Biodegradable bamboo wet wipes could tackle plastic pollution
A new type of biodegradable wet wipe has been unveiled at the Interclean Amsterdam 2022 event which could help address one of the most underappreciated causes of plastic pollution.
Koala Wipes, created by the aptly named Hygiene Company, is looking to tackle the mounting problem of wet wipe pollution by ditching the plastic containers, which will likely end up in a landfill in favour of an environmentally-friendly alternative that can be reused.
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Every aspect of the wet wipe's design, from the wipes themselves to the bag to its container, is designed to be sustainable. The bag is made from recycled plastic and the box the wipes are stored in is both reusable and made from recycled materials.
The wipes themselves are made from either bamboo or wood pulp and viscose and are also biodegradable, which allows them to be disposed of without risk of long-term harm to the environment.
Wet wipes are terrible for the planet. Typically made out of plastic or fabric and stuffed into a plastic container, they are one of the leading causes of modern plastic pollution - and it is particularly problematic in the UK.
The Guardian reported in November 2021 that "islands" formed by wet wipes were clogging and changing the shapes of rivers which led to discussions in the House of Commons over banning their sale.
The problem comes when wet wipes, which are often used as toiletries, are flushed. A 2017 report from Water UK revealed that an influx of flushed wipes has caused sewer blockages, also known as 'fatbergs', and there have been campaigns by environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth to discourage people from using them.
The same Water UK reports that 90% of sewer blockages involved wet wipes.
The plastic containers are also often disposed of in landfills. Being made of plastic they take thousands of years to biodegrade.
Because of this, the Hygiene Company has always valued reusable containers for its wipes, although changing industry trends have facilitated it to shift away from using plastic dispensers.
The company's founder Johnathan Bradford admits he is "still amazed by the number of manufacturers and customers who use wet wipes packaged in unsustainable plastic tubs and buckets".
When compared to its plastic counterparts, once disposed of, the cardboard container can decompose in a matter of months.
To ensure the wipes remain fresh and moist within the cardboard dispenser, Koala Wipes are contained in a sealed bag that is both biodegradable and recyclable.
The firm also claims the wipes are "better for your skin" than traditional wet wipes due to some of the ingredients packed into the wipes that make them soft, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic.
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They are also thicker than typical wipes.
"By launching Koala Wipes, we look towards a brighter future that doesn’t abuse the planet, while inspiring individuals and businesses to make eco-conscious choices for a healthier lifestyle", Bradford added.
- More information on Koala Wipes can be found here.
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