There is no end to the eternal quest for a more absorbent cloth diaper that remains trim. Is Zorb Fabric the answer? We’ve all packed all poor baby in a diaper that is 6″ thick preventing her from bringing her legs together. But that is certainly not done out of preference. It’s sometimes a necessity just to get a few hours sleep at night.
However, there are products that do allow for less layers. Hemp, microfiber and bamboo are all great options especially when used in combination with each other (ex. microfiber on top of hemp). But, hemp stinks, microfiber leaks, and bamboo isn’t quite absorbent enough for me.
There is a another soaker fabric available though. Wazoodle‘s cutting-edge textile design department developed a super absorbent product called Zorb. Wazoodle.com is a huge online retailer of all diaper making (or non diaper making) fabrics and supplies. It is their mission to improve the overall performance of a cloth diaper.
Although the hype has been growing since its inception, one question or doubt has loomed:
What is Zorb?
One parent put it best when she said, “I’m still waiting to hear WHAT exactly it is … it sounds ideal for my heavy wetter, but I won’t take a chance if we’ll find out in 3 months that it’s something like ground up tires, bleached in acid and mixed with a polycarbonate resin that has been hydrolyzed to a fabric-like consistency.”
Speculations flew and the “too good to be true” mentality rose, until Wazoodle finally answered our questions. I am quoting Mike the head of textile design at Wazoodle:
Hopefully I can answer a few of the most common question, and debunk some of the common rumors and misconceptions.
1) What is it made of?
I can tell you with great certainty there are no “ground up tires bleached in acid and mixed with a polycarbonate resin”. We’re known for a lot of things good and bad, but when it comes to innovative diaper making textiles our attention to innovation, environmental and product safety, is second to none.
Zorb contains only tangled cellulose fibers from bamboo/cotton/viscose and poly micro fiber, the same fibers found in virtually every AIO diaper on the market – nothing else. These non-allergenic fibers are non-allergenic, durable and easy to sanitize We manufacture Zorb in the USA and Canadian in modern facilities that are safe & friendly for workers and the environment.
We keep the exact formula and manufacturing process a secret.
2) Is it thick?
That depends on how you compare things. Soaker layers are built up from 3-8 layers which generally produces a thick wad of fabric. One key goal was to reduce the overall thickness of the absorbent part of a diaper, AND to minimize the number of layers needed.
The best overall thickness for Zorb proved to be about the same as Sherpa or velour. Even though Zorb is thicker, you use far fewer layers which will always makes the diaper trimmer. Fewer layers also reduces cost and cut/sew time.
This enabled some completely new designs (you should see them hit the market soon) that are trimmer than anything currently available.
For a head to head comparison on thickness, stacking Zorb on a desk against the common fabrics will show you something like this. 1 layer of Zorb is the same as:
- 3 layers of flannel
- 2.25 layers of French terry
- 1.3 layers of cotton fleece
- 1 layer of sherpa.
Now, to get the same absorbency, as 2 layer of Zorb, you will need:
- 8 layers of flannel
- 6 layers of French terry
- 5 layers of cotton fleece
- 4 layers of sherpa.
When you’re diaper is finished, it should be trimmer and softer handed using Zorb. You should save material cost and some cut/sew time.
3) Does it wick under compression (leak off)?
Less than anything else. We spent a lot of time looking at leak off under compression, both with Zorb and typical natural fiber fleeces. Compression leak off occurs when a fabric reaches saturation and cannot distribute moisture from the ‘squish’ area to other parts of the absorbent web. Zorb cures this problem in a 2 ways.
First, Zorb is extremely fast at moving moisture around. Assaults are quickly spread over a wide area to minimize saturation and leak off in the area that is peed on. To see this drop a swatch into water, you will see the moisture moves instantly through the fabric.
Next, the ability to resist leak off depends on the resiliency of the fabric’s web. Zorb is considerably more resilient than fleeces and terrys, and way, way more resilient than microfiber toweling. When you squish it using the typical pressure of a baby (around 5psi), moisture simply moves to another part of the Zorb web. Natural fiber knits are slow to move moisture around, so pressure creates a leak off channel, polyester fleeces (micro and polar) and microfiber terry towell have weak webs that collapse under any pressure, they have the most trouble with leak off.
4) Why is shipping so expensive?
Zorb is a lofty fabric so carriers calculate the shipping cost based on volume, not actual weight. 6 yards of Zorb weighs 8lbs, but the roll size cubes out to 21lbs, so that’s what UPS they charges us to carry the package. It isn’t so bad if you look at it this way: the cheapest diaper shop we found on the net charges $213.30 to ship 20 yards of hemp 54″ FT to ZIP 90210 including freight. 6 yards of 74″ wide Zorb does the same job at a cost of $72 including freight.
