The ACCC instituted Federal Court proceedings against Kimberly-Clark Australia Pty Ltd (Kimberly-Clark) and Pental Limited and Pental Products Pty Ltd. 

ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said the manufacturers of the products have made false or misleading representations in relation to ‘flushable’ wipes they marketed and supplied in Australia.

“The ACCC alleges that the impression given by Kimberly-Clark and Pental that these products were suitable to be flushed down household toilets in Australia is false," he said. “These products do not, for example, disintegrate like toilet paper when flushed. Australian water authorities face significant problems when non-suitable products are flushed down the toilet as they contribute to blockages in a household and municipal sewerage systems.”

Hilltops Council has welcomed news that the ACCC has launched legal action against the manufacturers.

Council Director of Infrastructure Dirk Wymer said the ACCC stance is great news not only for ratepayers but also for the environment. 

"Wet wipes clogging our sewers and breaking our pumps is one of the challenges we face in keeping the Hilltops’ sewer system operating," he said. “The Water Services Association of Australia estimated wet wipes are costing water utilities $15 million per year.”

“Every time there is a blockage in the sewer mains or pump stations, Council resources are required to clear it. In a pump station, there is also a risk of damage to the pump and the electrical controls. In addition, pumps work harder than they need to when blocked or partially blocked and they use more power.” Mr Wymer said.

“The next step is to educate consumers to keep wipes out of our pipes. It’s a message we hope will be heard loud and clear because if that blockage occurs on private property, it is the property owner who has to pay to unblock it. Then there’s the risk of raw sewage overflow into neighbouring properties or the environment."