SmartAss Diapers

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Belgium
• China

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Production takes place in Belgium and China. In Belgium, SmartAss collaborates with a social sewing workshop in Brussels that trains women with limited access to the job market. This local partnership enables short transport distances and direct communication, while also fostering social inclusion within the country.

In China, the brand works with a small sewing workshop in the Zhejiang region, specialised in processing Moso bamboo – a plant native to China that grows under optimal conditions there. The workshop was carefully selected for its experience with natural materials, the quality of its work, as well as its certifications and working conditions.

SmartAss deliberately works with only two fixed production partners and maintains direct contact with both to ensure quality and responsibility in the supply chain. Some products are handmade, especially those produced in Belgium. The materials are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning they are tested for harmful substances. The brand offers so-called pocket nappies with adjustable sizing to fit from birth to potty training (4 to 15 kg). Each nappy has a waterproof yet breathable outer shell made from polyester (PUL) and a choice of inner lining: either bamboo terry (80% bamboo, 20% polyester) or StayDry fleece (100% polyester), which provides a dry feel and antibacterial effect. A double leak guard and convenient pocket opening make use easier.
The brand also supports climate compensation, for example via a Gold Standard project in China that reduces CO₂ emissions through more efficient cooking and heating methods. In addition, SmartAss has donated hundreds of nappies via private aid transports to Ukraine.

MATERIALS

• Bamboo terry (80% bamboo, 20% polyester)

• StayDry fleece (100% polyester)
• PUL (polyurethane-laminated polyester) (100% polyester)
• Microfibre (100% polyester)

SmartAss uses OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified materials that are both functional and more environmentally friendly.
The inner layer of the nappies is either bamboo terry (80% bamboo, 20% polyester) or StayDry fleece (100% polyester). Bamboo is considered a natural, fast-growing raw material with antibacterial properties and is cultivated in China. Fleece keeps skin feeling dry but is plastic-based. The absorbent inserts contain a core layer made of microfibre. The waterproof outer layer consists of polyester laminated with PUL. You can read more about the environmental impact of polyester here.
SmartAss uses press studs for closures.

PACKAGING

SmartAss states it operates as eco-friendly as possible, but provides no specific information about its e‑commerce packaging materials. The brand mentions that it prints as little as possible, sends invoices digitally and encourages reuse – all suggesting a more resource-efficient approach. However, there are no clear details on packaging within the supply chain.

WATER USE & CHEMICALS

The brand exclusively uses OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified materials, ensuring that no harmful chemicals are present. It explicitly states that no super absorbents, fragrances or softeners are used in its nappies.
However, SmartAss does not provide information about water usage in the supply chain or the dyeing process of the fabrics. Details about dyeing methods, bleaching or colourants are also missing.
A large proportion of the products contain polyester components such as microfibre, PUL and fleece, which can release microfibres when washed.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

SmartAss products are mostly made from material blends, combining plant-based and synthetic fibres. For instance, bamboo terry fabrics consist of 80% bamboo and 20% polyester, while the inserts also contain a microfibre core (100% polyester). The outer shell is made from PUL-laminated polyester, and the StayDry fleece is entirely polyester. These blends limit recyclability and make circular processing more difficult.
SmartAss does not offer a take-back service for used or outgrown nappies.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

SmartAss does not provide an in-house repair service.
The brand does not offer a take-back scheme for used or worn-out nappies, nor are there any indications that old products are collected, recycled or reused.
However, parents can test the nappies for three months via rental kits. These rental models are part of a circular approach as they extend the products’ lifecycle and help reduce waste.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• Belgium
• China
• SmartAss HQ is located in Leuven, Belgium.

TRANSPORT

SmartAss does not provide specific information about transport methods within the supply chain. It is therefore not possible to assess which transport type is used or whether any emissions-reducing measures are in place.
According to the brand, SmartAss uses ​“green courier services” wherever possible for shipping.

SmartAss does not use any animal-derived materials in its products.

PRODUCT DESIGN

SmartAss exclusively produces items for babies and toddlers, especially washable cloth nappies and related accessories like inserts, swim nappies and wet bags.
The products are designed as one-size solutions that grow with the child. Thanks to adjustable press studs, they can be set to three sizes (small, medium, large) and fit children from about 4 kg to 15 kg.
In terms of style and design, SmartAss offers gender-neutral collections inspired by nature, with varied prints and colours.

SLOW FASHION PRACTICES

SmartAss maintains a permanent collection. New designs or colour combinations are occasionally added but are not released according to seasonal fashion cycles. The brand follows a slow, needs-based approach rather than fast fashion rhythms.
SmartAss does not offer made-to-measure or made-to-order production.

PRODUCT TRANSPARENCY

SmartAss product pages offer detailed information about materials, including functional benefits such as antibacterial properties or keeping skin dry. They also explain how to use the nappies, how to adjust the sizing, and how the inserts are built, with practical tips for preparation.
However, information about the origin or specific production site of each product is missing. Customers are not informed whether their nappy was made in Belgium or China – neither on the product page nor during the ordering process. This means that product traceability is not provided. The available transparency mainly covers materials and usage, but not the supply chain.

PROCESS TRANSPARENCY

SmartAss provides a general overview of its processes and supply chain on its website, especially regarding materials, design principles and collaboration with two fixed production partners. The selection of these partners is said to be based on quality, working conditions and experience with natural materials, but the information remains general.
There are no detailed disclosures on individual suppliers or the full supply chain.
The provided information appears only on general pages. No product-level traceability is available.
The brand communicates its values and commitments informally via website content, blog posts and notes on climate compensation or social projects.