Aquapak's revolutionary polymer wins awards for revolutionising previously environmentally damaging nonwovens such as wipes

The revolutionary properties of Aquapak’s water-soluble, marine-safe, non-toxic polymer, Hydropol, have been recognised with two prestigious US industry award wins which celebrate innovation in the nonwoven sector.  Hydropol makes nonwovens dissolvable, fully flushable, microplastic free and prevents them from forming fatbergs.

Hydropol is recognised in the IDEA® Nonwoven Products Achievement Award where it was the enabling technology in Innovatec® Microfibre Technology’s InnovaWipe® Water-Soluble Nonwoven.  In addition to the environmental benefits, the use of Hydropol means that the water-soluble nonwoven is completely biodegradable under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions and offers excellent resistance to oils, greases and chemicals.

The IDEA® Sustainability Advancement Award was won by KINDCLOTH™ Insect Repellent Wet Wipe which combines water-dissolvable Hydropol technology with a natural formula featuring lemongrass and citronella. Designed for eco-conscious consumers, this innovative wipe provides effective insect protection while leaving no waste behind. Certified biodegradable, flushable, and designed not to create harmful microplastics, it safeguards fragile ecosystems and supports sustainability goals.

Mark Lapping, Chief Executive Officer, Aquapak, said: “It is fantastic to achieve industry recognition for Hydropol’s ability to transform the nonwoven sector thanks to our partnerships with Innovatec® and KINDCLOTH™.  By using Hydropol instead of conventional plastics, millions of tonnes of plastic pollution and the associated harmful microplastics will be prevented from entering the environment.  Furthermore, nonwovens that use Hydropol will no longer contribute to the formation of fatbergs and the damage they cause.”

By replacing plastic with Hydropol in the manufacture of soft, drapable and strong nonwoven materials used to make products such as wet wipes, manufacturers can maintain functionality without harming the planet. Unlike plastic, tests prove that it is completely dissolvable and flushable, thanks to its water solubility.  This means that when it is flushed down the loo, the Hydropol fibres absorb water and swell but do not fragment into microplastics. The fibres continue to dissolve and biodegrade – which means it safely and effectively disappears without a trace into domestic wastewater systems.

In addition, when flushed, Hydropol does not attract any toxins to its surface, such as fats, oils, greases (FOG). This means that the presence of Hydropol in sewer and wastewater systems will not contribute to fatberg formation or any blockages.  Furthermore, Aquapak studies have shown that it biodegrades in effluent plants.

Aquapak has worked closely with Innovatec® Microfibre Technology to ensure production of the nonwoven at scale, and dissolvable wipe developer, KINDCLOTH™, which has patented the dissolvable wet wipe technology. This collaborative enterprise has enabled the conversion of Hydropol pellets into meltblown nonwoven fibres in a single-step process to create the material, whilst ensuring effective wet wipe products are produced. Wipes are manufactured from the nonwoven material, and KINDCLOTH™-approved lotions are applied to create the end wet wipe product. The wipes, when flushed, dissolve in seconds.  The new meltblown nonwoven complies with flushability standards¹ and has been certified as biodegradable in freshwater² and is home compostable³.  The same nonwoven technology is also suitable for a range of other applications, including insect repellent and eye makeup remover wipes, industrial wipes and face masks.