Are some wet wipes biodegradable? Some are, but the majority of them are not. In fact, about 80 percent of wet wipes available in the market are disposable but not biodegradable. Therefore, these products are responsible in great part for pollution due to their single-use nature.
We have entered a more environmentally conscious era. That is why there are more companies and startups focusing on providing organic alternatives to everyday items, including wet wipes. Therefore, it’s possible to find biodegradable wipes made of certain materials that do not cause harm to the environment.
Wet wipes are convenient items in multiple situations. Hence, if you’re looking forward to using a more environmentally friendly option for them, this article will help you find out your options and what you can do to improve your habits and lessen the impact of your carbon footprint on the planet.
Why could wet wipes be biodegradable?
Wet wipes are single-use products. Some are reusable, but the market is full of tons of brands that focus on individual or multipack wet wipes. While some people try to dispose of them in a way that does not harm the environment, it can be quite complicated to do so since the materials they’re made of are not 100% organic most of the time.
As we’ve mentioned, at least 80 percent of baby wipes are not biodegradable. Plus, the fact that they’re soaked in diverse chemicals doesn’t make them any better. The good news is that tons of companies are offering 100 percent organic alternatives to wet wipes, allowing you to use them in a more environmentally-conscious way.
Certain materials, like bamboo, cotton, and even wood pulp, are easier for the environment to decompose in the long run. Thus, after being disposed of, the wipes will break into smaller parts. On the other hand, non-biodegradable baby wipes contain plastic, so it is more complicated to break them down.
Either way, keep in mind that all wet wipes utilize the same materials during the manufacturing process. This includes water, glycerin, and parabens, among many other ingredients. Some of them are present at a major or minor scale. Thus, it’s also recommended to take a close look at the label to ensure that you’re not using a product that could cause harm to your skin.
What materials make wet wipes biodegradable?
If you’re looking forward to learning more about biodegradable wet wipes, you should also be familiar with the different materials that could make them biodegradable.
There are tons of options in the market, which can include organic cotton and bamboo. Other options can also be viscose rayon and wood pulp, among many other options. These organic materials make it possible for them to “break down” into smaller pieces after a long time of being disposed of.
Wet wipes that are not biodegradable are based on plastic, which makes the decomposition process more complicated after they have been disposed of. Still, as we’ve mentioned above, wet wipes include the same materials and go through the same manufacturing procedures.
Biodegradable wet wipes are a better option if you want to leave an environmentally conscious lifestyle. The main difference is the price, as organic wet wipes tend to be more expensive. However, this small change in your monthly expenses can make a huge difference in the future.
How long does it take for a biodegradable wet wipe to decompose?
It depends on the material used during the manufacturing process. Some biodegradable wipes take longer than others to decompose. It’s important to keep in mind that due to the anti-bacterial properties of wet wipes, it can be complicated for them to decompose in the long term.
The anti-bacterial substances used to moisturize wet wipes end up killing all the microorganisms and bacteria that are responsible for the decomposition process. Therefore, it can take longer for them to “break down” into smaller pieces.
Although wet wipes can come in handy in different situations, it’s also important for us to be aware of the environmental implications that come with their use. Biodegradable wet wipes can be a better option in most cases because they are more resistant, comply with their function without problems, and will also biodegrade once you dispose of them.
Are wet wipes compostable?
No. Wet wipes are not compostable. Although some options are biodegradable, you should know that there are different synthetic fabrics and plastic utilized during the process. None of these materials can break down into compost. Hence, all you will be left with if you try to make them into compost is synthetic fibers that will never decompose.
Compost can only be produced under certain conditions, and most of the time, the process is faster than biodegrading. The main purpose of compost is to act as fertilizers for plants, but wet wipes can’t really be made into compost as other materials.
Furthermore, if the wet wipes you’re using are anti-bacterial and contain isopropyl alcohol, it will be even more complicated for them to decompose and will actually harm the soil, making it extremely complicated to grow anything.
Conclusion
Baby wipes are one of the most common self-hygiene and cleaning items in the world today. These products are massively produced as they are intended to be single-use products, which makes them in great part responsible for the contamination.
While it is possible to find biodegradable wet wipes, the most common options in the market are single-use wet wipes based on synthetic materials. If you want to reduce the impact of your actions on the ecosystem, you can opt for using biodegradable wet wipes and start reducing the effects of your carbon footprint on the planet.
Biodegradable wet wipes are slightly more expensive than regular wet wipes. However, it’s very likely that, as they become more common, the price will start becoming more accessible for everyone in the long term.
If it’s possible for you to change from traditional wet wipes to biodegradable options, you should try and make the change and contribute positively to the environment.