Archive

27 Feb 2003: Nappy Manufacturers Comment on ASA Ruling

Over the last 2 years, the AHPMA have made a number of complaints to the ASA about inaccurate information published in leaflets about cloth nappies, the majority of which were upheld. These can be read below.  Such dialogues provide an opportunity to ensure that the most up to date information is shared on matters which are important to the disposable nappy industry.

Figures in the Government Strategy Unit Report "Waste Not, Want Not" published in November 2002 confirm that disposable nappy waste now represents 2.4% of household waste, down from 4% (previous Government figures from 1994). The technological improvements made by manufacturers to their nappies and packaging over the years has contributed to this decrease in household waste. Using this updated data, the resulting volume contribution of disposable nappies to the UK waste stream is now between 400,000 - 500,000 tonnes, a notable decrease versus previous estimates of 800,000 tonnes which was calculated using older data.

Prices of disposable nappies have fallen over the years, and today there are a variety of branded and retailer unbranded disposable nappies available for parents to buy. The overall cost of using disposable nappies compares favourably with the modern all-in-one cloth alternatives: the traditional terry towelling nappies which are laundered at home are generally considered to be the cheapest option but do involve some work by the parent or carer!

The ASA ruling of 26th February 2002 acknowledges that information can change over time whilst advising that 2 claims made in a leaflet produced in 2000 by the Women's Environmental Network (WEN) relating to both the volume and percentage of waste, and that cost savings could be possible, were acceptable to be made at that point in time.

AHPMA is committed to giving parents accurate information so they can make an informed decision as to which type of nappy they wish to use. AHPMA will continue to monitor claims made in leaflets by environmental groups and reusable nappy manufacturers to ensure they reflect the current UK situation.

31 Mar 2003: Less waste and lower prices - disposable nappies keep on getting better!

Manufacturers have reduced the weight and volume of disposable nappies by around 30% in recent years, which means less waste and less packaging. Even better news for consumers is that prices have fallen close to 20% since 1997 due to competition.

The decrease in the size of nappies has been achieved through technological progress and use of modern materials. Waste minimisation is important to UK disposable nappy manufacturers who are committed to continuing to achieve even greater product improvement. The November 2002 Government Strategy Unit Report - 'Waste not, Want not' - confirms disposable nappy waste now represents 2.4% of household waste, down from the 1994 Government figure of 4%. Reduction in the overall size of disposable nappies has contributed to this.

Retail prices of disposable nappies have fallen steadily in recent years. Today, the average price of a disposable nappy is 12.3 pence compared with 15.1 pence in 1997. The drop in price reflects heightened market competition due to a decline in birth rate. Disposable nappies are now even more competitive with the cost of home laundered cloth nappies.

Disposable nappies are the preferred choice of over 90% of parents; they are quick, clean and easy to use. They are also a healthy choice for babies, and research has shown they help reduce nappy rash. Parents wishing to make an environmentally sound choice between disposable and cloth nappies should remember both carry some impact to the environment. Disposable nappies create waste, while laundering cloth nappies consumes large quantities of clean water, electricity and detergents. Therefore, parents should simply choose whichever type of nappy suits their baby and their lifestyle best.

AHPMA is the trade body for the key UK manufacturers of disposable nappies and is able to respond to individual enquiries. For further information contact AHPMA on 01483 418221 or log onto www.nappyinformationservice.co.uk

April 2 2002: Disposable Nappy Manufacturers welcome rulings by Advertising Standards Authority on nappy literature

AHPMA has welcomed the decisions by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to reject overwhelmingly a series of complaints made by Women's Environmental Network (WEN) and others against one of its leaflets entitled "Nappy Information Service" (NiS). AHPMA also welcomes the decision by the ASA to uphold in full a series of complaints made by AHPMA about leaflets published by two reusable nappy companies.

September 11 2002: Absorbent Hygiene Products Manaufacturers Association statement

Disposable Manufacturers are very pleased that the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld every complaint lodged against the Women's Environmental Network (WEN) leaflet bar one. As WEN has been the source of most of the inaccurate information that has been circulated over recent years this has vindicated the stance taken by manufacturers against the material, much of which has been taken up and reprinted in other leaflets by vendors of reusable nappies and Local Authorities. AHPMA will now seek to have these leaflets withdrawn or re-written to ensure parents are offered accurate information about all types of nappies. The only complaint rejected was where we had asked that the statement 'Paediatricians suggest that newborn babies should be changed 10-12 times a day and about six times for older babies.' be qualified as to whether this referred to cloth nappies or disposable nappies. The reason being that cloth nappies saturate very quickly and need changing much more frequently than disposables.

AHPMA has welcomed the decisions by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to reject overwhelmingly a series of complaints made by Women's Environmental Network (WEN) and others against one of its leaflets entitled "Nappy Information Service" (NiS). AHPMA also welcomes the decision by the ASA to uphold in full a series of complaints made by AHPMA about leaflets published by two reusable nappy companies.

The NIS leaflet was produced to give consumers the facts about disposable nappies following a campaign of misinformation which was causing unnecessary concern among parents. The ASA's ruling confirms the accuracy of the information in the leaflet which explains that disposable nappies are comfortable, healthy, hygienic, convenient and cost-effective. It also confirms that there is little to choose between disposable and washable nappies on environmental grounds.

AHPMA confirms that it will implement in any future leaflets two minor modifications requested by the ASA. The first is a request that AHPMA alter the statement "80% of a used nappy is biodegradable" which will be changed to read "80% of a used nappy and its contents are biodegradable". The second covers the claim that nappy laundering services are more expensive than disposable nappies. AHPMA has been asked to amend this from an absolute claim to a conditional one as under certain circumstances it would be possible to find a laundering service that could cost less than some disposable nappies.

AHPMA Director General Peter Stephenson described the anti-disposable campaign as "irresponsible as it seeks to use false claims to scare parents into changing their choice of nappy" and said:

"We are delighted that the NIS leaflet has been verified by the ASA. In the light of the misinformation within the reusable nappy category, we asked ASA to review and rule on the material published by two companies, BORN and Cotton Bottoms. ASA has upheld every single complaint laid by AHPMA. We hope other reusable nappy companies and organisations which use similar 'unsubstantiated' and/or 'misleading' claims will take note and amend their literature accordingly".

Stephenson continued "AHPMA members welcome fair competition but will not stand by and let material go unchallenged that is designed to alarm and frighten parents".