ACCC tries to unblock Kleenex-toilet case

THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is appealing against a Federal Court ruling that Kimberly-Clark’s Kleenex wipes are suitable to be flushed down the toilet, arguing that the risk of harm to sewerage systems was overlooked.

The court found last month that Kimberly-Clark’s ”flushable” claims were not false or misleading, a decision that dismayed consumer groups and water utility firms who say wipes contribute to sewerage blockages, environmental harm and high plumbing bills.

In her decision, Justice Jacqueline Gleeson said she was not persuaded the ACCC’s evidence was sufficient to support a conclusion that the wipes were unsuitable for flushing, as the actual complaints were insignificant to the number of sales.

The ACCC said yesterday Justice Gleeson was wrong to rule evidence of actual harm was required, when risk of harm from the product was apparent.

“The ACCC will also argue that the Court made an error by rejecting the ACCC’s case that Kimberly-Clark had claimed the Kleenex Wipes would break up quickly like toilet paper when flushed,” chair Rod Sims said.

“The ACCC is aware of problems continuing to be reported by Australian water authorities as a result of non-suitable products, such as wet wipes, being flushed down the toilet.”

A hearing for the appeal before the Full Federal Court will be set at a later date.

The ACCC originally claimed Kimberly-Clark made false or misleading representations about the suitability of its Kleenex Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloths wipes to be flushed down the toilet.