When we founded Sprout & Co., we had a simple mission: create baby products that parents can trust and the planet can sustain. But the more we researched the diaper industry, the more we realized how deeply entrenched petroleum-based materials have become in every layer of modern diapers.
The problem with conventional diapers
A single conventional disposable diaper contains up to 20 grams of crude oil derivatives. The superabsorbent polymer (SAP) core — the very thing that keeps your baby dry — is made from sodium polyacrylate, a petroleum-based chemical that will persist in landfills for 500+ years.
Every year, over 18 billion disposable diapers are thrown away in the United States alone. That's enough to fill a line of garbage trucks stretching from New York to Los Angeles — and back.
"We knew that if we could crack the core, we could fundamentally change the environmental impact of diapering without asking parents to compromise on performance."
— Jessica Laurent, Head of Sustainability
Our approach: biomimicry meets material science
We partnered with researchers at three universities to develop a plant-based absorbent core that could match the performance of petroleum-based SAP. The breakthrough came from an unlikely source: the cellular structure of bamboo.
Bamboo fibers have a unique microporous structure that naturally absorbs and retains water. By combining modified cellulose nanofibers with our proprietary cross-linked starch polymer, we created a core that:
- Absorbs 40x its weight in liquid — matching conventional SAP
- Biodegrades completely within 75 days in composting conditions
- Contains zero petroleum derivatives or synthetic polymers
- Passed 12-hour leak tests in independent clinical trials
What this means for your baby
Beyond the environmental benefits, our plant-based core is inherently hypoallergenic. Because we eliminated synthetic chemicals, there's nothing to irritate sensitive skin. In dermatological testing, our diapers showed a 73% reduction in diaper rash compared to leading conventional brands.
The future of diapering doesn't have to be a choice between your baby's comfort and the planet's health. With the right science and enough stubbornness, we proved that both are possible.
Jessica Laurent
Head of Sustainability
Jessica leads our sustainability initiatives with 15 years of experience in green chemistry and materials science. Before joining Sprout & Co., she worked at the Environmental Protection Agency developing biodegradation standards for consumer products.
