As an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic-based wipes, biodegradable wipes require a manufacturing process that balances material degradability and production feasibility while ensuring cleaning performance. The key to this process lies in selecting a biodegradable substrate and environmentally friendly adhesive, and achieving efficient forming through precise control of processing parameters.
Substrate Selection and Pretreatment
Biodegradable wet wipes typically use natural fibers (such as wood pulp and cotton) or bio-based polymers (such as polylactic acid (PL) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)) as their substrates. These materials undergo pretreatment, such as fiber defiberization and pulping, to enhance their flexibility and water absorption. Some processes add a small amount of natural polymers (such as carboxymethyl cellulose) to enhance the wipe's strength and ensure complete decomposition under composting conditions.
Binder and Solution Preparation
Conventional wet wipes use non-biodegradable synthetic adhesives (such as acrylics). Biodegradable wipes, however, require environmentally friendly adhesives such as modified starches, plant-based gums (such as guar gum), or water-based polyurethanes. Active ingredients (such as biocides and humectants) must be pre-dissolved in deionized water to form a homogeneous solution. pH adjustment and surfactant optimization are then performed to ensure stability.
Molding and Post-Processing
The substrate is evenly impregnated with the functional solution using a drum-type or flat-web forming machine. The impregnation volume is controlled (typically 1.5-3 times the substrate weight) to ensure a cleansing effect. Excess liquid is then removed via roller pressing, and the finished product is formed through slitting and folding. Key process parameters include impregnation speed (8-15 m/min), drying temperature (60-80°C), and sterilization (UV or ozone sterilization) to prevent high temperatures from damaging the bio-based material structure.
Degradability Guarantee
The final product must pass industrial composting tests (such as the EN 13432 standard) to ensure a degradation rate exceeding 90% within 180 days under specified conditions. By optimizing substrate ratios and reducing plastic additives, modern processes have achieved a balance between durability and environmental friendliness, driving the wet wipes industry towards sustainability.