Retailers

Wipes such as moist toilet wipes, baby wipes and personal care wipes are a growing category.  They meet the consumer’s need for personal hygiene, convenience and a clean and healthy environment.  Flushable wipes are an illustration of this evolution.

But how do you know, as a retailer, if the flushable claim made by the manufacturer is substantiated?

How can you continue to perform your role as good stewards of the environment and supporters of the local community?

The Flushability Guidelines and Code of Practice can help.

Since 2008, EDANA and INDA have published Guidelines for Assessing the Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products.  Now in its fourth edition, these voluntary Guidelines are used by companies in the nonwoven industry to test products to assess flushability.  If the product does not pass all tests, then a Flushable claim cannot be made and the “Do Not Flush” logo should be placed on the packaging. The labelling Code of Practice defines that the logo should be prominent, clearly visible and legible on primary and secondary packaging.

We encourage you to ask your suppliers:

1. “Do you use the INDA/EDANA Flushability Guidelines to assess flushability?”
2. “Have you adopted the accompanying Code of Practice and follow the labelling guidelines for products that should not be flushed?”  

If the answers are yes, then as a retailer, you have confidence in knowing the wipe is indeed flushable and will not harm the wastewater stream or the environment.