A SCOTTISH inventor who has claimed to have created the “world’s first 100 per cent environmentally-friendly soluble wet wipe” that dissolves in seconds when immersed in water has had the product selected for use on an Atlantic rowing expedition.

The 12-person Roxy Expedition Atlantic Ocean Row next month, managed and run by Rannoch Adventure Ltd, leaves from the Canary Islands and is embarking on the expedition to help raise awareness of the global issue of climate change following the COP26 summit.

In previous expeditions, biodegradable wet wipes have been used but it is claimed these new wipes, developed by Fife-based McCormack Innovation, dissolve more quickly than other versions.

The Herald:

The inventor of the wet wipes, Brian McCormack, who is also the founder of McCormack Innovation, said: “Our technology represents a game-changer for the world-wide market in disposable wipes. As ethically aware and responsible global citizens we are no longer willing to accept the catastrophic impact that conventional wet wipes are doing to the environment.

"Not only are they a marine pollutant and harmful to marine wildlife they are the principal cause of between 50% and 70% of sewer blockages and between 80% and 90% of all sewage pumping station failures."

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He added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Rannoch Adventure on this Roxy Expedition – Atlantic Ocean Row 2021-22.

"There can be no better way to illustrate the environmental benefits of our soluble wipes than on this nautical expedition for global climate change.”

The Herald:

Charlie Pitcher, founder and director of Rannoch Adventure, said: “We are thrilled to be working with McCormack Innovation to test these products out on the ocean.

"We are always looking for new ways of improving our carbon footprint and this is a significant move in that direction for the world of ocean rowing."

Mr Pitcher also said: "With 12 people on board a boat for up to 45 days, wet wipes are a real necessity for maintaining hygiene and keeping salt wounds at bay.”

McCormack Innovation’s wipes were awarded the Fine to Flush accreditation by Water UK last year.