Development of Sustainable Flushable Products (SUSFLUSH)

The incorrect disposal of "flushable" nonwoven wet-wipe products by consumers in the domestic toilet is a major source of environmental pollution in the UK and in Europe that contaminates the underground sewer pipework, filter screens and pumping installations. This process of waste disposal leads to major economic and environmental costs. The disposal of wet-wipe products in this way by consumers is strongly discouraged but is difficult to prevent. Significantly better environmental protection needs to be built-in to the wipe product as part of its original engineering design without compromising its performance in use.
The main aims are:
(i) to develop a less polluting nonwoven pre-moistened wipe substrate that will have better durability during use, disperse in water rapidly when disposed of and be capable of anaerobic biodegradation.
(ii) to demonstrate a significantly reduced impact on the UK sewerage system as quantified by accepted industry guidelines.