# 1 SOURCE FOR WIPES & DISPENSERS IN CANADA

ABOUT WET WIPE DISPENSERS

LEARN HISTORY AND MORE ABOUT THE ART OF WIPES

MEANING

Wipe dispensers are devices designed to hold and dispense wet wipes or moist towelettes conveniently. They are commonly used in various settings, including homes, offices, restaurants, gyms, healthcare facilities, and more. Here is some general information about wipe dispensers:
Types of Wipe Dispensers:
  1. Tub-Style Dispensers: These are often used for larger wet wipes and typically come in the form of plastic or metal canisters with a resealable lid. The lid helps maintain the moisture and freshness of the wipes. Tub-style dispensers are commonly found in households and commercial environments.
  2. Soft Packs: Soft packs, also known as refill packs or pouches, are flexible and portable dispensers. They are made of plastic or foil materials with a resealable opening. Soft packs are often used for travel-size or individually wrapped wet wipes and are ideal for on-the-go use.
  3. Wall-Mounted Dispensers: These dispensers are designed to be mounted on walls, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and public spaces. Wall-mounted dispensers typically hold larger quantities of wipes and offer easy access for multiple users. They are commonly used in commercial settings like restaurants, offices, and healthcare facilities.
  4. Countertop Dispensers: These dispensers are smaller in size and are meant to be placed on countertops or other flat surfaces. They are convenient for personal use or in small spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.
Features and Benefits:
  1. Hygiene and Convenience: Wipe dispensers provide a hygienic and convenient way to access wet wipes. They keep the wipes protected, clean, and easily accessible whenever needed.
  2. Moisture Retention: Many wipe dispensers, particularly tub-style and soft pack dispensers, are designed to retain moisture and prevent the wipes from drying out. This ensures that the wipes remain fresh and ready for use.
  3. Controlled Dispensing: Wipe dispensers often feature mechanisms for controlled dispensing of the wipes. This helps prevent excessive use and wastage, ensuring that only one wipe is dispensed at a time.
  4. Easy Refilling: Some wipe dispensers are designed for easy refilling. They have mechanisms that allow the empty packs or tubs to be replaced quickly, minimizing downtime and maintaining a continuous supply of wet wipes.
  5. Customization: Wipe dispensers can be customized to match the branding or aesthetics of a particular environment. They may come in various colors, designs, and sizes to suit different preferences.
  6. Durability and Sturdiness: Wipe dispensers are typically constructed from durable materials to withstand frequent use. This ensures they can endure the demands of high-traffic areas and last for an extended period.
  7. Environmental Considerations: Some wipe dispensers are designed to accommodate eco-friendly or biodegradable wipes. This helps promote sustainability and reduce the environmental impact associated with disposable wipes.
Overall, wipe dispensers offer a practical solution for storing and dispensing wet wipes, providing convenience, hygiene, and controlled usage in a variety of settings.

HISTORY

Wet wipes, also known as moist towelettes or wet towels, have a relatively recent history compared to other personal care products. The concept of using wet cloths for cleaning dates back centuries, but the modern wet wipe as we know it today emerged in the mid-20th century. Let's explore the history of wet wipes and wipe dispensers:
  1. Early Origins: The use of wet cloths or wipes for personal hygiene can be traced back to ancient times. In different cultures, people used wet cloth pieces or sponges soaked in water or various liquids for cleaning purposes. However, these were not the convenient disposable wet wipes we are familiar with.
  2. 1950s-1960s: The concept of disposable wet wipes began to take shape in the 1950s. Arthur Julius, an American entrepreneur, is credited with inventing the first disposable wet wipe. In 1957, he founded the company Nice-Pak Products, Inc., and introduced the world's first pre-moistened disposable wipes, which were initially targeted for use in the food industry.
  3. 1970s-1980s: Wet wipes gained popularity in the 1970s when they were introduced as a convenient alternative to traditional methods of cleaning, such as using soap and water or tissues. They were initially marketed as baby wipes for diaper changes, as they offered a convenient and hygienic solution for parents.
  4. Evolution and Diversification: As the demand for wet wipes increased, manufacturers started to diversify their offerings. Wet wipes for various applications emerged, including facial wipes, personal care wipes, household cleaning wipes, and more. The formulations of wet wipes also evolved to include different ingredients, such as antibacterial agents, moisturizers, and fragrances.
  5. Wipe Dispensers: The development of wipe dispensers followed the growing demand for wet wipes. Initially, wet wipes were individually packaged in plastic or foil sachets for easy portability. However, as their usage expanded, dispensers became more common to provide convenient access and storage.
  • Tub-style Dispensers: In the early days, wet wipes were commonly sold in plastic tubs or canisters. These tubs featured a resealable lid or pop-up dispensing system that allowed easy access to the wipes. Users could open the lid, pull out a wipe, and close the lid to maintain moisture.
  • Soft Packs: Soft packs, also known as refill packs, became popular as an alternative to tub-style dispensers. These packs are made of flexible materials, usually plastic or foil, and feature a resealable opening. They are designed to be easily carried in purses, backpacks, or diaper bags.
  • Travel-size Packs: With the increasing demand for on-the-go convenience, manufacturers introduced smaller travel-size packs of wet wipes. These packs are compact, portable, and often feature a resealable opening to prevent drying out.
  • Wall-mounted Dispensers: In commercial settings, such as restaurants, offices, and healthcare facilities, wall-mounted wet wipe dispensers became common. These dispensers are typically designed to hold larger quantities of wipes and offer easy access for multiple users.
  1. Environmental Concerns: In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of disposable wet wipes. Many traditional wet wipes are made from non-biodegradable materials and can contribute to pollution and clog sewage systems. As a result, there has been a push for more sustainable alternatives, including biodegradable or flushable wipes.
It's important to note that regulations and standards regarding wet wipes and their labeling, disposal, and composition may vary across countries. Manufacturers and consumers are increasingly considering the environmental impact of wet wipes, leading to the development of more eco