diapers. But not all are equal. Here is the promises they display :

• Raw materials of natural origin
• No controversial substances (bye-bye perfume, lotion, coloring...)
• Less plastic, recyclable packaging, reduced carbon footprint
• Reinforced toxicological tests, ecological certifications
• Healthier for baby

Spoilers: no disposable diaper is ORGANIC. For what ? Because it contains cellulose from trees, but a tree is not certified ORGANIC. Don't let yourself be blinded by this magic word which is synonymous with greenwashing.

At Love & Green we have decided to compare brands according to factual criteria so that you can see things more clearly.

🧐 The (really) important criteria if you are looking for an ecological diaper 

1- Labels: according to the public authorities, a so-called ecological layer must have at least one of these 3 recognized labels:

a.      European Ecolabel

b.      Nordic Swan ecolabel

c.      Gots

Visit the ADEME website for more information: https://agirpourlatransition.ademe.fr/particuliers/labels-environnementaux#labelsrow-3 

2- Naturalness: it is important that the brand is transparent about its composition and favors materials of natural or biosourced origin.

3- Eco-design of the product: the brand must communicate its commitments. The diaper must be designed to reduce waste and its carbon footprint.

Taking into account this definition from the public authorities concerning labels, only 4 brands of diapers are truly ecological, that is to say certified and audited by external labels.

 

Explanations of the criteria (in complete transparency):

We have selected factual and exhaustive criteria for parents who wish to take care of the health of their baby and that of the planet. Did you know that when carrying out a life cycle analysis of a diaper (LCA), the 2 most important items are: raw materials and the end of life of the product? This is why we are speaking out to say Stop greenwashing and give you the keys to decipher the market.

1. Ecological labels

According to Ademe (Ecological Transition Agency), a diaper can be called ecological if it is labeled with one of these 3 labels:

• European Ecolabel: compliance with strict environmental criteria
• Nordic Swan: ecological Scandinavian label
• Gots (For certified organic cotton washable diapers – does not apply to disposable diapers)

👉 A reliable logo is better than a vague promise. Check them out! Companies that have these certifications are audited every year by the labels and cannot say anything on their packages because everything must be justified or proven.

2. Other labels and certifications

• OEKO-TEX: tested without harmful substances (best known for textiles)

• FSC®: the cellulose present in the diaper cushion comes from sustainably managed forests
• TCF: Totally Chlorine Free, cellulose bleaching without chlorine or chlorinated derivatives
• ECF: Elementary Chlorine Free, bleaching of cellulose with chlorinated derivatives
• Cruelty free and vegan: Certifies that the product has not been tested on animals and does not contain any ingredients of animal origin.
• Dermatest®: Guarantees that the product has been tested under dermatological control by an independent institute and that it is well tolerated by the skin, including sensitive skin
• Skin Heath alliance: Certifies that the product has been accredited by independent dermatologists, guaranteeing that it meets standards for safety, effectiveness and skin tolerance.
• French Origin Guaranteed: Ensures that the product is manufactured in France (At least 50% of the unit cost price of the product is acquired in France Or The essential characteristics of the product are acquired in France.)
• European Vegetarian Union: Is the organization of European vegan and vegetarian associations and societies.
• DIN Geprüft: German program to certify the bio-based percentage of an entire product or specific components.

3. Composition, a very important criterion

To choose the right brand of diaper, you need to understand what a diaper is made of: the percentage of naturalness of a diaper is the most important criterion for reducing your carbon footprint. The higher the percentage of naturalness, the more eco-designed and low-carbon the diaper.

• Veil in contact with the skin: this is the part which is in contact with the baby's skin, it is therefore better to favor a veil completely of natural origin (soft, hypoallergenic and breathable) to respect the baby's bottom and avoid redness.
• Absorbent cushion: This is the heart of the diaper, the one that keeps baby's bottom dry. It is composed of a mixture of cellulose (the famous paper pulp) and ultra-absorbent microbeads. These microbeads are generally made from sodium polyacrylate of petrochemical origin, but there are also alternatives bio-sourced just as efficient.

💡 A thicker cushion does not mean better absorption! It is not the centimeters of cellulose that count, but the effectiveness of the microbeads. A cushion that is too plump means more waste, a “big butt” effect, and it takes up more space at home. Not great for baby or the planet.

• Anti-leak barriers: To avoid accidents, double side barriers are essential. Just like the veil, favor contact with the skin of natural origin.
• External veil: This is the outer veil, which allows the layer to be waterproof while allowing the skin to breathe.

Pay attention to the naturalness percentage of the layer. Spoiler: No diaper is 100% of natural origin, this mention refers to part of the diaper and not the entire product. This is why it is important to educate yourself and pay attention to the small details.

