Families in Tipperary preparing to welcome a new baby can now apply for a free cloth nappy starter kit through the Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme, a sustainability initiative led by VOICE Ireland in partnership with Tipperary County Council and Tipperary University Hospital Maternity Unit.
The scheme offers free Cloth Nappy Starter Kits to antenatal patients at Tipperary University Hospital. Each kit includes:
- 10 high-quality reusable cloth nappies
- 12 reusable cloth wipes
- Waterproof storage bag for used nappies
- Absorbent inserts made from eco-friendly materials (bamboo, cotton, hemp)
- Comprehensive guidance on use and care
This year, the Cloth Nappy Library has joined the initiative, providing workshops and one-on-one support to help parents understand different types of cloth nappies, how to use and wash them, and offering ongoing guidance.
This initiative comes in response to the growing environmental impact of disposable nappies. Currently Ireland sends an estimated one million disposable nappies to landfill every day. According to the EPA Household Waste Characterisation Report (2022), nappies account for 10% of kerbside residual waste, totalling over 75,000 tonnes annually, making them the third largest fraction of household waste.
Reusable cloth nappies offer a sustainable alternative with a 25% lower carbon footprint across their lifecycle compared to disposables as highlighted in a 2023 life cycle analysis by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Fiona Flynn, Staff Officer, Environment and Climate Action Section, Tipperary County Council commented, “Making the switch to cloth nappies is a meaningful change that can have a big environmental impact. We encourage parents across Tipperary to take this opportunity to avail of free starter kits and experience the benefits of reusable nappies”.
Maggie Dowling, Director of Midwifery, Tipperary University Hospital added, “We are delighted to support the Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme. It’s a practical way for families to reduce waste and embrace sustainability while saving money. This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability and patient wellbeing.”
Abi O'Callaghan-Platt, Policy Director, VOICE Ireland said “The Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme provides valuable support for new parents, who appreciate choosing an option that is gentle on their baby’s skin and more environmentally friendly, and were pleasantly surprised to discover that using reusable nappies was far easier than they had imagined.”
The scheme is open to antenatal patients at Tipperary University Hospital. Availability is limited, so early applications are advised. Participants will be asked to complete a short follow-up survey to help improve future rollouts.
Apply now at: https://voiceireland.org/cloth-nappy-incentive-scheme
About the Scheme
The Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme was developed by VOICE with funding from the EPA Research Programme 2021–2030, a Government of Ireland initiative. While similar schemes have existed in the UK for years, this is the first of its kind in Ireland, supporting the transition from a linear to a circular economy.
VOICE Ireland is also calling for national reduction targets for disposable nappies, following the example of the Dutch government, which aims to cut nappy waste and CO₂ emissions by 20 percent by 2027. While disposable nappies have environmental impacts during production and disposal, reusable nappies’ impact is concentrated in the use phase, which can be reduced through informed washing and drying practices. Providing guidance in the starter kit ensures that families can make the most of their switch.
This initiative represents a significant step toward more sustainable parenting and a circular economy. Families are encouraged to take part while kits are still available.
By promoting reusable nappies and supporting sustainable choices, this project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
Contact details for more information:
VOICE Ireland: Abi O’Callaghan-Platt, abi@voiceireland.org
