TÜV-Test confirms „hidden plastic“ in wet wipes
In a test of 33 common baby wet wipes a high share of fossile-based synthetic fibers, such as polyester and polypropylene, was found in 28 wipes.
Various media sources recently reported on an extensive test carried out by TÜV Rheinland. The composition of common baby wet wipes was put to the test and it was found that only 5 of the 33 products examined are completely made of biodegradable materials. On the other hand, 28 wipes, which is almost 90 percent, contained polyester- (PES) or polypropylene fibers (PP), i.e. fossile oil-based materials. Moreover, the detailed evaluation showed that the proportion of these synthetic materials in the wet wipes was at around 30 percent and in the majority of the wipes there was a plastic share of more than 50 percent. In some wipes, as much as 80 percent of the named plastic was detected according to current reports (for example on https://orf.at/stories/3156677).
This high share of fossil-based synthetic fibers is hardly known: As shown in a recent survey carried out by Marketagent. Only every fifth suspects plastic fibers to be part of wet wipes. So baby wet wipes can represent a serious problem for the environment, particularly if they are disposed of in the wrong way.
However, there is an eco-friendly alternative for wet wipes: VEOCEL™ cellulosic fibers, manufactured by the Lenzing group. These are made of the renewable raw material wood, from verified sustainably managed forests. They decompose both in soil or compost, as well as in water, within a few weeks and free of residues.
But how do you recognize plastic-free baby wipes? Right now parents barely find a satisfying answer to this question. For currently the only obligation of wet wipes manufacturers is to declare what is contained in the lotions used. Some manufacturers already put indications on their packaging which help to make a sustainable product choice, using terms like “compostable” and “biodegradable”. A good example for this positive development is the Austrian drugstore chain dm drogeriemarkt with some of its own brands.
The next important step is a unified labelling requirement for single-use plastic in wet wipes, which will come into force in 2021. For all those already seeking for more clarity the VEOCEL™ logo serves as a reliable orientation guide. As there are strict restrictions for manufacturers who would like to use the VEOCEL™ logo on their packaging. So you can be assured: If you see VEOCEL™ on a product, it is made exclusively of biodegradable cellulosic fibers.
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