And as the skin of newborns is very sensitive at birth, it is better to use a diaper:

• No perfume or lotion, so as not to irritate baby's skin.
• Without chlorine or chlorinated derivatives : the TCF mention is your ally, ECF much less so…
• Without controversial substances (phthalates, endocrine disruptors & co.): no suspicious ingredients for baby’s bottom 😊

 

4. Diaper weight

Regarding the layer, it is also important to look at the thickness of the layer: a layer that is too thick means a lot of cellulose and therefore a lot of trees cut down! A thicker diaper does not mean a more absorbent diaper and can generate a lot more waste. On the contrary, a diaper that is thinner and with “A-rated” absorbency is a truly eco-designed diaper!

5. Brand transparency

A truly transparent brand:

• Displays the entire composition and details it (website + directly on the package). This information has become mandatory but brands are not obliged to specify where each material is located.
• Publish its toxicology reports regularly
• Show his absorption tests (grade A = top)

If she is hiding information, run away. 🏃 Find all the information about Love & Green here: https://www.loveandgreen.fr/pages/nos-tests-produits

 

6. Country of manufacture

It is important that the brand is transparent with where its products are manufactured.

💡 “Made in France” may be attractive, but does not guarantee a cleaner composition or a reduced carbon footprint, but on the other hand it creates jobs in France and reindustrializes the country. In the case of layers, it's a little more complex than that.

At Love & Green, we opted for Spain, and not for tapas: our partner factory allows us ofachieve a record naturalness rate of 63 to 74% and reduce our carbon footprint by 36% compared to our 2018 layer. Not bad, right when all the brands on the market are below 42%?

For what ? Thanks to state-of-the-art machines, optimized design, production with green energy, emissions compensation and real environmental monitoring via an ultra-complete life cycle analysis (LCA). And in 2024, our factory has even gone so far as to plant an entire forest near the factory!

To find out more about our partner manufacturer in Spain, visit our Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ4Yp9js6go/

👉 Morality: For decarbonization and naturalness, it is not the location that does everything (transport only represents 7% of the carbon emissions of a diaper!), but the choice of materials, the technologies used... and no, even locally, the diapers are not delivered directly from the factory to your mailbox (we checked).

7. Headquarters/Nationality of the company

A company based in France creates jobs and pays its taxes in France.

At Love & Green we are a French SME of 30 people based in Rueil Malmaison and committed as an SME+.

8. CSR commitments

A real eco-friendly brand is not just a pretty green leaf on the package, it is also CSR commitments (Corporate Social Responsibility).

What does that mean concretely? Let the brand think of everything: baby's health, the planet, working conditions throughout the production chain – from the tree to the buttocks.

And if it is labeled SME+, it's even better! This is the CSR label for French companies 😊 It’s a bit like having a gold medal for good environmental and societal practices, awarded by an independent organization.

Company with mission : a company which is a company with a mission includes its reason for being in its statutes and is audited to be sure that it respects the mission it has imposed on itself.

We invite you to discover our mission here: https://www.loveandgreen.fr/pages/notre-mission

BioED : The BioEntrepriseDurable label is a sectoral CSR label which aims to support companies in the adoption of responsible and sustainable practices, while promoting their commitment to organic farming.

💡 A little advice for those who are curious: check out the “Our commitments” section or the impact reports on the brands’ website.

9. Available sizes

From birth to potty training, aim wide (minimum size 1 to 6), the brand that accompanies baby must be able to accompany him until he is clean!
Bonus: the size 4+, a must between 4 and 5 for more absorption.

 

10. Availability by subscription

The subscription allows you to lighten your mental load and we say yes!

The subscription allows you:

• To be delivered to a relay point or home
• To always have your stock of diapers
• To save money

Ideal for never being short and reducing the mental load and in general it is without commitment! Check this criterion carefully.

11. Where to buy it?

Because we are never safe from something forgotten... choose a brand that you can find everywhere:

• In large areas
• In pharmacy
• Online

🏆 Express reminder: the 5 questions to ask yourself to choose a truly eco-friendly diaper:

1. Is the composition clearly displayed?
2. Are there any reliable labels?
3. Is the brand transparent?
4. Is the veil in contact with the skin of natural origin?
5. What is the naturalness percentage of the diaper?

 

We tell you everything about the criteria not taken into account in this comparison:

• Short circuit: Spoiler Alert: the short circuit does not exist for diapers! The short circuit is a concept that exists for food directly from the producer! Stop the false speeches, this does not apply to diapers! The diaper is a highly processed industrial product, many of the raw materials of which come from abroad. In addition, all brands have logistics warehouses and do not deliver directly from the manufacturing plant.
• Size 0: some available comparisons value this size. We have chosen to indicate the sizes available for each brand exhaustively but have not highlighted one size more than another. (why not highlight size 4+ or size 6 for example?)

And finally, no ranking, no rating in our comparison! We provide you with factual, transparent and science-based information.

📌 Conclusion

Choosing an ecological diaper does not mean giving in to cute packaging or pseudo-natural or organic claims. It is a real choice of health, commitment, transparency. And if it still seems unclear to you, nothing beats a test.

👉 At Love & Green, we offer you a free trial kit. Because yes, you have the right to test before adopting.

 

This comparison will be updated every 3 months. If brands change their composition, they can contact us to make the changes.

Update: July 2025