Investigation of material and chemical composition of wet wipes used in restaurants and hotels in Hung Yen province

Abstract

Wet wipes are indispensable hygiene products in restaurants and hotels, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes during dining. Despite their widespread use, there has been little scientific evaluation regarding the material composition and chemical safety of these products in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess the fiber materials and chemical indicators of wet wipes used in restaurants and hotels in Hung Yen province. A total of five representative samples were randomly collected from 204 food service establishments. The samples were analyzed for fiber type, pH value, formaldehyde content, and the presence of optical brighteners (OBs). The results indicated that all samples were composed of 100% polyester fibers, with soaking solution pH values ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. Neither formaldehyde nor optical brighteners were detected in any sample. These findings suggest that the surveyed wet wipes meet current chemical safety requirements and are generally safe for consumer use. However, the exclusive use of non-biodegradable polyester materials raises environmental concerns due to the generation of microplastics after disposal. The study therefore recommends that manufacturers adopt eco-friendly and biodegradable materials such as viscose or lyocell to enhance both product quality and environmental sustainability.