FAQ - Help with Environment & Sustainability

Our nappy is over 80% plant based using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Bamboo and wood pulp.

"Why are you not 100% plant based?" 

No disposable nappies on the market are 100% plant based. 

It's not yet feasible to engineer certain aspects out, such as the plastic tabs and elastic seams (they don't touch bub's skin). Using a very small amount of plastic ensures elements help us ensure your nappy fits both comfortably and snug, which is critical to performance. 

"And what about biodegradability?" 

Independent testing with SGS Labs shows that 70% of our nappy breaks down after just 45 days, which is a huge improvement compared with the 300+ years it can take to breakdown a regular, plastic supermarket nappy. 

Biodegradability speed is determined by the landfill conditions where you live, so this can vary by council area and state/territory. 

The fact remains that products that are mostly plant based and naturally biodegradable will break down much faster than your average plastic nappy, in all conditions.

At Comfy Koalas we focus on what we can control, using both natural and renewable ingredients. We use ethically sourced bamboo, which is the fastest growing grass on the planet. And unlike cotton, it requires far less water, time and labour to cultivate. So, its manufacturing process also delivers a far smaller carbon footprint. 

Convenience shouldn’t have to cost the earth, and now it doesn’t have to. 

For SO many reasons!

Here’s 6:

1) Bamboo is a highly sustainable, fast-growing and naturally renewable tree-like grass that doesn’t need pesticide or herbicide and requires very little water to grow.

2) It’s the fastest growing grass, and can grow up to 119 cm in 24 hours!

3) It doesn’t require replanting after harvesting due to its vast root network.

4) It’s amazingly soft & comfy (perfect for your baby’s delicate skin).

5) It has antimicrobial properties which allows our nappies to contain no chemical nasties or skin irritating ‘enhancers’ such as Chlorine, Latex, PVC, TBT,  Perfume, Lotions or Phthalates.

6) It has natural Antibacterial qualities as well as being Hypoallergenic.

 

We’re proud to be an FSC certified company. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)certification covers the sustainable management of bamboo plantations.

While we love a good joke, we believe that nothing is more serious than your precious bub and protecting our planet for generations to come. That’s why when explaining our products, we speak in a way that’s easy to understand. 

Independent testing with SGS Labs shows that 70% of our nappy breaks down after just 45 days in controlled composting conditions, which is a huge improvement compared with the 300+ years it can take to breakdown a regular, plastic supermarket nappy.  

However, it is important to note that biodegradability speed is determined by the landfill conditions where you live, so this can vary by council area and state/territory. 

Some landfills cap quicker than others, some pre-sort, some add moisture, some cover with dirt daily, etc. Basically, it's a complex topic and there is no single answer. 

The fact remains that products that are mostly plant based and naturally biodegradable will break down much faster than your average plastic nappy, in all conditions.

At Comfy Koalas we focus on what we can control, using both naturally biodegradable and renewable ingredients. We use ethically sourced bamboo, which is the fastest growing grass on the planet. And unlike cotton, it requires far less water, time and labour to cultivate. So, its manufacturing process also delivers a far smaller carbon footprint. 

No, Comfy Koalas Eco Nappies are not 100% plastic-free.

While our nappies are made predominantly from biodegradable & sustainable bamboo, it's not yet feasible to engineer certain aspects out, such as the plastic tabs and elastic seams.

All you need to do is pop the nappies into a biodegradable bag, and then into the regular garbage bin.

Unfortunately our nappies aren't compostable. Our nappies contain some elastic/PU for comfort and performance. To dispose of them, all you need to do is pop the nappies into a biodegradable bag, and then into the regular garbage bin.

Did you know that our packaging is 100% home compostable? Read more about our packaging here.

Yes! They're as vegan as a strong almond latte, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our Biodegradable Eco Wipes are made from FSC Certified 100% Bamboo woven fibres, making them compostable. However, it’s not always safe to compost your wipes (read on!)

Our Biodegradable Eco Wipes wear the OK Biodegradable SOIL Certification and have been independently tested to return to the earth within 90-120 days, without adversely affecting the environment.

For health and safety reasons, we do not recommend composting bodily fluids in your home compost or in your Council Green Bin/Fogo.

However, for wipes used on sticky hands, faces, high chairs and everywhere else, it’s safe to do so. Check with your local council first, as bin rules can vary.

As each environment has different temperatures and microorganisms, the speed of the biodegradation process may vary from one site to another, but if you cut your wipe up into small pieces with scissors, you’ll give it the best chance of breaking down fast.

Our Biodegradable Eco Wipes are made from FSC Certified 100% Bamboo woven fibres, making them home compostable.

We're Certified OK Biodegradable SOIL by TÜV AUSTRIA and have been independently tested to return to the earth within 90-120 days, without adversely affecting the environment.

More about our Certification
TÜV AUSTRIA is the leading, global independent testing, inspection and certification company.

There are currently no equivalent certifications for Biodegradability or Compostability of bamboo fibre in Australia specifically, which is why we use TÜV, which is internationally recognised.

TEST RESULTS
A soil biodegradation testing program was performed on Comfy Koalas Bamboo Wipes in line with the OK biodegradable SOIL Certification from TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium. Three requirements must be fulfilled in order to comply to this program, namely:

1. Material characteristics conform EN 13432 (2000)1
2. Test the product under an aerobic biodegradation process (conditions: containing oxygen) at ambient temperature in soil (changing with the environment);
3. Test for adverse ecotoxicological effects

The test was carried out according to ISO 17556, which is a biodegradation test method that determines ultimate aerobic biodegradability and disintegration of materials under controlled composting conditions.

The following characteristics were evaluated: material characteristics, biodegradation in soil and ecotoxicity testing on soil residuals of Comfy Koalas Bamboo Wipes.

Comfy Koalas Eco Baby Wipes fulfilled the biodegradability requirement between 90 - 122 days of testing.

No residuals were left that exerted a negative effect on the emergence and growth of barley plants and cress plants. The environmental safety requirements as defined by OK Biodegradable SOIL program are fulfilled.

While our Eco Baby Wipes product is compostable, no compostable packaging material exists yet that is suitable for wet wipes, unfortunately, as keeping the wipes sanitary and moist requires specific materials (none of which are compostable).

The flip top lid can be pulled off and popped in your recycling bin and the soft pack can can be recycled through soft recycling programs through Woolworths/Coles or your council.

We've always got our eye on advancements in compostable materials, so rest assure that we'll do everything we can to develop the environmental friendliness of our wipes packaging as technology advances and allows it, just like our nappy packs (which are certified Home Compostable). So, we're onto it!