Our Commitment To Sustainability

The cat is out of the bag, our ZERO wipes are nothing short of miraculous when it comes to clearing nappy rash and being suitable for the most sensitive of skin,

Hear from our happy customers;

“These wipes are great quality. My baby had a nappy rash from wet wipes and as soon as we changed to dry wipes with water it cleared up. Two days with wet wipes while travelling and the rash was back. Dry wipes=rash gone. The wipes really grab the mess rather than pushing it around so we need only use one wipe per change. Have used the kitchen wipes for cleaning glasses and wiping cupboards. They even survived a run-through of the washing machine!”

In order to create the ultimate wipe we looked at why normal baby wipes cause such irritation; the two main contributors are the fact these normal wipes are made from synthetic fibres and that they are loaded with chemicals in their moisture content. Let’s break this down a bit, 

So why do usual baby wipes cause such irritation;

The “usual” baby wipe is synthetic…

90% of wet wipes are made from synthetic fibres, which means they are created from petroleum. These petroleum-derived fibres are named polyester, polypropylene and nylon. They rose to popularity among many skincare and baby brands due to their cost-effective price point, but with more and more customers complaining about how wet wipes cause irritation - we wonder what the true cost is. Well, at ZERO we know the true cost is not only skin irritations but an immense amount of wet wipes made from petroleum ending up in a landfill for hundreds of years.

Whilst, these wet wipes often appear soft on the first touch; under the microscope, these wipes tell a different story.  One of the main reasons synthetic fibres cause skin irritation is their rough and abrasive nature. While these fibres might appear smooth to the naked eye, under a microscope, they can resemble tiny hooks or barbs. When you use a wet wipe containing synthetic fibres on your skin, these microscopic "hooks" can scratch and abrade the delicate surface. This mechanical irritation disrupts your skin's natural barrier, leading to redness, inflammation, and uncomfortable itching sensation.

Synthetic fibres have a knack for trapping moisture against your skin. In wet wipes, this can create a moist environment that's a breeding ground for bacteria and fungal growth. As you continue to use the wipes, the friction between the fibres and your skin can worsen, causing further irritation. This can be especially problematic for those with sensitive or reactive skin, as the combination of trapped moisture and friction can lead to a host of skin issues, including rashes and breakouts.

To make matters worse; Synthetic fibres aren't just rough in texture; they can also be laden with chemical additives used during the manufacturing process. These chemicals, which include dyes, stabilizers, and bonding agents, can leach onto the skin when you use a wet wipe. For individuals with sensitive skin, this chemical exposure can trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate existing skin conditions.

So, ready to make the swap?

How are our ZERO Dry wipes different?

Unlike synthetic fibres that can scratch and disrupt your skin's barrier, timber viscose fibres in ZERO's Dry Wipes offer a gentle cleansing experience. They glide effortlessly across your skin, removing impurities without causing micro-tears or abrasions. This barrier of comfort helps maintain your skin's natural defences, preventing redness, inflammation, and the uncomfortable sensation of irritation.

Choosing ZERO's Dry Wipes means opting for a chemical-free approach to skincare. These wipes are delivered to you dry, allowing you to personalize your cleansing routine by adding your preferred cleanser or toner - or simply water. With no added chemicals or irritants, you're in control of the ingredients that touch your skin, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and sensitivities.

ZERO's commitment to sustainability extends beyond skin care. The timber viscose used in their dry wipes is sourced from sustainably managed forests, reducing the strain on natural resources. The wipes themselves are certified Certified TUV Austria Soil Biodegradable, demonstrating their dedication to minimizing their environmental impact. By choosing ZERO's Dry Wipes, you're making a conscious choice for your skin and the planet.

Go dry, your baby's skin deserves nothing less than the best.

The Project:

The path of ZERO Labs' groundbreaking journey to develop the world's first plastic-free wet wipe packet is a story of innovation, commitment, and a profound dedication to sustainability. In an industry where convenience often takes precedence over eco-consciousness, this pioneering venture not only revolutionized packaging but also set new benchmarks for environmental responsibility.

01 - Discovery

The journey to create the first plastic-free wet wipe packet has been a testament to ZERO Lab's innovative thinking, perseverance, and commitment to a sustainable future. It showcased the transformative power of bioplastics, setting a new standard for the industry and inspiring others to rethink their approach to plastic packaging.

