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INDA & other associations to unveil flushability guideline

26 Mar '15

2 min read

INDA, the association of the nonwoven fabrics industry, is working with a group of associations, representing the water sector and the nonwoven fabrics industry, on the joint development of a new edition of guidelines that will influence product design and support the marketing of nonwoven products as “flushable,” with no adverse effects on wastewater systems.

The association group, which includes NACWA, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies; APWA, the American Public Works Association; WEF, the Water Environment Federation; as well as CWWA, the Canadian Water & Wastewater Association, began developing the new edition on January 27, 2015 and is scheduled to complete the process by July, 2016.

The associations have scheduled a meeting on March 26, 2015, in Washington, DC, where they are planning to explore the establishment of a collaborative product stewardship initiative to promote greater responsibility for the proper disposal of nonwoven products, including wipes not designed to be flushed, INDA informs in a statement.

The meeting will explore opportunities to increase public and consumer awareness about the proper disposal of the nonwoven wipes products, and also to increase the wipes industry’s responsibility over downstream impacts of these products.

Depending on the directions developed during the meeting, the initiative could be expanded to include other consumer products that are commonly flushed and cause problems in wastewater systems, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs and other materials.

NACWA executive director Ken Kirk said, “NACWA looks forward to working with the wipes industry to help improve consumer awareness about products that should and should not be flushed.”

WEF executive director Eileen O’Neill said, “The new flushability guidelines and collaborative efforts to improve product stewardship practices are important steps to reducing negative impacts by improving product design and increasing consumer awareness about what should and should not be flushed.” (GK)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India