Nice-Pak continue to promote responsible disposal of wipes

 

Nice-Pak have promoted responsible disposal of our products for many years and actively encourage clear labelling and disposal instructions on pack such as display of the ‘Do Not Flush’ logo on non-flushable wipes.

We strongly advocate raising awareness of correct disposal amongst consumers.

We wish to amplify the message of responsible disposal to our customers and their consumers. We feel the consumer needs to be aware of the two key logos appearing on wipes packaging to determine the correct disposal route.

These logos are the ‘Do Not Flush’ on non- flushable wipes and ‘Fine to Flush’ on flushable products.

 


Ways our customers can communicate this message to consumers:

*Visual representation only

To discuss how we can help you further:

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Nice-Pak Promote Responsible Wipe Disposal on World Toilet Day

November 19th marks World Toilet Day and, whilst many may take the toilet for granted, the UN point out that the humble loo can help to save lives by preventing the spread of deadly  diseases.  They highlight that some 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation (i.e. more than half the global population) and that inadequate sanitation is estimated to cause 432,000 diarrheal deaths every year. Source: ( WTD2019_factsheet_2019)

It is therefore important that we both protect our health and look after the loo. As a manufacturer of wet wipe products we proactively promote responsible product disposal as part of a co-ordinated industry approach.  We consistently promote to our customers the prominent display of the ‘Do Not Flush’ symbol on all packs of non-flushable products leaving our factories.

We ask all consumers to look out for on-pack disposal instructions. The vast majority of wipes are designed to be disposed of in a bin these include baby wipes, cosmetic wipes and household cleaning wipes. If in doubt DO NOT FLUSH.

Other common household items that should not be flushed include:

  • Waste cooking oil, fat or grease
  • Sanitary protection – tampons, applicators and pads
  • Condoms
  • Cotton balls and buds
  • Cigarettes
  • Paper towels
  • Dental Floss

 

Acting Responsibly – Do Not Flush Baby Wipes, Cosmetic Wipes or Household Cleaning Wipes

Wipes are an important component of modern day life, vital in safeguarding consumer health and hygiene.

The vast majority of wipes including baby wipes, cosmetic wipes and household cleaning wipes should be disposed of in a bin.

As a responsible manufacturer, Nice-Pak recognises concerns around the potential environmental impacts of inappropriately disposed wet wipes. We also understand that the consumer wants to act responsibly.  We appeal for adherence to on-pack disposal instructions. If the ‘Do Not Flush’ logo is present please dispose of wipes in a bin. If in doubt, do not flush.

Nice-Pak has been working closely with its customers and trade association, EDANA, on a co-ordinated approach to ensure that all packaging communicates the appropriate disposal pathway for each and every product. In most cases, this involves the clear display of a ‘Do Not Flush’ logo in accordance with industry Code of Practice.

Wipes designed to be and marketed as ‘flushable’ must comply with the strict industry guidelines, ‘GD4’.  Wipes compliant with these guidelines do not contain plastic. GD4 (including the labelling Code of Practice) is the basis for national legislation or standards in Belgium and Spain and is in the process of being adopted by Waste Water authorities in other European countries.  GD4 has a history of over 15 years of rigorous testing and constant review that comprehensively demonstrates the compatibility of flushable wipes with the wastewater infrastructure. It has proven to be effective in both the test environment and in the wastewater network itself, as evidenced by Water UK’s own 2017 study of sewer blockages.

The study concluded that the vast  majority of wipes found in sewer blockages are of the non-flushable type which had been incorrectly disposed of.

Nice-Pak continues to support an industry-wide stakeholder outreach programme and consumer education on this important issue.

 

See the industry education video.

 

 

 

‘Do Not Flush’ Logo On Packs

The industry-agreed deadline for implementation of the ‘Do Not Flush logo’  is October 30th 2018. Whilst the Code of Practice is not a legal requirement and is voluntary in nature, Nice-Pak fully supports the initiative and is actively encouraging all customers to adopt its recommendations for two good reasons.

Firstly, in simple terms we believe it is the right thing to do for the environment. The vast majority of wipes produced in our factories on your behalf are not designed to be flushed and it is our joint responsibility to make sure that the consumer understands this.

Secondly, it is in the interest of our customers to avoid reputational damage. Nice-Pak expects an increase in scrutiny of non-compliant products after the deadline has passed. We strongly urge all customers who have hesitated on this point to date to review their positions.

See the Code of Practice here.