We’re incredibly proud to see the UCL team — with whom we’ve been collaborating on our mission to establish nationwide composting for nappies in the UK — presenting their parallel research paper on Toilet Training in Parliament this week.
Did you know…
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The NHS recommends toilet training between 18–30 months. Yet, the average family doesn’t complete toilet training until 31–48 months.
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DEFRA’s “Real Nappy” scheme launched in 2003 — over 22 years ago. Yet today, only 4% of families use reusable nappies exclusively, with convenience cited as the main barrier.
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Meanwhile, 82% still use plastic disposable nappies full-time.
At Mama Bamboo, we champion every family’s right to choose the nappy solution that works best for them. By providing plant-based, bamboo nappies and wipes, we aim to deliver the ideal balance of sustainability, convenience, and improved skin health for babies.
However, the government’s current stance — which places the responsibility on families to change behaviours — is clearly not delivering results. With 82% of parents still using plastic disposables, the impact on oil consumption, carbon emissions and waste, is huge.
UCL has several recommendations for the government on how they can fund and support families to potty train earlier and companies like Mama Bamboo are making progress with switching parents to less harmless plant-based materials, but with 82% of parents still choosing plastic disposable nappies and an average child's nappy journey lasting up to 48 months, it’s evident that the real priority must be on legislation for eco-materials selection and establishment of circular waste systems in the UK.
We have long advocated for nationwide composting infrastructure, drawing inspiration from successful models in Canada, the United States, and Australia. Backed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s recommendations for a circular nappy economy, we must continue pressing DEFRA to prioritise this shift.
We'd like to see an outright ban on the use of single use plastic in nappy production and a shift away from the notion that recycling will save us.
Recycling plastic nappies is not a circular solution; it only elongates the take-make-waste journey. Only plant-based, compostable nappies can truly close the loop — protecting our planet, improving soil health, and creating a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
