upcycled nappy faq's

Why upcycled nappies?

Upcycling is defined as “the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value”. (1)

In our case we source fabric in the form of quality garments from charity/op shops, which we then launder and iron prior to use as beautiful and unique nappy outers.

We’d like to think we’re helping the environment further by saving on textile waste and material manufacturing emissions.  Many of the items we purchase are brand new with the tags on which clearly shows our rate of consumption and regard for waste as a society knows no boundaries!

Why would I want to buy an upcycled nappy?  Doesn’t it mean that I’m getting a second-hand nappy?

The nappies in our upcycled range are unique and unlike anything else available in the MCN market.  Each nappy is limited in number.  Depending on the size of the original garment purchased we may only make one nappy of a certain print- unlikely to be repeated ever! 

Further to this many nappies in the upcycled range have been embellished with things like lace, ric rac, ruffles and appliqué to make them an even more standout nappy. Buying an upcycled nappy means you’re recycling and helping us to support worthy charities too.

Although the fabric outers are in effect recycled, you are by no means getting a second-hand nappy as every other component (PUL, lining, insert, elastic etc) of the nappy is brand new.  We take great care in selecting garments to upcycle into nappies, and use only those in immaculate condition.  It wouldn’t be in our interest (or yours) to waste time on garments whose quality was any less than this!

Why aren’t they cheaper then if the material component is recycled?

Contrary to popular belief purchasing garments from op shops for upcycling into nappies is not cheaper for us than buying a metre of brand new fabric; it is a lot of the time more expensive.  As mentioned before we purchase garments like skirts, dresses and shirts which are already sewn up and therefore the area we can use for nappy making is limited in comparison to a flat brand new metre of material.  Then you have to account for the time taken to source the garment, the unpicking, washing & ironing of fabric before you even begin!