Soonercleaning-Scientific Selection and Proper Use of Flushable Wet Wipes

Scientific Selection and Proper Use of Flushable Wet Wipes

2025-07-07

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, flushable wet wipes have gained popularity in the market due to their convenience. However, recent reports from water utilities in multiple countries indicate that the misuse or overuse of products labelled as ‘flushable’ has become one of the primary causes of sewer blockages and environmental pollution. To guide consumers in making informed choices and using these products correctly, industry experts have released the ‘Authoritative Guide to Selecting and Using Flushable Wet Wipes,’ emphasising the importance of recognising authoritative certifications and strictly adhering to usage guidelines.

I. Authoritative Certification: The Core Standard for Identifying ‘True Environmental Friendliness’

The Guide clearly states that not all wet wipes labelled as ‘flushable’ or ‘biodegradable’ are safe to flush down the toilet. When purchasing, consumers should prioritise products with clearly marked international authoritative certification logos on the packaging.

INDA/EDANA GD4 Standard: Globally recognised as the strictest flushability testing protocol. Products certified under this standard (commonly referred to as GD4-certified flushable wipes) must demonstrate in laboratory tests simulating real sewer conditions that they can fully disperse and pass through specific screens within a short timeframe.

Fine to Flush Standard (UK): Established by the UK Water Association, this standard requires products to rapidly decompose in real sewer systems to effectively prevent blockages. Products certified under this standard enjoy high recognition in the UK market.

Beware of vague claims: The Guidelines remind consumers to be cautious of products that only label themselves with vague terms like ‘environmentally friendly’ or ‘biodegradable,’ as these claims lack unified standards and cannot guarantee actual flushability performance. Verifying specific certification marks (such as GD4 Certified or Fine to Flush) is key to ensuring the correct choice.

II. Proper usage: Avoid ‘well-meaning but harmful actions’

Even when selecting flushable wipes that have passed strict certification, the Guide emphasises that proper usage is equally important. Any negligence may lead to pipeline issues or environmental burdens.
‘Limited Flushing’ Principle: Never flush an entire package or large quantities continuously into the toilet. Even certified products can overwhelm the wastewater treatment system's instantaneous processing capacity if flushed in large quantities over a short period, potentially causing toilet blockages. Limit flushing to 1-2 wipes per use.

‘Suitable System’ Principle: Flushable wipes may only be flushed into standard toilets connected to municipal sewer systems. For septic tank systems, old pipes, ship toilets, or portable toilets, flushing wipes is strictly prohibited, regardless of whether they are certified as flushable. In such cases, wipes should be disposed of in dry waste bins.

‘Non-Substitutable’ Principle: Flushable wipes should not be used as a substitute for toilet paper to handle solid waste. Flushable wipes are primarily designed for cleaning after liquid waste or specific care (e.g., feminine care). If solid waste is involved, toilet paper should be used first, followed by wipes as needed, or toilet paper should be used throughout the process.

‘Pre-treatment’ tip: Before flushing, gently rub or unfold the wipe to help it come into contact with water flow more quickly and accelerate the dispersal process.

III.Beyond Flushability: Practising Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility

The Guidelines further state that selecting and using flushable wipes is only part of environmental practices. Deeper sustainability is reflected in the product's entire lifecycle:

Source Reduction: Encourage consumers to reflect on usage scenarios and prioritise environmentally friendly alternatives such as plain water or washable cotton wipes to reduce wipe consumption at the source.

Preferred Materials: Focus on the product's base material. It is recommended to choose wipes made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (e.g., FSC-certified) or bio-based biodegradable materials (e.g., Lyocell Tencel) to reduce plastic fibre content.

Ingredient Safety: Select products with clear ingredient lists, free from irritating chemicals, fluorescent whitening agents, formaldehyde, and other harmful additives to ensure human health and environmental safety.

Packaging recycling: Support products packaged with recyclable materials and actively participate in recycling. Choosing large-capacity refill packs is also an effective way to reduce packaging waste.

Final disposal: When unsure about flushing conditions or if the product has not been explicitly certified by strict standards such as GD4 or Fine to Flush, the most responsible approach is always to dispose of it in the dry waste bin. This effectively avoids any potential blockage risks or environmental pollution, serving as the ultimate safeguard for the proper disposal of wet wipes.

IV. Expert Appeal: Building a Sustainable Future

Industry experts emphasise in the summary of the Guidelines: "Consumers' enthusiasm for environmentally friendly products is commendable, but it must be based on scientific understanding and proper action. Selecting truly internationally certified (GD4, Fine to Flush) flushable wet wipes and strictly adhering to the usage guidelines of “limited use, system-appropriate, and non-substitutable” is key to avoiding environmental risks. Additionally, we urge consumers and businesses to jointly focus on the environmental performance of products throughout their entire lifecycle, including reduction, sustainable materials, safe formulations, and packaging recycling, to jointly protect precious water resources and urban infrastructure." The aim is to provide consumers with clear, actionable guidance to promote the healthy development of the flushable wet wipe market and ultimately reduce its pressure on the environment and public facilities.

Flushable Wet Wipes Nonwoven Fabric

Home>News

I. Authoritative Certification: The Core Standard for Identifying ‘True Environmental Friendliness’

II. Proper usage: Avoid ‘well-meaning but harmful actions’

III.Beyond Flushability: Practising Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility

IV. Expert Appeal: Building a Sustainable Future