Waitrose & Partners has become the first U.K. supermarket to achieve ‘Fine to Flush’ certification for its own label wet wipes. 

Waitrose fragrance-free moist toilet tissue refills and Waitrose lightly fragranced moist toilet tissue refills will now be certified as ‘Fine to Flush’, the standard introduced in January this year by Water UK, which represents water companies across the country.

The two products, which are both plastic-free, are available in stores now and packs will soon carry the ‘Fine to Flush’ logo.

This means they have both passed the necessary tests that prove they break down quickly and easily in the sewer system. The tests are carried out by WRc, the independent technical experts who developed the flushability standards in conjunction with Water UK.

Waitrose & Partners has also confirmed it continues to work towards meeting guidelines to ensure the rest of its own label flushable wipes meet the new ‘Fine to Flush’ certification. Wipes that are not designed to be flushed are already clearly labelled ‘Do not flush’.

Head of CSR for Waitrose & Partners, Tor Harris, says: “Wet wipes have become increasingly commonplace in U.K. households so it’s an issue we have to tackle and have been working on with our suppliers for some time. We know we still have more work to do, but this is a big step forward and gives us a platform to build on for the rest of our range.”

Dr. Laura Foster, head of Clean Seas at the Marine Conservation Society, adds: “It is great news that Waitrose & Partners has listened to the Marine Conservation Society’s call for own brand wipes labelled as ‘flushable’ to pass the water industry ‘Fine to Flush’ standard. We now urge not only other retailers to follow suit, but also major, international brands. Customers need to know that when they are instructed to flush, the product really is safe for U.K. sewers and won’t contribute to blockages and fatbergs.”