Our mission is to transform the world into a healthy, sustainable, and equitable place the the next seven generations.
Seventh Generation's Certifications
Overview
Seventh Generation demonstrates leadership in a few areas of The Conscious Score and is transparent with their annual sustainability reporting and their B Corp scores. They have some work to do to address their human rights standards across their supply chain and we are not thrilled about some of the ingredients they use in their diapers (a lot of petroleum based plastics and unclear ingredients). So, how do they stack up against the Conscious Score? See why they received a B Rating rating below.
Ingredients
Overview
Seventh Generation has tested their diapers to ensure that the inks do not contain any of the 8 heavy metals regulated by CPSIA in children’s products and toys above background levels. This in our opinion is a vague claim because the "background levels" do not mean they are free from heavy metals, and based on our research all the other ingredients in their diaper are not tested the same way. The diaper is certified for the CPSIA allowed levels of lead and flammable materials, but not all 8 metals. See the diaper test here. See the overnight diaper test here. See the training pants test here. See the levels allowed in this report. There is also no mention of phthalates which has been linked to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues. The entire diaper is dyed. And according to the manufacturer, even the "brown layered materials" contain dye. This practice feels intentionally misleading, as the brown color falsely indicates a more natural product when it actually uses more dye than competitors. They are considered hypoallergenic, and are made with 0% chlorine bleaching, 0% lotions, 0% fragrances and have no parabens, are made without natural rubber latex, or any EU 26 allergens. Based on our standards and their transparency Seventh Generation gets a C for the Ingredient Pillar of the Conscious Score.
What is in their diaper
• Totally chlorine-free processed wood fluff pulp (absorbent core)
• Sodium polyacrylate(absorbent core)
• Polypropylene (core wrap, cuff, inner liner, fastening system, outer layer)
• Polyethylene (breathable moisture barrier, outer layer)
• Polyurethane (Waist elastic)
• Adhesives (seams, joints)
• Polymer Spandex (fastening system, leg elastic)
• Inks (external printed designs) Seventh Generation has said their inks are not soy based or vegetable based, but also do not disclose at all what they are made from.
• Pigments
What is not in their diaper
Environment
Seventh Generation is a Certified B Corp which means that they take their impact on our planet seriously. They have an annual Corporate Consciousness Report that has not been published since 2020 - see report here. We do not have any data from 2021 but based on our standards and their transparency, Seventh Generation receives an A for the Environmental Pillar of The Conscious Score. See why below.
They publicly disclose their CO2 emissions, they have publicly reported on how they are trying to reduce them, they have increased their sustainable sourcing of agricultural products. Seventh Generation has also made most of their products packaging biodegradable or recyclable and has increased the number of products that are made with biobased or recycled content across all product lines. Diapers are their largest category of all their products that use virgin plastic (1,004 metric tons), but we love that they are transparent about and openly working on being better. Their baby care category has the lowest of all Seventh Generation product categories of sustainable sourcing (40% of the materials are sustainably sourced) however they have made huge strides with the baby care packaging (98% zero waste product packaging).
• 30% BioBased Certification- Biobased products also help us increase our use of renewable resources while decreasing our use of non-renewable resources
Human Rights
Seventh Generation's mission statement is about protecting the next 7 generations, but what does this mean exactly when it comes to human rights? We did not see specific policies that highlight their human rights standards across their supply chain. We know from their B Corp assessment they pay their employees above the living wage, but we do not know if they hold their suppliers to the same standard. We can also know from their website that they are taking a stand against environmental racism here in the States by donating $1.2 million in-kind products to these communities. Because we could not find certifications, policies or statements protecting forced labor, or any information about their supply chain Seventh Generation receives a C for the Human Rights pillar of The Conscious Score.
Animal Rights
Seventh Generation has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free and are certified by The Leaping Bunny Certification. They don't test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third-parties. They also don't sell their products where animal testing is required by law. They state that their products do not contain any animal based ingredients but they are not certified vegan. Seventh Generation gets a B for the Animal Rights Pillar of The Conscious Score.
Performance
Overview
We evaluate performance of the baby diapers based on real parent feedback and 3rd party lab tests. We consider things like absorbency, durability, scent, leak protection and softness. Seventh Generation receives an A for the Performance Pillar of The Conscious Score.
Sensitive Protection
Sensitive Protection diapers scored an average 4.6 out of 5 from 4,321 parents' feedback. The not so good is that there are complaints of leaks and gel leaking from the diapers. The good is that the diapers are comfortable and parents like the softness, and smell. Parents feel that the diapers are safe for the more sensitive babies out there as well. Lastly, parents said that this diaper did not create any lasting marks or rashes. The Sensitive Protection Diapers receive an A for the Performance Pillar of The Conscious Score.
Overnights
Overnight Diapers scored an average 4.6 out of 5 from 1,733 from parents' feedback. Parents and 3rd party tests all seem to agree that the overnight's best features were the ingredients used, making this diaper perfect for sensitive skin. There is no fragrance, they are soft to the touch and stretch well. The Overnight Diapers receive an A for the Performance Pillar of The Conscious Score.
Training Pants
Training Pants scored an average 4.6 out of 5 of over 2,089 parents' feedback. Parents love that the diaper is soft and stretchy, leaving no marks on their baby. The Training Pants receive an A for the Performance Pillar of The Conscious Score.