We have a vacuum packager that compresses lofty fabrics, unfortunately it handles rolls up to 30″ long – but we’re working on it!
5) Is it Hemp Free?
Absolutely. For those of you who know us, we are not advocates of hemp for use in diaper or healthcare products. We never use hemp fiber in our products.
Hope that helps a little.”
I completely respect that they are not willing to divulge their “recipe”. Now it is just a matter of time to see just how well Zorb performs under heavy duty diaper use.
**Anyone can buy Zorb easily on Amazon and use it in their own homemade diapers. They have also created new generations of products including Zorb II with Dimple patterns and Zorb 3D. The updates allow for greater moisture retention & faster moisture distribution.
FYI, Zorb original needs to be paired with other fabrics while all other versions of Zorb may be used on their own.
Wazoodle provides a great chart which breaks down all the Zorb info you could ever need. I highly recommend checking it out if you are thinking of using Zorb in your homemade cloth diapers.
Jenn is a long-time cloth diaper educator and a passionate small business advocate. She has worked in the reusable diaper industry for over a decade, helping millions of families via her websites All About Cloth Diapers, Thinking About Cloth Diapers and Cloth Diaper Geek as well as hundreds of small businesses during that time. Her goal always to provide simple, reliable information.
AJVallery says
I’m wondering if using zorb (3D preferably) for cloth diapers and training pants will make child feel when they wet or if it gives them a feeling of being dry?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Hey! It’s not a stay dry fabric. So they would feel the wet.
Christa says
I never received my order from Wazoodle either but that might be because the Mexican Postal Service is not very good at tracking or delivering. There’s no way to contact them which is what Wazoodle told me to do. I ended up ordering the Zorb from Amazon. It’s easy to wash, keep clean and dry. Soaks up nice. Difficult to sew for beginners. Shrinks a lot…..
Has anyone used bleach with the Zorb 2 or 3?
I know it says not to use bleach but has anyone tried? What’s the worst that could happen?
SUla maye says
What none of this answered is whether ‘zorb’ is a plastic, whether when washed beads of microplastic will go into the environment and eventually into the oceans. I am trying to find something to make sanitary pads with which will not pollute when washing.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
It is a proprietary material made of Bamboo Viscose, Cotton, Organic Cotton, Polyester. It is a woven fabric so I do not believe there are any microplastic bead that wash away. But my understanding of this is somewhat limited.
Nicole says
The problem with polyester is not beads of plastic but microscopic plastic fibers washing out. The only way to avoid that is 100% natural fibers. You can also buy products (such as CoraBall) that catch the plastic fibers.
Natural fibers are often really harsh on the environment to grow and process, so there are tradeoffs there too. Overall, I try to go for the material and product that will last the longest before falling apart.
anj says
Interesting. Any insights on what their issue with Hemp is?
Niki says
That is what I want to know as well.
Stephanie says
I found this on Wazoodle’s website regarding their feelings on hemp. It’s an eco-friendly issue. http://www.wazoodle.com/templates/ecoeco.htm
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I personally think that this is in the eye of the beholder. You can easily clam that this, which is made of bamboo viscose, is highly processed. Many chemicals are used to do so and it appears that there is quite a bit of pollution in the creation of it. That being said, ANY fabric is processed. Nothing is truly natural. We aren’t wearing freshly picked from the field cotton, right?
I am personally a huge hemp lover. Trim and absorbent and I think one of the most eco friendly fabrics available.
Arch says
Hi Stephanie, The previous owner of Wazoodle Fabrics was against hemp, the statements above were his personal opinion. The new Wazoodle management (since August 2012) is not against hemp at all, we believe it works very well and is very absorbent.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Hi Arch, Are you maybe interested in a post on the current zorb? I’ll send you an email. Thanks!
Arch says
Hi Jennifer, sure I can try to write a post on Zorb, although I am not really good at writing like some of the blog posts here. Please send me an email and I will be happy to contribute what I know. Thank you.
Dana says
Retting does not *necessitate* the use of awful chemicals. It’s essentially a rotting process, but that sounds yucky so they changed the spelling (or else it’s an old spelling for “rotting” which they retained for the industry). People have done it with dew exposure in the fields. That just happens to be too slow for industrial purposes. I don’t know why tank retting (the method used industrially) is so bad, but I would imagine they’re using some kind of chemical instead of bacteria for the breakdown process, to speed things up.
The irony is that a better method was invented, called decortication. A version of the decorticator machine was developed in the United States for the purposes of making hemp paper, right around the time wood-pulp paper production took off. I believe it was suppressed for business interest reasons, and then institutional inertia took over to prevent it being brought into wider use. It’d be nice if someone would make a real effort to revive use of this machine, then we wouldn’t have to talk about retting methods.
