When Sterility Meets Sustainability: What an Upcycled Polyester, Pre-Wetted IPA Wiper Changes in Critical Cleaning
The Technical Vault | By SOSCleanroom
Texwipe STX1712P Revolve (12" × 12") is a sterile, pre-wetted cleanroom wiper engineered for controlled environments where contamination control, process consistency, and sustainability goals intersect.
On SOSCleanroom, STX1712P is specified as a sealed-edge polyester wiper in the Revolve family, supplied as four bags of 50 wipers per case, and positioned for ISO Class 4 through ISO Class 8 environments.
What Makes STX1712P Different: Upcycled Polyester Without Performance Compromise
Revolve wipers are positioned as the cleanroom industry’s first sustainable wipes made from 100% upcycled polyester (rPET). The upcycled yarn is derived from post-consumer bottles that are sorted, cleaned, ground, repolymerized into chip, and extruded into REPREVE yarn before Texwipe further cleans and converts the fabric into cleanroom consumables.
The technical objective is deliberate: deliver the familiar benefits of knit polyester—chemical resistance, low-linting behavior, and suitability for critical wiping—while supporting sustainability initiatives without asking users to accept a lower-grade or compromised wipe.
Polyester in Cleanrooms: Why This Fiber Is a Critical-Cleaning Default
Polyester (PET) became a dominant cleanroom wiper fiber because it is strong, abrasion resistant, and comparatively low shedding when properly processed—particularly in knit constructions with controlled edges. Revolve documentation reinforces that rPET can be processed to achieve contamination-control characteristics equivalent to virgin PET, which matters when extractables, particle generation, and chemical compatibility are tightly controlled.
Sealed-Edge Construction: Why the Border Matters
STX1712P is a sealed-edge wiper—an intentional contamination-control choice. Sealed edges reduce fraying, limit perimeter fiber release during wiping, and improve consistency when the wipe is folded and re-folded. This aligns with Revolve positioning around low ions, low nonvolatile residue (NVR), and low particle and fiber contribution for critical cleaning steps.
Pre-Wetted with USP-Grade 70% IPA: Controlling the Solvent Variable
STX1712P is pre-wetted with 0.2 µm filtered, USP-grade 70% IPA / 30% DI water. Pre-wetted formats reduce common cleanroom failure modes such as inconsistent spray coverage, over-wetting that mobilizes residues, under-wetting that increases drag, and uncontrolled solvent handling that drives VOC variability.
Reclosable slider-bag packaging is designed to reduce evaporation and preserve repeatable wetness and VOC levels throughout use.
Sterility Controls: Gamma Irradiation and Packaging Architecture
STX1712P is supplied sterile and gamma irradiated to a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10-6. Packaging is described as triple-bagged with a case liner acting as a fourth protective layer.
This hierarchy supports staged de-bagging, controlled material transfer, and zone-to-zone contamination control in aseptic workflows where wipes are used for transfer disinfection, isolator support, or critical surface preparation.
What the Performance Data Implies for Real Cleaning Outcomes
Revolve technical data report typical particle and fiber release values, low NVR in IPA and DI water extractants, low ionic content (including sodium, potassium, and chloride), and strong sorptive behavior. These parameters directly influence residue risk, redeposition risk, and whether a wipe supports “clean once” rather than “clean twice.”
Where STX1712P Fits in Cleanroom Programs
Documented applications include wiping and cleaning surfaces, equipment, and parts; applying and removing lubricants, adhesives, residues, and disinfectants; and solvent cleaning with IPA, ethanol, acetone, and degreasers. The sterile, pre-wetted configuration is typically chosen when validated sterility expectations, solvent consistency, and documentation discipline are non-negotiable.
Closest Competitors and How to Compare Correctly
Contec PROSAT® Sterile Presaturated Wipes
Offered across multiple substrates (including knit polyester and nonwoven blends) with USP-grade 70% IPA / DI water, suitable depending on surface type and absorption needs.
Berkshire Presaturated Cleanroom Wipes
Broad portfolio including presaturated and Made-in-the-USA options; comparison should confirm sterility method, packaging architecture, and availability of published cleanliness metrics.
Best-Practice Handling: Getting the Clean You Paid For
- Stage de-bagging to match cleanroom zoning.
- Open the final sterile barrier only at point of use.
- Use controlled folds and single-direction wipe strokes.
- Close slider bags promptly to prevent evaporation and dry-out.
Made in the USA and Shipping Reality
Revolve documentation identifies the product as Made in the USA, supported by Texwipe’s North Carolina manufacturing footprint. Because STX1712P is pre-wetted with IPA, SOSCleanroom indicates hazmat shipping requirements and ground-only delivery, which should be factored into inventory planning and SOPs.
Source Basis
- SOSCleanroom product listing: Texwipe STX1712P Revolve.
- Texwipe Revolve Technical Data Sheet and TechNotes.
- Texwipe Revolve Q&A documentation.
- Contec PROSAT® sterile presaturated wipe references.
- Berkshire presaturated cleanroom wipe references.
- Public documentation referencing Texwipe U.S. manufacturing footprint.
