Evolution of disposable baby diapers in Europe: life cycle assessment of environmental impacts and identification of key areas of improvement

摘要

An assessment of the environmental aspects related to the life cycle of disposable baby diapers in Europeis presented in this paper with the aim of analysing recent improvements and identifying key environmentalareas on which to focus in order to further decrease impacts.Average products available on the European market in recent years have been modelled and evaluatedfrom “cradle to grave”. Results point out the importance of materials in the definition of the environmentalprofile of the product. These are followed by the end of life for some impact categories, while thecontribution of manufacturing, packaging and transport to the overall LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) resultsseems of minor relevance.Significant environmental improvements at European level have been achieved in recent yearsthrough the design of lighter products and the introduction of superabsorbent polymers. Careful selectionand use of materials at the design stage could allow life cycle impacts of products to be furtherdecreased, while ensuring that human health and environmental risks are controlled and that functionalityand performance requirements are fulfilled. Indeed, potential malfunctioning of products wouldresult in increasing consumption. Resource efficiency is also important at the manufacturing level tooptimise the demand for materials and limit waste production. Special forms of treatment at the end oflife stage of the product could instead require significant structural changes of the waste managementsystem.The outcomes of this paper could be applied to support the design and environmental labelling ofdisposable baby diapers for promoting the production and consumption of product options characterisedby lower environmental impacts.