And frankly I don’t think the fashion industry refuses to use hemp because of environmental and labor concerns. If they really cared about environmental and labor concerns they wouldn’t hire out their fabric-making in Southeast Asia. There is nothing preventing them buying fabric from domestic sources, especially when their high-end pieces run into the thousands of dollars *per item*. I think these people making the Zorb are just making excuses to push their product over anything else. Kind of shady.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I personally think that this is in the eye of the beholder. You can easily clam that this, which is made of bamboo viscose, is highly processed. Many chemicals are used to do so and it appears that there is quite a bit of pollution in the creation of it. That being said, ANY fabric is processed. Nothing is truly natural. We aren’t wearing freshly picked from the field cotton, right?
I am personally a huge hemp lover. Trim and absorbent :)
Angel says
I have read that the hemp retains some odor, and that is why they are trying to create something equal or not better than the hemp. I will be a first time grandma soon and I will be sewing the inserts for the baby and I have done lots of research as to the pros and cons of each material. My daughter in law is a science teacher and will not use anything that may even have a trace of a chemical in it.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I think it is awesome that you have done your research and will be sewing the inserts for your new grandbaby! Everything is processed in some way. The idea is to find the safest way. Even 100% organic cotton isn’t used straight out of the fields. It sounds like you already have a good idea what to go with! Your daughter in law is very lucky to have you!
Narelle says
They said it smells
Stephanie G says
Thank you for this article, I am just now finding out about Zorb and looking into just what it is. Do you know if something changed between when you posted this and now? You have him quoted as saying “We never use hemp fiber in our products” and now they sell an Eco hemp-cotton blend. I’m fine if they changed views or found a way to use hemp that made them happy, but I’m worried about it being something he’s used while saying he hasn’t…
katie says
According to wazoodle original zorb is preshrunk but it is suggested that you conditon to what your needs will be for it I pre wash and dry mine on hot and it does shrink some but does not fall apart
Candace says
I just ordered some zorb for the first time and it arrived the other day. The stuff looks and feels like thick felt, actually. I’m not sure what I was expecting – something magical, I guess? I have to say I was disappointed. It really does remind me of a cross between felt and flat batting. Hmm. I wish I’d googled and read this page first.
Tara says
It’s very unfortunate thar Zorb is manufactured by Wazoodle. I really wanted to try it out. Beware of purchasing from them. This has been my experience as has many others I’ve found on babycenter.com:
I placed $71 order on July 3. I have never received my order. I emailed and asked about it and got no response. Called on a Fri at about 3pm EST and they said they were closed b/c it was past 5. When I called the following Mon, they said that the only reason they hadn’t sent my order was b/c the aplix was back ordered. They offered to substitute it. I said fine. They said it would be sent out that day. The following Friday I called and asked for the shipping and tracking code and the guy said they would email it to me that day. They never did. I called later and the recording said they were closed b/c it it was past 5pm on EST. It was 11:27am. I was trying to find out if it was even on it’s way, b/c I was 38 weeks pregnant and needing to finish diapers with what I ordered. I ended up having to go purchase more fabric from a local fabric store which wasn’t what I ideally wanted to use. I was so mad, I sent them a scathing letter which I have never gotten a response from. That was over a week ago. SERIOUSLY??? In this economy?? I’m in the process of disputing the charges with paypal which is apparently also an orderal. There really is no excuse for refusing to even communicate with your customers. Don’t ever order from them!!!!!
stephka says
hi tara, thank you so much for your writing!! i am from germany and you hardly get the zorb here. i had to order it in the uk and they charge you 18,50 pound a meter, which is about 27 dollars a yard!!!! can you believe this?
but wazoodle seems to be as horrible as that because they would charge me twice the price of the goods only for shipping. plus, as you wrote, i would never now if i get the stuff. imagine, i would order for 100 euro and had to pay 300. crazy that is.
this is making me mad, because i want to make the best inserts and i dont find good material here as diapermaking is really really new in germany.
stephka says
hello, me again – one year later…
the owner of wazoodle has changed and they are incredbly customer-orientated now.
the zorb that i have been working with (and the zorbII) work REALLY good as inserts – better than anything else i have worked with so far. that’s why i sew and sell inserts from it.
I only can advise trying it – i love zorb!
stephka says
thank you for these information! is there anything new about zorb? did it prove on the market? i think about sewing with it.
Autumn Beck says
there are several wahms on hyena cart using zorb. run a search there and see if you can speak with them!
