Common Questions

Which type of diapers have a bigger impact on the environment: cloth or disposable?

The results of a two-year independent study* concluded that there was not a clearly better or worse diapering choice between cloth and disposable diapers. Results of this study showed that using cloth diapers uses more water, energy and detergents; disposable diapers contribute more solid waste to landfills. *Two-year independent review sponsored by the UK Government Environment Agency - Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)2 released 19 May 2005

How do diapers impact our landfills?

While there have been some exaggerated reports on the topic of diapers in landfills, the truth is that disposable diapers account for less than 1.5% (1) of the waste placed annually in landfills in the United States. And the makers of Huggies® diapers are continually striving to do our part in making that impact less and less. 1US EPA "Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Facts and Figures for 2006"

What has Kimberly-Clark done to help reduce the energy used to produce their products, including Huggies® diapers?

Kimberly-Clark, the makers of Huggies® diapers, has put a focus on reducing energy usage since the early 1990s. Here at Kimberly-Clark we have an ongoing energy reduction program in which our goal is to reduce our energy need and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with every ton of product produced and distributed, worldwide.

I have noticed crystals and gel in the diapers. What are these materials, and are they harmful?

The crystals and gel are super-absorbent materials that offer significant benefits: drawing wetness away from baby's skin, as well as helping to keep baby's skin healthy. In Huggies® diapers, super-absorbent material is mixed with the diaper padding, turning liquid into a gel to help prevent leakage. You may occasionally see small beads of gel on the diaper or on your baby, but the gel is nontoxic and not harmful. The safety of super-absorbent material has been proven in over 450 consumer safety tests studying every which way a person could come in contact with it.

Can I recycle Huggies® packaging?

• Bags poly film can be added to ‘Store Drop Off’ collection with other packaging poly films. For store location: http://how2recycle.info/
• Cartons can go in curbside recycling along with paper. If there is a small plastic window it can be kept on carton, they are removed during the paper recycling process.
• Cases can go in curbside recycling along with paper.
• Huggies Cleaning Wipes soft pack and Clutch ‘N’ Clean flexible package film cannot be recycled due to the type of plastic film required for moisture retention. The polypropylene (#5) flip top lids can be removed from package and be added to curbside recycling where #5 is collected.
• Huggies wipes tub is polypropylene (#5) and be added to curbside recycling where #5 is collected. Tub lid to be removed, it is not compatible with recycle stream.
• Huggies Wipes Refill bags with zipper can be added to ‘Store Drop Off’ collection with other packaging poly films. For store location: http://how2recycle.info/

What materials are used to make Huggies® diapers?

The inside absorbent padding on Huggies® diapers is made of a fluffy, paperlike material called wood cellulose fiber and a super-absorbent material called polyacrylate. Other materials used include polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene -- all synthetic materials designed to enhance the fit of the diaper and help stop leaks. The elastic strands in all Huggies diapers are made of synthetic rubber for a snug but gentle fit for baby.

Are biodegradable diapers better for today’s environment?

Not really. Current landfill sites are operated as sealed environments with restricted air and water flow. Operating a landfill in this way allows the capture of methane gas that can be converted to energy. Kimberly-Clark (makers of Huggies® diapers) is currently using methane from a landfill at our Beech Island Manufacturing Facility. This sealed landfill environment is how consumer waste such as disposable diapers is currently disposed of in the United States (1). Huggies Brand will continue to design products that are compatible with customary disposal methods; as disposal technologies change, Huggies diapers will change. (1) United States EPA Landfill Guidelines

What is Kimberly-Clark's stance on sustainability?

In 2017, Kimberly-Clark maintained our Sustainability leadership status and achieved an A- score in CDP Climate, Forests, Water and Supply Chain rankings.