IWSFG verifies wipes made with VEOCEL™ branded fibers are safe to flush

Moist toilet tissue (MTT) wipes made of the fibers, which are marketed to consumers as VEOCEL™ Lyocell fibers with Eco Disperse technology, are deemed flushable according to IWSFG guidelines. Lenzing is the first ever fiber supplier to have conducted and passed all the tests, demonstrating that wipes made with VEOCEL™ branded fibers are compliant with all the guidelines and perform well.

The IWSFG is a group which seeks to protect customers, wastewater systems, their workers, and the environment, by providing clear guidance on what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. Its mission is to reduce the problems caused by the inappropriate disposal of customer products down the toilet.

Water service providers around the world have experienced costly problems due to the inappropriate flushing of customer products, which also negatively impact public health and the environment.

To address these issues, the IWSFG developed specifications for items that can be flushed down the toilet. These specifications addressed some of the key requirements of the International Water Industry Statement on flushability that to be considered flushable, “the product: a) breaks into small pieces quickly; b) must not be buoyant; c) does not contain plastic.”

The IWSFG guidelines are comprised of test methods from INDA/ EDANA, TAPPI/ ANSI and a new test protocol. The guidelines include evaluations of biological degradation as well as mechanical disintegration. The new Slosh Box test protocol with very low agitation, which is used to assess mechanical disintegration, is considered particularly challenging.

However, MTT wipes made of VEOCEL™ Lyocell fibers with Eco Disperse technology, were able to pass all the IWSFG guidelines, showing that these products can be safely flushed and able to break down in sewer systems. 

Such standards help to protect our water systems from harmful and costly blockages and their marking on retail packs are an important part of consumer education. Lenzing is keen to help progress this development and contribute to a healthy environment with VEOCEL™ fibers.