A critical view of applying life cycle assessment on disposable diapers in a rural context

• DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2025/18211
• Publication Date: 2025-03-26T09:44:04Z
• Authors: Takunda Y. Chitaka; Charlotte Nell; Catherina Schenck

The environmental impacts of disposable diapers in comparison to reusable have been a matter interest within the life cycle assessment (LCA) community for many years. However, majority LCAs conducted developed countries with well-developed waste management infrastructure. This study takes critical view application LCA evaluate rural areas. In area, were openly dumped (43.8%), sent unsanitary landfills (26.1%) or burned (18.6%). production phase contributed most impact categories, excluding freshwater exotoxicity, marine exotoxicity and human carcinogenic toxicity. These instead dominated by end-of-life also had highest relative significance when normalisation was conducted. lack and/or poor has resulted end being significant risk. current methodologies are not able fully cover scope presented mismanaged diaper waste. demonstrates importance geographical contexts conducting wherein, some scenarios, it may be necessary include beyond traditional LCA.