Flushable or DO NOT FLUSH: Here’s Why We Chose the Latter (For Now)

Here is the link to SGS flushability report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ozYW4ZSvWL2MRim-LoQTZBQfw090ruUy/view?usp=sharing

 

In the world of personal care products, convenience and environmental responsibility are at the forefront of consumer concerns. Wet wipes have become an essential item for many, offering quick and effective cleaning solutions on the go. But with this convenience comes a crucial question: Can I flush these wipes? At YOLO The Brand, we’ve put a lot of thought into this issue, and while our wipes are made from flushable materials, our packaging currently advises “DO NOT FLUSH.” Here’s why.

Understanding “Flushable” Materials

Our wipes are crafted from materials designed to break down more easily in water compared to traditional wipes. These materials are biodegradable, meaning they are engineered to disintegrate more rapidly in the environment, reducing long-term waste. On paper, this makes them flushable. But the term “flushable” can be misleading.

In an ideal world, every plumbing system would handle flushable wipes perfectly. The wipes would disintegrate quickly after flushing, with no risk of clogging pipes or causing environmental damage. However, real-world conditions vary widely. Differences in plumbing systems, water pressure, and wastewater treatment processes mean that even wipes made from flushable materials can sometimes fail to break down as expected, leading to blockages and environmental issues.

Why We Currently Say “DO NOT FLUSH”

Given the potential risks, we’ve taken a cautious approach by advising against flushing our wipes, despite their flushable design. Here’s why:

Protecting Your Plumbing: Flushing wipes, even those labeled as flushable, can sometimes lead to blockages in household plumbing or municipal sewer systems. These blockages can result in costly repairs and, in severe cases, cause significant environmental damage.

Environmental Responsibility: When wipes don’t break down as quickly as expected, they can contribute to the formation of fatbergs—large masses of congealed waste that can block sewer systems. These fatbergs are not only difficult and expensive to remove but also pose a serious environmental threat.

Consumer Trust: We believe in being transparent and responsible with our customers. Until we have full approval and certification confirming that our wipes meet all necessary flushability standards, we prefer to err on the side of caution. This ensures that our customers are fully informed and can make the best decisions for their homes and the environment.

Our Commitment to the Future

At YOLO The Brand, we are dedicated to continuous improvement and transparency. We are actively working toward obtaining the necessary approvals and certifications that will allow us to confidently label our wipes as flushable. This process involves rigorous testing and compliance with industry standards to ensure that when we say our wipes are flushable, they truly are safe for your plumbing and the environment.

Once we receive the required certifications, you’ll see “Flushable” proudly displayed on our packaging. But rest assured, we won’t make that change until we’re absolutely certain it’s the right decision for both our customers and the planet.

Conclusion: A Cautious Approach for the Greater Good

For now, we ask you to dispose of our wipes in the trash rather than flushing them. This simple step helps prevent potential plumbing issues and supports our commitment to environmental sustainability.

As we continue to seek approval for flushable labeling, we remain committed to providing you with a product that balances convenience, effectiveness, and responsibility. Thank you for your understanding and for joining us in our mission to make small, thoughtful choices that benefit both our homes and our world.

Stay tuned for updates, and know that when the time comes, you can trust that YOLO The Brand wipes are flushable in every sense of the word—safe for your pipes and safe for the planet.