Ethan Clarke
Many wet wipes contain plastic, including those marketed as flushable. These wipes often contain plastic fibres to reinforce them, but these synthetic fibres can degrade into polluting microplastics once the wipe is flushed. This has led to environmental concerns, as microplastics can be ingested by aquatic life and may end up in sediments near wastewater treatment plants. While some wipes are made from biodegradable plant-based fibres, it is important to check the packaging and ingredient list to confirm whether a flushable wipe is biodegradable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Core material | Pulp |
| Pulp treatment | Polymers as binders or webs of additional fibres for support |
| Plastic content | Many contain plastic fibres to reinforce them |
| Plastic type | Polyester, high-density polyethylene |
| Plastic purpose | To make wipes more durable |
| Plastic breakdown | Can break down into microplastics |
| Plastic impact | Microplastics are known to pollute the environment and may cause health issues in animals and humans |
| Biodegradability | Not all flushable wipes are biodegradable |
| Biodegradable wipes | Nice 'N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes |
| Biodegradable composition | 100% plant-based biodegradable fibres |
| Biodegradable performance | Break apart in water 5 times faster than the leading toilet paper |
| Plastic-free wipes | Some brands sell plastic-free wet wipes |
| Plastic-free retailers | Five retailers had removed plastic from all of their own brand wet wipes by 2022: Aldi, M&S, Morrisons, Superdrug, Tesco |
| Plastic-free future retailers | Five more plan to do this by the end of 2022: Aldi, M&S, Morrisons, Superdrug, Tesco |
| Plastic-free labelling | "Fine to Flush" standard created by Water UK and Water Research Centre |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic in flushable wipes can cause environmental damage
Many "flushable" wipes contain plastic, which manufacturers often fail to disclose. For example, a study found polyester in all non-flushable wipes tested, while some of their flushable counterparts contained plastics like high-density polyethylene. These human-made materials are thought to be added to wipes to make them more durable, but they can break down into microplastics that pollute the environment and may cause health issues in animals and humans.
Plastic in flushable wipes can cause significant environmental damage. Firstly, plastic does not disintegrate but breaks into smaller pieces known as microplastics, which can be ingested by aquatic life and end up in sediments near wastewater treatment plants. This contributes to the growing problem of microplastic pollution in our oceans and on land.
Secondly, plastic wet wipes contribute to the formation of "fatbergs" in sewers. Oils, grease, wipes, and food put down drains or toilets congeal into solid mounds, causing major blockages and even floods. In the UK, 93% of sewage blockages are caused by wet wipes flushed down toilets, costing around £100 million a year to clear. In 2017, a 250-meter-long fatberg was discovered in Whitechapel, London, weighing as much as nineteen elephants.
Finally, the production and disposal of synthetic preservatives in wipes allow unwanted chemicals to enter our water systems and, consequently, the food chain.
To reduce environmental damage, consumers should avoid flushing wipes and instead dispose of them in the trash or compost them. Some wipes, such as Nice 'N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes, are made from biodegradable plant-based fibers and can be flushed, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Water authorities and experts advise against flushing any wipes, and some countries are moving towards banning plastic wet wipes altogether.
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Plastic fibres in wipes can break down into microplastics
Many wet wipes contain plastic, and those that do can cause significant harm to the environment. While manufacturers often do not disclose the materials used in their wipes, scientific testing has revealed that many wipes marketed as "flushable" contain plastic fibres. These plastic fibres are typically added to reinforce the wipes and make them more durable. However, when flushed, these wipes can break down into microplastics, which are small plastic pieces less than five millimetres long. These microplastics contribute to pollution in waterways and the ocean, where they can be ingested by wildlife, potentially causing harm to human health and ecosystems.
Microplastics from wipes can enter the food chain and water supply, posing risks to human and animal health. They can also lead to clogged pores and skin irritation, particularly when used on the face and body. Environmental concerns have led to a push for plastic-free alternatives, and some companies now offer wipes made from cotton or biodegradable, plant-based materials. For example, biodegradable wipes made from plant fibres, such as those found in the Nice 'N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes, can break apart in water five times faster than traditional toilet paper.
However, it is important to note that even plastic-free alternatives may not be a perfect solution. While they do not introduce microplastics into the environment, they can still contribute to blockages in sewer systems. This is a significant issue, as wet wipes are a leading cause of sewage blockages, resulting in costly repairs and potential flooding.
To address these concerns, some organisations, such as the Marine Conservation Society, have surveyed supermarkets to encourage a transition to plastic-free wipes. Additionally, the UK government has announced plans to introduce legislation banning the sale of wipes containing plastic. This legislation is expected to come into effect in England before July, with a subsequent rollout across the rest of the UK.
To make informed choices, consumers should carefully read the packaging and ingredient lists of wipes to confirm their biodegradability and plastic content. By choosing plastic-free and biodegradable options, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of wet wipes and protecting our ecosystems.
