Wellness Innovation Project, W.I.P., Prato, Italy, has created a brand new, ecological concept in diapers. The new diapers are 80% biodegradable and hypoallergenic, as tested by Clinica Dermatologica of Parma University, without sacrificing performance or quality. The diapers are the first to take advantage of Ingeo fibers, the only manmade fiber created from 100% renewable resources, such as corn, and not from petroleum. “It is a new innovation in prime materials that takes advantage of the best characteristics of natural fibers, like breathability and hygiene, as well as those of synthetics such as resistance and durability,” said Eamonn Tighe, head of fibers development for NatureWorks LLC, the developer of Ingeo fibers.

Ingeo fiber is used to create the filtering layers that remain in close contact with a baby’s skin, guaranteeing the speedy removal of liquids and zero water retention. In this manner, the baby stays dry and protected without the use of oil based synthetics, offering his or her delicate skin more comfort, freshness and breathability normally associated with a natural material. The result of this new innovation is the elimination of most of the inconveniences usually caused by plastics: excessive heat where in contact with the skin and lack of breathability as far as health is concerned, The health advantages for babies provided by this new diaper are joined by considerable additional environmental advantages for everyone. In fact, products created with Ingeo fiber can be fully composted in industrial conditions can potentially eliminate diaper disposal problems at a stroke. Also, the polymer from which the fiber is made is the first greenhouse gas-neutral production polymer in the world today.
   
Now W.I.P. intends to use this new product as a soapbox from which to convince all producers of bioplastic polymers to use biodegradable materials obtained from renewable resources in their products as well. In this way, the whole world can move a step closer to environmentally-responsible maturity.