Collaboration Yields Biodegradable Wash Mitt for Healthcare Settings

Schülke, in collaboration with Nitto, Indorama Ventures and Polymateria, has created a biodegradable wash mist for the patient care sector. The mitt, which has been launched in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Spain, features a  three-layer composite structure consisting 76% cellulose and  24% nonwoven polypropylene containing Polymateria’s biotransformation technology. The result is a wash mitt that delivers the comfort, strength and performance, while supporting improved environmental outcomes at the end of its useful life. 

Polymateria’s biotransformation technology enables the nonwoven polypropylene component to transform into a bio-available wax and fully biodegrade in the open terrestrial environment if it escapes the waste stream. This non-woven layer meets the BSI PAS 9017 standard from the British Standards Institution. The technology is designed to address the challenge of persistent plastic waste while maintaining product performance during use.

“Sustainable fibers for hygiene applications are a critical component of our innovation roadmap,” Manuel Guerra, Global Market Head for nonwoven fibers at Indorama Ventures, says. “Delivering meaningful sustainability improvements requires close collaboration across the entire value chain, and this wash mitt is a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships. We are proud to contribute to this innovation and delighted to see it reach the market.” 

A further breakthrough is the product’s manufacturing process. The wash mitt is believed to be the first biodegradable ultrasonically bonded wash mitt on the market, combining advanced bonding technology with biodegradable material design. This delivers a product that is both functionally superior and environmentally progressive, setting a new benchmark for the patient care industry. 

“It has been a pleasure to work with Schulke and Nitto to develop this revolutionary biodegradable wash mitt, the latest product launch from our 10-year partnership with Indorama Ventures. Combining product development expertise from all four organizations has made this exciting launch possible. It is yet another demonstration of how industry leaders are coming together to create innovative hygiene solutions that urgently tackle fugitive plastic pollution.” explains Celine Moreira, Global Partnerships Director at Polymateria.