Advancement in flushable wipes: Modern technologies and characterization

Abstract

Flushable wipes, which can be completely disintegrated and dispersed into sewage systems, are some of the disposable nonwoven products. Due to its ease of use, hygiene, efficiency, and consumers' environmental perception, flushable wipe market is growing rapidly. A truly flushable wipe should be biodegradable, dispersible, and compatible with water treatment systems. Flushable wipes can be produced by selecting appropriate materials and production technologies. Assessing the flushability performance of these products is quite important with regard to the environmental pollution. This review includes fibers and substrates, web forming and bonding technologies, which are used for making a truly flushable wipe. In addition, the test methods used for measuring flushability performance and standardization studies of the flushability tests are presented in this study, as well as the effect of wet wipes on the environment.