Woosh

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the sustainability of the Woosh diaper

An ecological diaper is designed and produced with sustainability in mind at every stage of its lifecycle: from material selection and production processes to transportation, use, and post-use processing. This means considering the environmental impact at every phase.

Unlike disposable diapers, which are incinerated with other waste after use, the Woosh give-back diaper is recycled. This allows the materials to be reused instead of ending up as waste.

A give-back diaper is an innovative diaper that you return to the manufacturer after use for ecological processing. Woosh has developed the first such diaper, which is recycled through a unique recycling process. This offers a sustainable solution to the problem of diaper waste.

The Woosh diaper is designed to be as sustainable as possible. The cellulose in the diapers comes from FSC®-certified forests, and ECF-certified cellulose (Elemental Chlorine Free) is used, which is more environmentally friendly than standard alternatives. Additionally, the waterproof layer in the diaper is made of 100% recycled materials, reducing CO₂ emissions. The diapers are produced using green energy and contain no perfume or lotion. Furthermore, the diapers are packaged in recycled and recyclable materials. Each new generation of Woosh diapers incorporates more circular materials.

Instead of reusing or composting the diapers, as with some other sustainable alternatives, Woosh diapers are recycled. This means high-quality materials from the diapers are reused to create new products, making it a unique solution within the diaper industry.

At present, Woosh can already recycle several materials from the diaper, primarily plastic films. Meanwhile, Woosh is also working on developing solutions for ecologically processing the organic components so that all materials can be recovered or repurposed in the future.

Woosh diapers are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and do not contain harmful or toxic chemicals.

Used Woosh diapers are collected and transported to the recycling and R&D center in Bruges. There, the various materials in the diaper are separated and recycled, giving them a second life in new products.

For Woosh, a fully circular diaper means that all materials used are renewable or recycled, and that they can be fully recovered or repurposed at the end of their lifecycle. Woosh aims for a diaper with minimal ecological footprint by using materials that can be reintegrated into the system and by developing a recycling process that reuses all components.

Woosh is currently working on a detailed life cycle analysis (LCA) to determine exactly how much CO₂ emissions are saved through the give-back diaper. This report will provide a complete overview of the ecological benefits of the Woosh system and its recycling process.

Yes, several LCA reports confirm the environmental benefits of recycling diapers. These LCA studies show significant savings. Woosh is working on an LCA report specifically for its own ecosystem and unique recycling process.

Woosh combines the delivery and collection of diapers in one trip to avoid unnecessary kilometers. The packaging and containers are delivered as compactly as possible to maximize efficiency. In this way, Woosh minimizes the environmental impact of transport and contributes to a sustainable logistics chain.

Now that the give-back diaper has been launched, Woosh is looking ahead to the next milestones: further improving the sustainability of diaper materials, developing the recycling process, and expanding the system to new markets. Woosh continues to seek ways to maximize its impact.

In Belgium, diapers in the regular waste stream are usually incinerated, whereas in other countries they sometimes end up in landfills. Woosh is committed to separately collecting and sustainably processing used diapers to prevent them from ending up in regular waste.

Woosh diapers are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and free of perfume or lotion, minimizing the risk of irritation. They meet the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, guaranteeing they do not contain harmful substances. Additionally, they are free from EU-regulated perfume allergens and are safe for sensitive skin.

Woosh diapers are recyclable but not compostable. Instead of composting, Woosh focuses on high-quality recycling to reuse valuable materials and reduce waste.

During the recycling process, the different materials of the diaper, such as plastics and organic material, are efficiently separated. The plastics are recycled and turned into new raw materials. For the organic materials, Woosh is continuously researching optimal processing methods; currently, they are incinerated with energy recovery.

Woosh exemplifies circular innovation in the diaper sector. The company develops products specifically designed for recycling and collaborates with partners in the diaper and waste industries to stimulate new ideas and technologies that promote the circular economy.

Like other hygiene products, Woosh diapers contain high-quality plastics to meet strict safety and quality standards. The difference is that Woosh collects and recycles these plastics, giving them a second life instead of becoming waste. Woosh is one of the first companies to use recycled plastics for the waterproof inner layer of the diaper.

Woosh diapers contain a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), a material that retains moisture and prevents it from escaping. Although SAP can be considered a microplastic, it is securely embedded between the diaper layers and poses no risk to the environment.

The Woosh diapers are suitable for all babies. They have been dermatologically tested and contain no perfume, no lotion and no harmful substances.

The diapers are available from size 1 (2 to 5 kg) to size 6 (13 to 18 kg). The diaper pants are available from size 4 (9 to 15 kg) to size 6 (15+ kg).

Woosh also offers its own diaper pants and a range of eco-friendly care products from Naïf, such as diaper cream, wet wipes, sunscreen, and washing gel. You can have them delivered weekly or bi-weekly with your diaper order.

The diapers cannot be purchased in the store, but can easily be ordered via our ordering platform (for daycare centers and childminders) and via our webshop (for parents). To do this, click on the order button at the top right of the website. 

