GHENT, MAY 26 – Woosh's ecological diaper service fully fits within the sustainable policy of the City of Nivelles and by extension the province of Walloon Brabant. Thanks to an initial collaboration with Baby Love daycare center, Woosh succeeds in expanding its services across the language border and, barely two years after its start-up, becomes a national service with the mission to make diaper recycling a reality in Belgium.
Climate objectives and waste reduction as driving force
Wallonia has a strong policy in place with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and, subsequently, the incineration of waste. The Wallon Déchets Ressources Plan (PWD-R) aims to evolve towards a circular economy in which prevention, reuse and recycling of waste are central. “It is within this framework that the municipality of Nivelles and waste intermunicipal company InBW are drawing up a clear program in which the reduction of waste, more specifically diaper waste in childcare, is given priority.” says Gregory Lecelerq, Alderman for childcare in the City of Nivelles.
Diaper waste knows no boundaries
Every year in Belgium, at least 150,000 tons of diaper waste ends up in the residual waste mountain and is then incinerated. The impact on the environment is significant, while recycling techniques do exist. However, diaper recycling is still non-existent due to the lack of separate collection. Woosh combines the delivery of diapers to daycare centers with the collection of diaper waste and thus solves the collection problem, the key to realizing diaper recycling in Belgium. Jeff Stude, co-founder of Woosh, is therefore pleased: “Given that the problem surrounding diaper waste knows no borders, we are very happy to note that, in addition to Flanders and Brussels, Wallonia is now also enthusiastic about Woosh's mission.”
A sustainable policy without worries
Childcare Baby Love in the City of Nivelles was immediately on board. Baby Love is a brand new daycare center that takes care of 42 children and always puts the child first.“And what is more important for our children than taking care of the world in which they grow up.” says Laurye Santens, founder of Baby Love. In addition, Woosh manages to remove all concerns regarding the delivery of diapers and the collection of diaper waste.
Alderman Gregory Leclercq adds: “We will of course continue to sensitize and inform people about the use of washable diapers, but disposable diapers remain extremely popular. That is why we support our citizens, through a premium, to make a sustainable choice and opt for washable diapers or ecological disposable diapers, made from natural materials and produced with respect for the environment. Woosh's diapers and services provide a perfect answer to this.”
National reach thanks to logistical efficiency
“The reason why we can take the first steps in Wallonia is because of our logistical efficiency.” states Jeff Stubbe co-founder of Woosh. “In addition to our sustainable mission and ecologically responsible diaper, our logistics also make the difference.” Woosh operates from several hubs and combines diaper delivery and diaper waste collection. Thanks to this reverse logistics, Woosh is able to further roll out its services geographically, so that they can now guarantee a national service and serve every childcare and childminder in Belgium.