02 - Insight

Posed with the challenge of developing the first plastic-free wet wipe packet, ZERO Labs rose to the occasion. It was not only a matter of swapping out the non-woven wipe for a plant-based fiber but also innovating a plastic-free material that could function as a resealable sticker and film for the flow wrap packaging. As the project took shape, it became evident that the innovation needed not only to be an excellent product but also compatible with the supply chain typically used for plastic products. The product development team successfully addressed these systematic design challenges and approached the process with a life cycle perspective. Manufacturing, supply chain activities, user engagement, and end-of-life processes were all carefully considered during the development of this cutting-edge product.

03- Test

The team knew that replacing plastic in wet wipe packaging was no small feat. They had to identify a sustainable, biodegradable material that could withstand moisture, maintain product integrity, and meet stringent hygiene standards. After numerous trials of combining bio-based polymers into composite films, a biodegradable, compostable film derived from corn starch emerged.

04 - Scaleable Insight

Creating a plastic-free product was just the beginning; the ZERO Labs team was committed to minimizing their environmental footprint throughout the entire lifecycle of the wet wipes and its packaging. Every process or material used in the production process was stripped back, reinvented, trialled, and perfected as the most sustainable solution available.

A Sustainable Life Cycle Approach

Creating a plastic-free product was just the beginning of ZERO Labs' commitment to sustainability. The team understood that a genuinely eco-conscious solution needed to minimize its environmental footprint throughout its entire life cycle – from production to disposal. This meant scrutinizing every aspect of the product's creation and distribution. Processes and materials were reevaluated, redesigned, and optimized to achieve the highest level of sustainability. It was not merely about producing a biodegradable wet wipe packet but also about rethinking the entire production process to align with eco-friendly principles.

Challenges and Triumphs

Replacing plastic in wet wipe packaging posed considerable challenges. The team faced not only technical obstacles but also had to navigate the complex landscape of supply chains and consumer expectations. Yet, the commitment to sustainability drove them forward. As the project advanced, it became clear that achieving scalability was essential. The innovation had to be accessible to a broad market to create a meaningful impact. This required collaboration with various stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers.

The Results:

The challenge presented to ZERO Labs was no small feat: create a wet wipe packet devoid of plastic. This ambitious goal meant more than just substituting the conventional non-woven wipe with a plant-based alternative. It required a complete reinvention of the packet material to offer a resealable and functional solution that could match the performance of traditional plastic-based packaging. As the project began to gain momentum, it became increasingly apparent that the innovation had to meet not only stringent environmental standards but also seamlessly integrate into the existing supply chain accustomed to plastic products. The product development team embarked on this journey with a holistic approach, considering every phase of the product's life cycle – from manufacturing to supply chain logistics, from user engagement to end-of-life processes. Developing a plastic-free wet wipe packet involved extensive research and innovation. The team had to identify a sustainable, biodegradable material that could withstand moisture, maintain the integrity of the wipes, and adhere to rigorous hygiene standards. This quest led to numerous trials and experiments with various bio-based polymers until a breakthrough occurred. A biodegradable, compostable film derived from corn starch emerged as the material of choice. It not only met the technical requirements but also aligned with the core principles of sustainability. This discovery marked a critical milestone in the project, demonstrating that environmentally responsible alternatives could compete with conventional plastics in terms of functionality and performance. The ZERO Wet Wipe is set to launch in-store in November 2023.

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Entering the beauty aisle is not a simple walk in the park, there are thousands of products trying to sell themselves as the most “sensitive” or most “sustainable”. But today we are going to put these claims to the test and reveal the truth about makeup wipes. Let's break down what each wipe is truly made of, assess their performance, and compare their environmental impact to see who comes out on top - the Normal Makeup Wipe or the ZERO Makeup Wipe.

First of all, let's break down what each wipe is made from;

When it comes time to get down to the nitty-gritty, which wipe is best to remove even the toughest mascara?

Now; finally let's compare the environmental footprint of each wipe, which wipe leaves less of a trace?

The winner of the battle is evident: the ZERO Makeup Wipe emerges as the clear champion, with the product boasting plastic-free, reusable, and biodegradable features. Choosing our ZERO Makeup Wipe means you're opting for superior performance, a reduced environmental impact, and a commitment to a greener future for generations to come. Shop our ZERO Makeup Wipe now!