 

Yes, parents and private individuals can also purchase Woosh diapers. You can order these via our webshop (see the order button at the top right), after which Woosh will deliver the diapers to your daycare center at no additional cost. You then take your diapers with you when you pick up your baby. Handy! More information can be found on our website under 'Our service' > 'Our service for parents'. 

Questions about the comfort of the Woosh diaper

If parents bring their own diapers, they no longer have to do so. Easy for the parents and for the daycare center! If this is not an option for some parents (for example for medical reasons), they can of course still bring their own diapers.

Woosh diapers and diaper pants, wet wipes, cotton balls, paper towels and waste bags may be placed in the Woosh waste container.

Plastic ampoules, ear sticks, plasters, gloves, disposable washcloths, sanitary towels, cardboard, paper, other residual waste and PMD are not allowed in the Woosh container.

From the autumn of 2024, Woosh will start recycling diapers in its own recycling and R&D center. We developed our own recycling process for this, tailored to our own diaper. As a first step, we focus on the efficient separation of materials and on the recycling of plastic. Of all the materials present, plastic has the greatest impact on CO2 emissions and is the easiest to recycle due to its high quality.

Until that period, the used diapers are used for research and development.

Yes, you can enter your holidays or closing days via the my.woosh ordering platform and then the service will be paused. 

 

Of course! Even if you have not submitted an order, we will still come by to collect the waste.

Yes, you can submit orders in advance and change them later if desired.

Users can return their used Woosh diapers for free at their collection point, often their daycare center, or at Woosh’s headquarters in Ghent. Woosh is continuously expanding its network of collection points to make the system accessible to everyone.

Woosh offers a completely hassle-free service for daycare centers and parents: an easy online ordering platform, premium high-quality diapers, regular deliveries, and free pick-ups. Additionally, the system helps them reduce their environmental impact without extra costs for waste containers.

Woosh delivers the diapers (bi)weekly on a fixed day and collects the used diapers at the same time. This ensures seamless logistics and optimal resource use.

Woosh provides special containers for used diapers, which are fully replaced with clean containers during collection visits. This keeps everything hygienic and convenient for daycare centers.

Yes, you can bring used diapers to Woosh collection points in Belgium, currently primarily participating daycare centers or Woosh’s headquarters in Ghent. These points are continuously being expanded to make the system more accessible.

Woosh diapers are available for purchase on the Woosh website and can be delivered to daycare centers or homes, depending on your preference.

Woosh ships new diapers within 48 hours of ordering. Deliveries to daycare centers are combined with the next scheduled delivery to avoid unnecessary kilometers.

Woosh diapers feature clear size labels and color coding, plus handy resealable closures. They also include a wetness indicator for the smallest sizes, making them easier to use for caregivers. Additionally, daycare centers can easily place their orders via the Woosh order platform. Weekly, Woosh diapers are delivered and collected, meaning daycare centers don’t need to allocate significant storage space.

Woosh diapers can last up to 8 hours in the smallest sizes and up to 12 hours in larger sizes, making them ideal for both day and night use.

No, there is no minimum number of diapers required to participate in the give-back system. Woosh aims to make it as easy as possible for everyone.

Yes, Woosh also offers home delivery. This option can be selected during checkout on the webshop.

Thanks to regular deliveries and pick-ups, daycare centers can manage their diaper inventory optimally without needing extra storage space. This results in significant savings in storage requirements.

Yes, Woosh assists new customers with the transition in terms of logistics, IT, and communication to ensure a smooth changeover. Woosh also provides a three-month trial period during which daycare centers can test the diapers and receive support for all their practical questions.

Woosh currently collaborates with more than 1,300 daycare centers in Belgium, which have opted for sustainability and convenience.

Questions about the quality of the Woosh diaper

Yes, Woosh diapers are designed to keep your baby’s skin dry for up to 12 hours, thanks to the patented SeconDry technology.

Woosh diapers are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and meet the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, meaning they are safe and free from harmful chemicals.

Yes, Woosh diapers are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, specially designed for sensitive skin and allergy-friendly.

Yes, Woosh actively involved daycare centers at every stage of development, from features and specifications to testing the first prototypes.

Yes, daycare centers can receive free sample diapers to test the products before making a decision.

No, Woosh’s give-back diapers are priced similarly to other high-quality diapers, and the costs of delivery, collection, and waste processing are already included for daycare centers.

Woosh works with various partners, including Ontex, a global leader in hygiene products. Together, they develop ecological solutions for diaper waste.

Woosh has received research grants from VLAIO but does not receive structural subsidies. The support was focused on developing its ecosystem and recycling process.

Woosh customers are highly satisfied with the price-quality ratio of the give-back system, which benefits them both in terms of sustainability and financially.

Currently, Woosh is the only company in the world that offers a delivery, return, and recycling service for diapers. This unique system makes Woosh a pioneer in the industry.

In the summer of 2024, we will start building our own recycling and R&D center in Bruges, which will be operational from 2025. A major milestone in realizing our mission!

The Flemish government is considering making diaper recycling mandatory. The Woosh project is already receiving support from OVAM as a pilot project to evaluate this 'recycling (r)evolution'.

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