Earlier this week, the ACCC raised concerns with ALDI regarding its promotion of ALDI Green Action Flushable Bathroom Cleaning Wipes (100pk) in its Special Buys catalogue. The ACCC’s concerns stem from the use of the term ‘flushable’, in particular the concern that such a claim may mislead consumers if the claim cannot be substantiated.
The ACCC is already pursuing alleged misleading ‘flushable’ claims more generally, with two proceedings currently before the Federal Court against Pental and Kimberly-Clark Australia Pty Ltd.
Part of the ACCC allegations around those two proceedings are the products do not, for example, disintegrate like toilet paper when flushed. The ACCC says Australian water authorities face significant problems when non-suitable products are flushed down the toilet as they contribute to blockages in household and municipal sewerage systems.
ALDI has been responsive to the ACCC’s concerns, and it is understood that ALDI has today withdrawn the product from its Special Buys promotion.
“We welcome ALDI’s swift action in addressing our concerns,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
“The ACCC is also speaking with other industry players regarding similar products sold in Australia which make a ‘flushable’ claim”.