Nicole says
Hi, I just purchased the zorbII dimbled fabric (cotton & bamboo covering) and found that it does shrink…. ALOT! I cut for foldable inserts for a OS Pocket at 15 x 17 and it shrank in length (dried on low) to 15 x 14.5. That’s a loss of 2.5 inches! I also used it new off the bold and have had some wicking issues. I am a micro fiber mom, and was hoping to find something thinner. This was supposed to be 2 x’s the absorbancy, but found that although it moves the moisture quickly, it is more likely the same or less than my microfiber. I’m very disappointed to say the least.
I will try washing my stash and see if they work any better, but now need to make more for the appropriate size. Any idea on how to pre shrink 10 yds of heavy zorb without cutting it up and wasting the fabric?
Christine Hoezee says
Hi Nicole – I have a 7 year old that has accidents at night. I recently started selling Norwex products. They have a microfiber cloth that is thinner than most other microfibers and absorbs more. Plus it has silver (a natural antibiotic) embedded in the fibers to cut down on odor. Anyway, I just recently had the light bulb go off and thought I would use the Norwex microfiber cloth (called the enviro cloth) to help keep him dry. It is less bulky for him – hopefully more comfortable. So far, so good on the leaking aspect. Thought I would share. If you would like to try it out please buy from me – sure would appreciate it. ChristineHoezee.Norwex.Biz.
carly says
I also had this idea as I am making csp and also sell Norwex. The envirocloth is great but at £13.99 for a small square (12″?) makes it more expensive than zorb which I got for £4.50 a FQ
Vici says
Hi,
Any updates on Zorb? I found this a really great read, but wondered whether anyone had any new experiences with it?
It sounds like a great fabric, and was hoping to try some, but would love to hear any suggestions?
Also, was it decided that it did shrink, or is it best not pre-washed?
Thanks!
Vici
Riena says
I’d tried to use this zorb with cottton sherpa on top and bottom of zorb.After 2x still cannot absorbed..even microfleece of the cd’s inner getting wet!Don’t know whats the problem..is it because of cotton sherpa or need to prewash 7-8 times.Need to try again..may be zorb best friend’s is bamboo knit terry or bamboo fleece..but not cotton sherpa.Need to try again on those fabric..:(
Autumn Beck says
I could never get past the non-absorbing phase with zorb…it seemed to always give me problems.
Tanya says
Yes, why not advocates for hemp? Curious..
Autumn Beck says
Those look great! ToT Wraps has a great WAHM working hard on her products.
Keri says
Hi i am looking for some training pants for my son..he is a very heavey wetter so i have never been able to use cloth thou i have tried..(Iv tried Fuzzi bunz,kissaluvs &Thirsties AIO with a cotton and hemp extra insert and still my son soaked thur on his 1 st pee)
anyways I was wondering if you could suggest a trainer….I have been looking at a brand that uses ZORB and i am interested because my son pees so much its called Transitions Trainers from ToT wraps http://hyenacart.com/totwraps/index.php?c=79
what do you think?
Thank you
Keri :)
JulyJoly says
Thank you so much … I needed this informations!
Agnes Olafson says
Thank you for posting the information on Zorb, Autumn! I’ve found it very helpful and have been back to this posting a few times now :)
I always pre-wash my Zorb in hot water before using it without any problems. I find that it does shrink a tiny bit. Also, it does pill a little bit when you wash it on a normal cycle instead of a gentle one.
I wonder how Wazoodle would compare their bamboo fleece absorbency to that of Zorb. I noticed it’s not on the list above.
Agnes
Northern Baby
Krysta says
No, Zorb doesn’t shrink. In fact if you try to pre-wash it, it will likely fall apart as it is a pressed fiber like batting.
Autumn Beck says
Thank you, Krysta!
Vicki D. says
Does anyone know if Zorb shrinks? I am wanting to use it as a soaker in some fitteds I am making. Just wondering if i need to wash it and shrink it before i sew it.
Thanks!!
Kristal says
it says on the Wazoodle site that it comes preshrunk and ready to use straight off the roll.
Autumn Beck says
The above information inside quotes is from Wazoodle. I don’t have any problems with hemp. :)
Talia says
Curious as to why you dont use/or support the use of hemp products. We’ve used it as stuffers in our pockets so I was looking for information as to why you dont :)
Thanks!
Autumn Beck says
Ashley, I’ve actually never heard of rainforest babies. Regardless, of buzz if you find a diaper that works for you YEAH!!! Sometimes it can be so difficult to find just the right fit for your little one.
Ashley says
hi! i was wondering if you have heard anything about rainforest babies cloth diapers? I have been using them on my son since february, and i like them. I am , however a novice, and was curious if there was any buzz. thanks for what you do!
Michelle says
Interesting stuff. Why are they not advocates for hemp? What am I misssing?