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MNHQ here: what do you think about manufacturers marketing wipes as 'flushable'?

389 replies

RowanMumsnet · 24/05/2016 12:00

Hello

We've been contacted by a major utilities company asking Mumsnet to throw its weight behind a campaign it's running on the marketing of 'flushable' wet wipes and 'moist' toilet tissue.

The organisation that's contacted us says that 80% of all sewer blockages are the result of sewer misuse, and that 70% of these blockages are the result of wet wipes. They want manufacturers to stop being able to label wipes as being 'flushable'.

They are going to write to the Advertising Standards Authority complaining that consumers are being misled by the packaging and claims on many of these products. They say consumers are encouraged to believe that these products break down harmlessly when flushed - whereas in truth, they don't break down after flushing and can end up causing blocks, leaks and flooding.

We know from previous conversations about tampons and sanpro that MNers tend to be stalwart defenders of the public sewage system, so we said we'd ask you whether this was a campaign you'd like us to swing behind.

As ever, it would be great to hear what you think.

Thanks
MNHQ

OP posts:
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BlackeyedSusan · 24/05/2016 12:26

chicken carcass caused sewage to flow out of the flat belows toilet/bath into the flat below that.

BlackeyedSusan · 24/05/2016 12:23

what do I think about them being flushable? a lie. I think the water company who deal with the bloody things know whether they are flushable or not, just because they disappear round the bend does not make them flushable. mind you someone in the block of flats opposite thought a chicken carcass was flushable. and ex thought baby wipes were flushable... until I made him put his hand down the toilet and pick them out because as sure as hell he would not be the one dealing with the overflow of shit if he caused a blockage.

Oldraver · 24/05/2016 12:21

Yes very very misleading and allows people who are challenged to bleat....well the packaging says so. People are coming round to not flushing Tampons etc even though the packaging says not too.

I have had blocked drains spilling out onto my path and had 'the look' from the guy clearing 'wipes' blocking my sewer. They had caught around where mine joins the main sewer and sewage backed up.

I am a cloth baby wipes/Mooncup/washable Sanitary pad user, so was not amused.

Manufacturers should be made to have to go into sewers where all these wipes are causing havoc

curren · 24/05/2016 12:20

curren - I assume flushable baby wipes are aimed at parents...

the Op never mentions baby wipes. They mention wet wipes and moist toilet tissue. I don't know any parent that uses these. Most use actual baby wipes. Which don't say flushable on.

That's why I asked. My mum always has wet wipes with her and lovely moist toilet wipes. Both me and dbro are over 30. GrinI carry baby wipes for my kids.

Levithecat · 24/05/2016 12:19

I would definitely like MN to support this.

NotCitrus · 24/05/2016 12:14

I would love a campaign against them being flushed - I think we can assume that parents are the main users of baby wipes! Many parents flush the odd baby wipe thinking it must be OK in moderation as they are like other wipes sold as flushable, and also most users of moist toilet paper are small children so it'll be parents buying it.

Requiring packaging to make clear that nothing other than toilet paper should be flushed would be great - London's sewers are dealing with many more people's output than 100 years ago so need to be able to break it down.

growingbytheday · 24/05/2016 12:14

Advertising by these companies is misleading at best and at worst seriously irresponsible. Would there be a case for suing the companies for costs in the event of a blockage needing intervention by a plumber? That might make them re-think their products.

RustyBear · 24/05/2016 12:13

curren - I assume flushable baby wipes are aimed at parents...

WotNoLoobrush · 24/05/2016 12:08

I'm surprised these products still have 'flushable' written on them.

GoringBit · 24/05/2016 12:08

Hello Stealth, we have a septic tank, and I've always assumed that the odd wipe (one a week, if that) wouldn't cause a problem. Am I horribly mistaken?

Apologies for the minor derail.

MilkTwoSugarsThanks · 24/05/2016 12:05

Why does it need a campaign? Surely it's for ASA to deal with?

curren · 24/05/2016 12:04

If it's misleading it should be stopped. However I am not really sure where the link to mumsnet or parenting is.

Are these products aimed at parents?

stealthsquiggle · 24/05/2016 12:03

Yes, "flushable" annoys me, and it's nothing to do with the public sewage system. Anyone who considers such things to be flushable in my house can unblock the sodding septic tank themselves instead of me making DH do it.

Samcro · 24/05/2016 12:02

good idea s if its misleading it should be stopped.
(but please don't use Sampro I hate that whats wrong with the full words)

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