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Flushable wipes often do not sufficiently disintegrate
The environmental damage caused by flushable wipes is significant and costly. According to an estimate by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), wipes contribute an extra $441 million per year to the operating costs of U.S. clean water utilities. Flushable wipes are known to contain plastic fibres that reinforce the core of the wipe, which is made of pulp. These synthetic fibres can degrade into polluting microplastics once the wipe is flushed, causing harm to marine life.
A study found that more than 50% of biodegradable and flushable wipes contained both biodegradable cellulose and low-degradable synthetic fibres. The study concluded that flushable wipes do not sufficiently disintegrate and can cause a lot of damage before they even begin to break down. This is because plastic does not disintegrate but breaks into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics are then ingested by aquatic life and end up in sediments near wastewater treatment plants.
In light of this, Water UK, which represents all of the United Kingdom's water and wastewater companies, partnered with the Water Research Centre (WRC) in 2019 to create the Fine to Flush standard. Under this standard, all wet wipes had to be lab-tested. Those that contained no plastic and could degrade in sewers received accreditation and could label their packaging "Fine to Flush". The Fine to Flush certificate ended in March 2024, and Water UK's latest initiative is Bin the Wipe, which urges people to throw all wipes in the trash rather than down the toilet.
To avoid contributing to the environmental damage caused by flushable wipes, it is important to check the packaging and ingredient list to confirm whether a flushable wipe is biodegradable. For example, Nice 'N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes are made from 100% biodegradable plant-based fibres and break apart in water five times faster than leading toilet paper.
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Wet wipes are contributing to 'fatbergs' in sewers
Wet wipes are contributing to fatbergs in sewers. A fatberg is a rock-like mass of waste matter in a sewer system formed by the combination of flushed non-biodegradable solids (such as wet wipes) with fats, oils, and grease (FOG) deposits.
The main issue is that some wipes are labelled as ‘disposable’ or ‘flushable’, but neither of these terms means ‘biodegradable’. While toilet paper disintegrates quickly in water, wet wipes are specifically designed to be robust and to retain their shape even when wet and soiled. They use strong fibres to achieve this, and these fibres can be plastic-based.
The plastic in wet wipes can break down into microplastics, which are known to pollute the environment and may cause health issues in animals and humans. Wet wipes are also contributing to the build-up of fatbergs in sewers. Oils, grease, wipes, and food put down drains or toilets congeal into solid mounds, causing major blockages and even floods.
In 2017, a 250-metre-long fatberg was found in Whitechapel, London, weighing as much as 19 elephants. Thames Water’s fatberg hit squad took two months to remove it, and the repairs cost £400k.
To tackle the growing issue of fatbergs, cities and public works departments have launched public awareness campaigns to emphasise the importance of proper garbage disposal.
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Biodegradable flushable wipes are safer for the environment
Many wet wipes contain plastic, which, when flushed, can cause blockages in pipes and sewers, leading to costly plumbing issues. These plastics can also break down into microplastics, polluting waterways, oceans, and beaches, and causing harm to marine life.
Biodegradable flushable wipes, on the other hand, are designed to break apart in water much faster than regular toilet paper, reducing the risk of blockages. For example, Nice 'N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes are made from biodegradable plant-based fibres and can be flushed up to five at a time without causing pipe clogs.
Some biodegradable wipes, like Natracare wipes, are made from 100% biodegradable plant-based formulas, avoiding the use of synthetic preservatives that can introduce unwanted chemicals into the water system. These wipes are also safe to use in composting toilets, providing an eco-friendly disposal option.
While some biodegradable flushable wipes have been certified as "Fine to Flush" by organisations like Water UK, there is still ongoing debate about the flushability of wipes. Some studies suggest that even biodegradable wipes may not fully degrade in sewer systems, leading to concerns about their environmental impact.
To ensure the safest option for the environment, it is important to carefully read the labels and ingredient lists of wipe products. Look for certifications and claims of biodegradability, natural plant-based fibres, and plastic-free compositions. Additionally, consider reusable alternatives like washable flannels or cotton pads, which can further reduce the environmental impact associated with single-use wipes.
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Frequently asked questions
Flushable wipes are often marketed as biodegradable and plastic-free. However, studies have found that many wipes labelled as "flushable" contain plastic.
When flushed, plastic wet wipes can cause blockages in pipes and sewer systems, leading to increased costs for citizens. They can also end up in rivers, oceans, and beaches, contributing to microplastic pollution and posing a threat to marine life.
Reusable products, such as washable flannels, reusable cotton pads, or cloths, are recommended as alternatives to single-use wet wipes. For babies, 100% cotton dry wipes or disposable wipes made from biodegradable materials are available.
Check the packaging and ingredient list to confirm if the wipes are plastic-free and made from 100% plant-based biodegradable fibers. Look for certifications like the Fine to Flush standard or partnerships with independent organizations like Made Safe, which screens products for potentially harmful ingredients.
The "Fine to Flush" standard was created by Water UK in partnership with the Water Research Centre (WRC). Under this standard, wet wipes that contain no plastic and can degrade like toilet paper receive accreditation. However, this standard ended in March 2024, and Water UK now recommends throwing all wipes in the trash instead of flushing them.
