In recent years, the demand for flushable wet wipes has surged in the personal care and household cleaning fields due to their environmental friendliness and convenience. To ensure that product quality meets international standards, especially biodegradability and flushability requirements, its testing process is crucial.
First, raw material testing is the basic link. The raw materials of flushable wet wipes need to be analyzed by fiber composition to ensure that they are mainly wood pulp or degradable fibers, avoiding non-degradable components such as plastic microparticles. At the same time, additives to wet wipes (such as surfactants) must meet environmental standards to avoid burdening sewage treatment systems.
Secondly, physical performance tests include the strength, water absorption and dimensional stability of wet wipes. For example, tensile tests evaluate whether wet wipes are easy to break during use, and water absorption tests ensure that they can effectively absorb moisture and stains. In addition, the thickness and softness of wet wipes must also meet the consumer expectations of the target market.
Flushability testing is the core link. Through a flushing test that simulates a household or public drainage system, the speed and degree of decomposition of wet wipes in water are evaluated. International standards such as EDANA or INDA test methods require wet wipes to decompose into fine fibers at a certain water flow rate to avoid clogging pipes. Some markets also require composting tests to verify whether their biodegradability meets environmental certification requirements.
Microbial testing should also not be ignored. Wet wipes must pass the test of bacteria, mold and pathogens to ensure that there is no risk of microbial contamination during the shelf life. In addition, pH and irritant component tests ensure that wet wipes are safe for the skin, especially for maternal and child or sensitive skin products.
Finally, packaging and labeling audits must comply with the regulatory requirements of the target market, such as the use of recyclable materials and the clarity of ingredient labels. Some countries also require environmental protection statements such as "flushable" or "degradable" to be marked, which must be supported by corresponding test reports.
Through the above full-process testing, flushable wet wipes can not only meet the high standards of the international market, but also enhance consumers' trust in the product and help foreign trade companies expand into the global market.
