Main Players

There are two bodies that are pushing the nappy debate and each has an opposing point of view.

There is a growing number of parents, organisations and local authorities that are supporting the claims that reusable nappies are better for the environment. This side of the debate is lead by the Women's Environmental Network which is a UK based Charity.

An organisation called The Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association (AHPMA) is making the claim that disposable nappies are no worse than cloth nappies. They have produced research supporting this claim, though it must be noted that this organisation represents Arquest Ltd, Kimberly-Clark Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK and SCA Hygiene Products Ltd, which are the key UK disposable nappy manufacturers. (1)

These two sides of the debate have spent much time and effort reporting each other to the Advertising Standards Authority for making untrue claims about their products. Many points have been upheld on both sides, though this is an ongoing battle, with one side a consortium of multinational companies and the other a charity. More details of this can be found on the WEN (12) and AHMPA(1) websites.