History of the Disposable Diaper

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. The best place to start is at the beginning. Where does the word "diaper" come from, anyway? (di)oxene (a)denosine (p)oly(e)ster (r)esin (the name of the chemical from which they are made) It is a Latin word that means, well, "diaper." It refers to a pattern of geometric shapes. Nobody really knows, it's like asking "what does the word 'hat' mean?"

2. In 1947 a woman by the name of Marion Donovan invented one of the most significant precursors to the modern disposable diaper, although it would look quite simple and ineffective by today's standards. What did she name her product? Boaters Huggies Softees Baby's Friend

3. The next step was to come up with an absorbent material other than cloth - i.e. one that could be cheaply thrown away. What was the first truly disposable absorbent material used in diapers? wood pulp tissue paper hydrocarbon polymers sponge

4. After Donovan, the next big name in diaper innovation is Vic Mills. Among his many diverse accomplishments, what did he do? He invented the system of fastening diapers with tapes. He designed standing leak guards. He designed a completely biodegradable diaper. He led the development of Pampers.

5. The early history of the disposable diaper is one of lots of trials and just about as many errors. They were leaky, had a small capacity, and did not fit very well. About when did people get the manufacturing process figured out to the point that they really started introducing products that would look familiar today? 1950s 1960s 1970s 1940s

6. Which of the following was NOT a brand of disposable diaper at some point? All of them were Kleenex Playtex Pampers

7. When were Pampers introduced to the market? 1975 1969 1961 1955

8. When were Huggies introduced on the U.S. market? 1965 1969 1973 1978

9. The Unicharm corporation in Japan introduced a new innovation in disposable diapers in 1982, known as "SAP." What does SAP stand for? super absorbent process static alkane polymer standing additive process super absorbent polymer

10. In what year were Huggies Pull-Ups brand training pants introduced? 1983 1979 1993 1989

11. What new design feature, introduced in 1984 and abandoned in 1986, was expected to be a big success but turned out to be a complete failure? elasticated legs two tapes per side standing leak guards all of these were tried and abandoned at this time

12. Between 1990 and 1996 Pampers (as well as several other leading brands) included this design feature: wetness indicators on the outside of diapers diapers designed specially for boys and girls super thick nighttime diapers all of these were tried and abandoned in this timeframe

13. Which of the following countries did not have a mature market for disposable diapers by the end of the 20th century? the United States Japan the United Kingdom Poland

14. Disposable Diapers make up a lot of landfill waste. In 1978 an Oregon spot check indicated that between 16-32% of landfill waste is composed of disposable diapers. Subsequent comprehensive studies have yielded a lower percentage. Approximately what percentage of landfill space (in the U.S.) is filled by disposable diapers? 15% 6% 3% 9%

15. In 1981 and 1982, in response to concerns over the amount of solid waste generated by the use of disposable diapers, two companies attempted to market what they claimed were bio-degradable disposable diapers. Why did the Federal Trade Commission sue them? Because while they were biodegradable, they had harsh chemicals that injured babies. Because they actually degraded into more harmful liquid waste in landfills. The FTC did not pursue such a lawsuit. Because the diapers were not bio-degradable.