The Fresh Feeling of Inventing a Cleaner, Greener Future with Jim Kaslik, The UnWipe
We recently sat down with Jim Kaslik, the inventor and founder of The UnWipe, for an episode of The Wild Party Podcast. What unfolded was an honest, funny, and incredibly enlightening conversation about innovation, sustainability—and yes, poop. Jim’s product is a game-changer for anyone who uses flushable wipes (which is most of us), and it’s built on the simple yet revolutionary idea that we can do better—for ourselves and the planet.
So What Is The UnWipe?
Imagine this: a small, silicone pod (zero plastic, by the way), a bit of toilet paper, and a splash of water. Press the paper into the pod, and voila—you’ve just created a fully flushable, sustainable, ultra-effective wipe. The UnWipe compresses the paper and adds texture, which not only improves its durability and cleaning power but allows it to be flushed safely, unlike those so-called “flushable” wipes wreaking havoc on sewer systems worldwide.
Jim’s creation is clever, efficient, and—thanks to a cheeky little poop emoji at the base of the pod—actually fun to use.
Why We Needed This
Flushable wipes have become ubiquitous. You see them at the gym, in homes, at airports, and—yes—even in porta-potties. But what most people don’t realize is that they’re anything but flushable. They’re made with synthetic fibers that don’t break down in water, clog sewer systems, and end up in landfills or waterways. The environmental impact is staggering.
“Just in the U.S., we use over 100 billion so-called flushable wipes a year,” Jim told me. “That’s enough to fill the New Orleans Superdome.”
Worse, many consumers think these wipes are eco-friendly because of misleading packaging. Jim’s mission with The UnWipe is to provide a real, sustainable alternative that actually works—and educates consumers along the way.
From Software to Sustainability: Jim’s Inventor Mindset
Before The UnWipe, Jim wasn’t in the bathroom biz. He started in software, then designed homes, and even launched a kitchen product that stayed on the market for over a decade. But it was a forgotten pack of dried-out wipes in a cabinet and a rant from a civil engineer friend about sewage problems that sparked his idea.
His journey from concept to product took six years of prototyping. “Design is about stripping things away until what you have left is just what works,” Jim explained. “Once I figured out how to add texture to the paper, it changed everything.”
The UnWipe now delivers 10x the texture of regular toilet paper without any synthetic materials—and with just a half teaspoon of water per use.
It’s Not Just a Product—It’s a Movement
Jim is clear that The UnWipe isn’t about selling more “stuff.” He wants to replace disposable wipes altogether. Every UnWipe sold eliminates approximately 1,000 disposable wipes a year from entering the waste stream.
Even the product’s packaging reflects this mission. It’s made from sustainably harvested metaboard, with plant-based adhesives and zero plastic.
“This is the cleanest thing in your bathroom,” Jim joked. “It only touches clean paper and water. That’s it.”
Marketing a Toilet Paper Revolution
Jim admits that one of the biggest hurdles hasn’t been the product—it’s been the messaging. “Everyone thinks they’re an expert in toilet paper,” he laughed. “So telling them there’s a better way is a challenge.”
He’s embraced humor and creativity, hiring comedian Logan Guntzelman to star in explainer videos that are equal parts informative and hilarious. While not everyone appreciates toilet humor, most agree it’s effective. Jim’s also working with micro-influencers and listening to customer feedback to refine his message and help people “get it.”
What’s Next for The UnWipe?
Unlike many companies that add unnecessary product lines just to keep customers buying, Jim’s staying true to his mission. Rather than create more stuff, he’s looking to partner with brands that align with his values—like toilet paper companies or even wellness-focused brands like Squatty Potty.
As Jim puts it, “Innovation is hard, but if we can show people there’s a better way—and make it fun—they’ll come along.”
Want to Try The UnWipe?
As a listener of The Wild Party Podcast, you get a special discount:
10% off one UnWipe
20% off two
30% off three
Use code THEWILDPARTY at checkout at TheUnWipe.com.
