Hydrophil

Hydrophil​’s founders are deeply invested in maintaining social responsibility throughout their production process. They make it a point to personally visit factories in the Zhejiang region of China annually. This hands-on approach allows them to inspect production conditions and directly oversee their cooperation contracts – a practice they take great pride in.

A significant portion of their efforts includes giving back, with 10% of profits directed to Viva con Agua. This nonprofit, which played a pivotal role in the founders’ past and their coming together, is dedicated to ensuring global access to clean drinking water.

While Hydrophil​’s efforts towards social responsibility are noteworthy, it’s important to highlight that these claims could not be verified by COSH! due to a lack of transparency. This limitation makes it challenging to fully evaluate the impact of their initiatives.

Hydrophil’s main product is a toothbrush made of bamboo, the world’s fastest-growing plant. Produced in an FSC®-certified facility in China, where bamboo naturally thrives in the region. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is a global non-profit dedicated to promoting responsible forest management, ensuring that products like Hydrophil’s toothbrush come from well-managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

FSC certification means the production facility adheres to rigorous standards on material sourcing, production methods, and product traceability. Notably, bamboo cultivation for Hydrophil’s toothbrushes does not rely on artificial fertilizers or pesticides, and natural rainfall suffices for irrigation.

The toothbrushes are available in a variety of plant-based colours, free from chemical additives, ensuring they leave no harmful residues in groundwater when composted. The bristles of the toothbrush are made from castor oil, transformed into a bioplastic that breaks down much faster than traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Beyond the bamboo toothbrush, Hydrophil’s zero-waste collection offers a range of products designed to minimize environmental impact by reducing the use of disposable plastics.

All Hydrophil products are made from 100% renewable resources or are fully dismantleable and recyclable. 

To make products that are as environmentally friendly as possible, they adhere to the principles of sustainable design. They consciously choose materials made from renewable resources. They strive to use only the necessary amount of raw materials and avoid unnecessary elements. 

The toothbrush with replaceable head is an example of this; it reduces waste by about 70% as you only need to replace the brush head. 

A Quick Note on Bioplastic Bristles:

The bristles on Hydrophil’s toothbrushes are made from a type of bioplastic that can break down over time. However, it’s important to know that this process isn’t quick — it could take many years. So, when it’s time to replace your toothbrush, it’s best to dispose of the head in the rubbish.

Their cotton buds can be composted after use!

Hydrophil keeps the production chain short by keeping production close to the source, namely in the Zhejiang region of China, where the bamboo they use grows abundantly. Local production ensures they minimise their carbon footprint. 

However, their main market is in Europe, so the products are transported a long distance to consumers after production. Their transport methods are also not shared. Openness about these practices is essential; it allows consumers and stakeholders to fully understand and evaluate the true environmental impact of their production chain.

Hydrophil items are vegan, free from animal testing, and proudly boast a PETA certification.

Hydrophil products aren’t just made to outlast their disposable counterparts; they bring style to the zero-waste lifestyle. These products aren’t only functional; they’re designed with an eye for beauty, making everyday items like toothbrushes, cotton pads, toothbrush cups, and interdental brushes a pleasure to use and see.

To enhance your experience, Hydrophil includes detailed instructions with each product. These guides not only help you get the most out of your purchase but also offer tips on care and recycling, ensuring that you enjoy your Hydrophil items to the fullest, while staying kind to the planet.

Hydrophil discloses that their products are made from sustainable materials and proudly states China as the manufacturing hub. However, the absence of specific details about the origin and production sites means COSH! couldn’t confirm all of Hydrophil’s statements.

Information on transport methods is also not provided, leaving a gap in understanding the full environmental impact of their production process. Transparency in these areas is key, enabling consumers and stakeholders to gauge the true environmental footprint of Hydrophil’s operations.

There is definitely a call for greater transparency.