Andrex wet wipes receive ‘Fine to Flush’ certification
Toiletries company Andrex has received Water UK’s ‘Fine to Flush’ accreditation for its range of Washlet wet wipes, with the certification logo set to be rolled out across all products from spring 2020.
To receive the ‘Fine to Flush’ certification, the UK’s only standard for flushability, products are scientifically tested by independent technical experts WRc to see whether they can be flushed down toilets and pass safely through sewer systems.
Whilst wet wipes traditionally contain plastic and contribute to fatbergs in the sewer systems, Andrex Washlets are made from 100 per cent natural fibres – re-constituted cellulose in the form of viscose and softwood pulp – breaking down faster than previous products and not contributing to plastic pollution.
The announcement comes after recent research from Kimberly-Clark, the manufacturer of Andrex, revealed that 38 per cent of consumers were concerned with the flushability of moist toilet tissues and their impact on sewer systems.
With £12 million a year spent unblocking wet wipes and sanitary products from London’s sewers – including colossal bus-sized fatbergs – the government has suggested that wet wipes could be the next single-use product to be banned under the 25 Year Environment Plan.
Andrex previously had an advert banned in October 2019 by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for claiming its products were flushable despite Kimberly-Clark admitting that the product did not conform to Water UK’s ‘Fine to Flush’ standards.
While its products met INDA/EDANA’s international standard for flushability (GD4), this does not directly apply to the UK.
Ori Ben Shai, Vice President and Managing Director of Kimberly-Clark UK, commented: “Our Andrex Washlets have adhered to international flushable standards for many years and we are very proud of the investment we have made to now also secure Water UK’s ‘Fine to Flush’ certification.
“This certification and partnership with Water UK sends a clear message to consumers that they can confidently use Andrex Washlets for superior cleaning whilst also being responsible towards the environment.”
Christine McGourty, Chief Executive of Water UK, added: “This is a great step forward in the fight against fatbergs. In the water industry, we’re passionate about protecting the environment, and our ‘Fine to Flush’ standard is part of that, making it easier for consumers to buy something that’s environmentally-friendly.
“We want other companies to follow the example of Andrex and make sure their products pass the ‘Fine to Flush’ test too. Everyone wants a future without fatbergs, and this will help make that a reality.”
Andrex is also working on new recyclable packaging for its Washlets, and recently removed the plastic handles from wrapped packs of toilet tissue, saving 31 tonnes of plastic per year.
