Currently, the majority of wet wipes on the market utilize spunlace nonwoven fabric as their base material. The primary raw materials typically consist of viscose fibers, polyester fibers (PET), or a blend of the two. Viscose fibers possess strong water absorbency and a soft tactile feel, though their wet strength tends to be relatively low; polyester fibers, conversely, offer excellent tensile strength and stable costs but exhibit weaker biodegradability. Consequently, many manufacturers adopt a blending ratio ranging from 30% to 70% to strike a balance among softness, cost-effectiveness, and durability.
From a manufacturing perspective, basis weight (grammage) is another critical metric. Standard baby wipes typically range between 40 gsm and 60 gsm, whereas industrial cleaning wipes often exceed 70 gsm. A basis weight that is too low can easily lead to deformation or tearing during use, while a weight that is too high results in increased liquid consumption as well as higher packaging and shipping costs.
The Liquid Formulation Is More Important Than the “Scent”
Consumers often focus on whether or not a product is “scented,” but it is the liquid system—the solution itself—that truly determines the quality of a wet wipe. In most wet wipes, pure water accounts for over 95% of the composition. High-quality products typically utilize EDI-purified water or RO (reverse osmosis) water to minimize the risk of microbial contamination and residual ions.
Furthermore, humectants and preservative systems directly impact product stability. Common moisturizing ingredients include glycerin, aloe vera extract, and propylene glycol, while preservative systems frequently employ a blend of phenoxyethanol and organic acids. In recent years, as consumers have become increasingly sensitive to potential irritants, many brands have begun reducing alcohol content or even shifting toward “alcohol-free” and “MIT-free” preservative solutions.
However, one easily overlooked issue is that “fewer ingredients” does not necessarily equate to “better.” If the preservative system is inadequate, the wipes may actually become more susceptible to bacterial growth once the package is opened; this is a primary reason why some lower-priced products tend to develop unpleasant odors or discoloration over time.
In recent years, a distinct trend within the wet wipe industry has been the move toward “biodegradability.” Certain markets within the European Union have already begun restricting the use of wet wipes containing plastic fibers, a development that has directly driven increased demand for materials such as bamboo fibers, wood pulp fibers, and pure viscose spunlace fabrics.
Nevertheless, being “biodegradable” does not automatically guarantee absolute environmental friendliness. Wet wipes made from natural fibers typically incur higher production costs and exhibit significantly reduced wet strength, thereby imposing stricter requirements on manufacturing equipment—specifically regarding tension control and the precise ratio of liquid application. Many small and medium-sized factories, upon switching raw materials, paradoxically encounter issues such as fabric breakage, linting, and unstable sealing.
Consequently, wet wipe manufacturing is not, in essence, merely a simple matter of “adding water to fabric”; rather, it represents a delicate balance between raw materials, formulations, and production processes. Truly stable products are invariably the result of long-term, meticulous control over the intricate details of these foundational materials.