In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever. We see it in everything from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. But one area that often goes unnoticed is baby products—specifically, cloth diapers. At Heritage Hug, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, which is why we have integrated rPET TPU (Recycled Polyester Thermoplastic Polyurethane) into our latest diaper collection. Here's why rPET is a game-changer, and why choosing our diapers is not only good for your baby but also for our world.
What is rPET?
rPET stands for Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, a material made from recycled plastic—usually the kind used for plastic bottles. Instead of creating new plastics from virgin petroleum, rPET reuses what has already been produced, repurposing it into new materials like fabric. PET is incredibly durable and versatile, which is why it’s used for everything from packaging to clothing. But the downside? PET plastic can take up to 700 years to decompose if not recycled.
By recycling PET into rPET, we’re not just creating a new product; we’re helping to solve the global plastic pollution problem. Every time you choose a product made from rPET, you’re diverting plastic from landfills and oceans and giving it a new life.
Why Choose rPET in Cloth Diapers?
1. Reduces Plastic Pollution Each year, 400 million tons of plastic are thrown away globally, most of which ends up in landfills or oceans. By using rPET in our diapers, we’re helping to reduce this staggering figure. Our cloth diapers take post-consumer plastic bottles and turn them into soft, durable fabric that’s safe for your baby’s skin.
2. High Performance with Fewer Resources You don’t have to sacrifice quality for sustainability. rPET offers almost the same performance as virgin polyester but requires significantly fewer resources to produce. In fact, recycled polyester production uses up to 59% less energy, reducing your carbon footprint while maintaining the durability, water-resistance, and breathability you expect in a high-quality diaper.
3. Lower Carbon Emissions Since producing rPET involves less energy, it also results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions—specifically, a 32% reduction compared to producing new polyester from scratch. This makes it a more eco-friendly option for parents looking to reduce their impact on climate change.
Addressing Concerns About rPET
While rPET is a step in the right direction, it's important to acknowledge its limitations:
1. Microplastic Shedding Like all synthetic fabrics, rPET can shed microplastics during washing, which may end up in our water systems. However, using microfibre-catching laundry bags or filters for your machine can help mitigate this issue. Additionally, our cloth diapers OS and NB covers are designed to require fewer washes, helping to reduce the potential for microplastic pollution.
2. Not Fully Closed-Loop Yet While rPET is recyclable, most recycling processes aren’t yet fully closed-loop, meaning that the material can't be recycled indefinitely without a loss in quality. However, technological advancements are paving the way for better recycling methods in the future. By choosing rPET now, you’re supporting a circular economy that aims to keep materials in use as long as possible.
Why rPET Diapers Over Traditional Diapers?
When you compare rPET diapers with traditional disposable options, the choice is clear. Disposable baby products are often filled with non-recyclable plastics, contributing significantly to waste. By switching to rPET cloth diapers, you're choosing a product that reduces both waste and environmental impact. Our diapers are designed to last, unlike disposables, which end up in landfills after just one use.
Conclusion: A Smarter Choice for a Sustainable Future
The shift toward using rPET in baby products like cloth diapers is a crucial step in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis. While no material is perfect, rPET offers a more sustainable alternative to virgin polyester and disposable plastics. By choosing Heritage Hug’s rPET diapers, you’re not only providing your baby with high-quality, eco-conscious protection, but you’re also playing a part in creating a healthier, cleaner world for future generations.
Choose wisely. Choose sustainability.