LONDON - UK retailer Waitrose has acquired the ‘Fine to Flush’ certification for its private-label wet wipes, which it says is a first for any UK supermarket.
The certification has been awarded to the Waitrose fragrance-free moist toilet tissue refills and Waitrose lightly fragranced moist toilet tissue refills, guaranteeing that the product is safe for the UK's sewer system as it disintegrates quickly and easily.
The tests were carried out by WRc, the independent technical experts who developed the flushability standards in conjunction with industry body, Water UK.
"Wet wipes have become increasingly commonplace in UK households, so it’s an issue we have to tackle and have been working on with our suppliers for some time," said Tor Harris, head of CSR, Waitrose. :We know we still have more work to do, but this is a big step forward and gives us a platform to build on for the rest of our range."
The ‘Fine to Flush’ standard was introduced in January of this year by Water UK.
The ‘Fine to Flush’ logo will be added to the packaging of the two plastic-free products, which have already been launched in stores while Waitrose says it will continue to work towards ensuring that the rest of its private-label flushable wipes meet the new certification.
Wipes that are not designed to be flushed are already clearly labelled ‘Do not flush’. Following guidance from EDANA and INDA in 2017, Waitrose became one of the first UK retailers to implement new front of pack labelling to ensure all wipes that are not designed to be flushed are clearly labelled with ‘Do not flush’.
Dr Laura Foster, Head of Clean Seas at the Marine Conservation Society added:
"It is great news that Waitrose & Partners has listened to the Marine Conservation Society’s call for own brand wipes labelled as 'flushable' to pass the water industry 'Fine to Flush' standard. We now urge not only other retailers to follow suit, but also major, international brands. Customers need to know that when they are instructed to flush, the product really is safe for UK sewers and won't contribute to blockages and fatbergs."
