Schülke, Nitto, Indorama Ventures and Polymateria have launched a new biodegradable disposable wash mitt in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Spain. The product is designed to provide healthcare professionals with a practical hygiene solution while helping address the issue of plastic waste from disposable products.

The product features a three-layer structure made mainly from cellulose. The remaining 24% of the material consists of non-woven polypropylene treated with Polymateria’s biotransformation technology. This combination allows the wash mitt to retain its functional properties while providing a more sustainable approach to disposable hygiene products.

Unlike conventional disposable wash mitts, the new product uses biotransformation technology developed by Polymateria. If the polypropylene component escapes the waste management system, the technology allows it to transform into a bio-available wax and eventually biodegrade in an open terrestrial environment. The non-woven layer meets the BSI PAS 9017 standard developed by the British Standards Institution.

The technology is intended to reduce the long-term impact of plastic waste while ensuring that the wash mitt continues to perform effectively during use. This makes it suitable for healthcare environments where hygiene, comfort and reliable performance remain important requirements.