What Is the EDANA GD4 FG 502 Slosh Box Disintegration Test?

EDANA GD4 FG 502 is a controlled disintegration test method developed to evaluate the flushability performance of disposable nonwoven products. This test technically analyzes the compatibility of products intended to be disposed of through domestic wastewater systems, particularly products such as wet wipes, with sewer infrastructure.

The FG 502 test is defined within the document GD4 – Guidelines for Assessing the Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products (Edition 4) published by EDANA and INDA and is currently referenced within the industry.

Purpose of the EDANA GD4 Standard

The main purpose of the EDANA GD4 standard can be summarized as follows:

  • To measure the ability of nonwoven products to disintegrate in a controlled manner

  • To reduce the risk of blockages, fiber agglomeration, and film formation in sewer systems

  • To ensure the technical verification of “flushable” claims

  • To evaluate the environmental impact of products through standardized test methods

Within this scope, FG 502 is accepted as one of the most critical disintegration tests included in GD4.

Scope of the FG 502 Slosh Box Disintegration Test

The FG 502 test is applied to the following product groups:

  • Flushable wet wipes

  • Cellulose-based nonwoven products

  • Hygiene products containing biodegradable fibers

  • Disposable nonwoven products that come into contact with domestic wastewater systems

High-strength spunbond or textile structures are not included within the scope of this test.

Technical Principle of the Test

The basic principle of the FG 502 test is to evaluate the behavior of a product separating into fibers under mechanical water movement. The oscillating motion applied during the test simulates the hydrodynamic stress within sewer pipelines.

This test does not measure breaking or tensile strength; instead, it reveals whether the product has been intentionally designed to be disintegrable.

EDANA GD4 FG 502 Test Procedure

1. Sample Preparation

  • The sample is tested in its original form as disposed of by the user into the toilet

  • Cutting, folding, or pre-fragmentation is not performed

  • The number and size of samples are determined in accordance with the GD4 guideline

2. Placement into the Water Medium

  • The sample is placed into a slosh box containing a defined volume of water

  • Prolonged pre-soaking is not applied

3. Agitation (Disintegration Phase)

  • The system applies back-and-forth motion at constant amplitude and frequency

  • The agitation duration and number of cycles are defined in the standard

  • This phase represents the mechanical energy transfer within sewer systems

4. Screening and Separation

  • At the end of the test, the water–sample mixture is passed through a sieve with a standardized mesh opening

  • The fractions passing through and retained on the sieve are evaluated separately

5. Evaluation

The following aspects of the product are analyzed according to technical criteria:

  • Whether it separates into fibers

  • Whether it remains as large, intact pieces

  • Whether it exhibits film or agglomerate formation

  • The homogeneity of disintegration

Acceptance and Performance Evaluation

FG 502 is not a standalone qualification test. Within the EDANA GD4 approach, this test:

  • Reveals the product’s tendency to disintegrate

  • Is evaluated together with other GD4 tests

  • Serves as a prerequisite for “flushable” claims

Under mechanical impact, the product must clearly disintegrate, must not form large intact pieces, and must remain within acceptable limits after screening.

Industrial Importance of the EDANA GD4 FG 502 Test

This test plays a critical role particularly in the following areas:

  • Wet wipe R&D processes

  • Fiber type and binder optimization

  • Development of environmentally friendly and biodegradable products

  • Technical verification prior to marketing

  • Compliance studies with municipalities and infrastructure authorities

EDANA GD4 FG 502 – Current Status

EDANA GD4 (Edition 4) and the FG 502 test are still valid and actively used industry standards. Although the standard is not a legal regulation, it is accepted as a reference test method within the European and global nonwoven sectors.

Conclusion

The EDANA GD4 FG 502 Slosh Box Disintegration Test is one of the fundamental technical tests used to evaluate the compatibility of flushable nonwoven products with sewer systems. By revealing the controlled disintegration performance of products, it contributes to reducing both environmental and infrastructural risks.