Demand for biodegradable flushable wipes is set to increase significantly following the government’s decision to ban versions that contain plastic.

But many ‘flushable’ wipes are not fully biodegradable. They can still block sluice machines, toilets, drains and sewers. And they can leave harmful microplastics in the environment.

The warning comes from world-class infection prevention and control specialist DDC Dolphin, which has a solution to the problem.

Its eco-friendly maceratable and flushable wipes for hospitals and care homes are confirmed as fully biodegradable and compostable. They comply with EDANA and INDA flushability standards.

DDC Dolphin’s wipes – which were a UK first – do not damage sluice equipment or block drains because they are manufactured from 100% non-woven cellulosic material.

Available as either wet or dry wipes, they break down completely into non-toxic components.

This enables them to be disposed of safely in medical pulp macerators, bedpan washer disinfectors, slop hoppers or toilets.

Government moves to ban non-flushable wipes are being driven by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Defra is echoing public concerns about the amount of microplastic waste left in the environment after discarded wipes break down. 

Water UK – the water industry’s trade association – blames wet wipes for 93% of sewer blockages. It puts the cost of unblocking them at around £100 million per year.

DDC Dolphin Marketing and HR Director Zoe Allen said: “By pioneering the use of truly biodegradable wipes several years ago, we have been able to help hospitals and care homes to make the transition ahead of proposed new rules.”

DDC Dolphin is a global innovator of infection prevention and control solutions. The products it manufactures and supplies include:

• medical pulp macerators
• bedpan washer disinfectors 
• incontinence product macerators
• Vacumatic waste management system
• UVC water trap disinfector
• stainless steel furniture
• sluice room consumables.

Qualifying capital equipment from DDC Dolphin is eligible for tax breaks. Companies can apply for a tax cut of up to 25p for every pound they invest.

DDC Dolphin refurbishes sluice rooms in hospitals and care homes – offering a turnkey service as a single-source supplier. This service includes a free initial consultation and a free design survey.

For more information, contact DDC Dolphin.