NEWS
WATERCANADA – Published March 20, 2020
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is asking the public to not flush ‘flushable’ wipes down the toilet.
UBS News - Last Updated August 16, 2023
"Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris resulting from the breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste. Keeping them out of water supplies is a huge challenge, says Dr. Orlando Rojas, the institute’s scientific director and the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Forest Bioproducts."
"He noted one study which found that virtually all tap water is contaminated by microplastics, and other research which states that more than 10 billion tons of mismanaged plastic waste will be dispersed in the environment by 2025."
CTV News - Last Updated May 10, 2023, 12:24 p.m. ET
A new study warns that certain cleaning products that became high-use during the COVID-19 pandemic may be doing more harm than good.
Researchers highlighted that cleaning products containing something called quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) may be connected to asthma, dermatitis and inflammation in humans.
“Disinfectant wipes containing QACs are often used on children’s school desks, hospital exam tables, and in homes where they remain on these surfaces and in the air,” Courtney Carignan, a co-author and assistant professor at Michigan State University, said in a press release. “Our review of the science suggests disinfecting with these chemicals in many cases is unhelpful or even harmful. We recommend regular cleaning with soap and water and disinfecting only as needed with safer products.”
BBC – Last Updated April 3, 2023
Ms. Coffey announced that the ban on plastic-based wipes is expected to be implemented next year after a consultation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance water quality in England, where no rivers or waterways are deemed clean.
However, opposition and environmental groups have criticized the plan as insufficient. According to Water UK, which represents the water industry, wet wipes flushed down toilets are responsible for 93% of sewer blockages, including so-called fatbergs, costing approximately £100 million annually to remove.
ANDRITZ – Last Updated 2024
The article discusses ANDRITZ’s efforts in developing sustainable technologies for producing bio-wipes, responding to increasing regulations against single-use plastics. Leveraging processes like Spunlace, Wetlace™, and innovative drylaid-wetlaid techniques, the company enables eco-friendly production using natural fibers such as bamboo, cotton, and wood pulp. These methods balance economy and ecology, offering biodegradable wipes that maintain high quality and affordability. The solutions align with industry demand for reducing environmental impact without compromising performance. For more details, visit ANDRITZ’s blog.
