Program on the Environment

Diaper waste is a global problem with human and environmental health impacts. Compostable diapers are a promising solution, but such diapers aren’t widely available and research on their niche within the diaper market is scarce. The aim of this study was to understand the challenges facing compostable diapers, especially how consumer awareness and values affects diaper purchasing habits. I interned for Connect 3, researching compostable diapers and the feasibility of such products for Uryadi’s Village in Sodo, Ethiopia. I also conducted a literature review and distributed an online survey of diapering habits and values to parents. The results indicate that compostable diapers will have to contend with existing brand preferences, economic constraints, performance benchmarks of conventional diapers, and the capacity of regional composting infrastructure. Although the growth of compostable diapers is limited by significant obstacles, the emerging compostable diaper brands do likely represent the early phase of a market transition to a more sustainable state. Compostable diapers have the potential to demonstrate a circular economic model and improve the health of communities globally.