Heading towards a world free of waste, filled with wonder.
I am Steef Fleur, founder of Billie Wonder and a former documentary photographer. I saw my first washable diaper whilst on assignment with Northern California hemp growers in 2015. What struck me was how natural it looked to have a baby wrapped in cloth at such a critical time in their lives. And why, given the choice, disposable diapers were the norm.
This, combined with everything I learned about hemp that year – its many uses and regenerative qualities as a crop – stayed with me.
As fate would have it, my son was born in 2017 and the Billie Wonder web shop soon after. The web shop sold existing washable diaper brands in an effort to promote washables as the new norm. In 2020, a coach and I reimagined Billie Wonder with its own product line. Everything would be made of organic hemp, from diapers to bins, and carry an adult aesthetic. Since then, I have worked with a passionate team to bring the new Billie Wonder to life.
We set out to be toxin free, organic, natural, ethical, and biodegradable – or what author Paul Hawken calls Regenerative. What we found were unrealistic prices, high minimum order quantities, large carbon footprints, or in some cases, unavailability - what we were looking for didn’t exist.
This cemented a few things. We are a forward-looking group, who should rate ourselves on intention. That is, focus on what we set out to do and what we achieved, versus what we didn’t. That no job is ever complete when you’re curious.
And lastly, everything - life, parenting, business - is about baby steps.
Many more steps to come. Stay tuned! With Love, SteefMaterials
Our diaper materials fall into two categories: water-resistant and absorbent fabrics.
The water-resistant fabric is PUL (Polyurethane Laminated fabric). PUL is a common material for washable diapers due to its ease of cleaning, softness, breathability, and durability for multiple uses. Our award-winning inserts are made of 55% hemp and 45% Oeko-Tex organic cotton, having outstanding absorbency and introducing you to the wonders of hemp. Renowned for its superior absorbent properties, hemp grows sustainably, requiring less water and fewer pesticides, nurturing the soil it springs from. Note: Organic standards for hemp are not yet established. Note: Organic standards for hemp are not yet established.The Hemp Oil
In collaboration with local essential oil and aromatherapy specialist, Volatile, we crafted The Hemp Oil.
Our Hemp Oil is a symphony of 65% cold-pressed hemp seed oil, chamomile, calendula, and manuka, crafting a delightful blend. Hemp is renowned for its antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, supporting the skin's natural barriers. We take pride in this partnership, which allowed us to collaborate locally and highlight the versatile uses of hemp. It's a glimpse into our commitment to similar endeavours in the future. Shop The Hemp OilMade in China
Our goal was to create a product line entirely from hemp, drawn to its diverse uses and regenerative qualities as a crop.
We aimed to minimize our environmental impact while delivering a top-quality product at a fair and reasonable cost. China emerged as the ideal choice, being the world's largest producer of hemp and hemp fiber.
Our chosen partner is a leader in the field, boasting over 25 years of experience in manufacturing washable diapers. They hold Oeko-Tex certification and undergo SMETA audits, ensuring both ethical practices and documented product quality. Additionally, their commitment to sourcing hemp and accessories locally contributes to reducing our overall ecological footprint.
Transport
Two companies play a crucial role in ensuring the thoughtful delivery of our products to your doorstep.
In the Netherlands, we've teamed up with Cycloon, a bike carrier platform that operates in over 30 Dutch cities. Their objective is to create logistics solutions that are both smarter and cleaner. Utilizing biogas-fueled vans until city limits, they then seamlessly transition to bikes for parcel delivery, reducing traffic and minimizing their CO2 footprint.On the shipping front, our alliance with GoodShipping is noteworthy. While cargo ships have traditionally relied on non-renewable fossil fuels, the shift to biofuels presents challenges in terms of costs. GoodShipping has devised a solution: they gather premiums from companies, like ours, eager to support this eco-friendly shift. By paying a nominal premium on products shipped from China, we empower GoodShipping to fuel cargo ships with biofuels. Through these partnerships, Billie Wonder underscores its dedication to fostering sustainable practices.
Tiny Library
We have partnered up with Tiny Library giving you the option to rent our washable diapers.
Tiny library is a Dutch sustainable initiative offering all types of baby products for rent. This approach ensures that items only used for a brief period in your tiny changemaker's life don't end up unused in storage but continue to bring joy to more parents and children. On their website, you'll find options like the Full Kit and the Bin (which includes 2 laundry nets). It's an ideal choice for parents who prefer renting over buying or those looking to give washable diapers a thorough trial before committing to a significant investment.