Wet wipes containing plastic set for ban in latest action on plastic pollution

The supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic is it be banned following overwhelming public support during a consultation process.

The ban follows similar action on other single-use plastic products: plastic cotton buds, drinks stirrers and straws were banned from 2020, with a ban on some larger items including plastic cutlery, certain types of polystyrene food containers, and balloon sticks having come into effect in October 2023.

Defra intend to bring forward the legislation for England before Parliament enters the summer recess period, with similar rules expected to be brought in by devolved governments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales in the Autumn.

A recent survey found an average of 20 wet wipes were found per 100 metres of beach surveyed across the UK. Once in our water environment, wet wipes containing plastic can accumulate biological and chemical pollutants, increasing the risk of harm. The ban will help to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution and reduce the volume of microplastics entering wastewater treatment sites.

Responses to a public consultation on the ban showed overwhelming support for the proposals – which will be introduced via secondary legislation under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 – with 95% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing with the plans.

 Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

“Wet wipes containing plastic are polluting our waterways and causing microplastics to enter the environment. Defra will introduce legislation before the summer recess to crack down on this unnecessary source of pollution, following our successful single-use carrier bag charge and ban on microbeads in personal care products.

“I have been clear that a step change is needed to protect our waterways from pollution. The ban builds on a raft of actions already taken to protect our waterways and hold water companies accountable – including accelerating investment, putting water company fines back into the environment and quadrupling the number of inspections of water company sites.“

Many major retailers have already phased out sale of et wipes containing plastic, with plastic-free alternatives readily available.

Steve Ager, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at Boots, said:

“Boots removed all wet wipes containing plastic from sale in stores and online last year as part of our long-standing commitment to sustainability and working with suppliers and customers to reduce the use of plastic.

“We are pleased to see the government now taking action as a ban on all wet wipes containing plastic will have a much bigger impact than retailers taking action alone. We all have a collective responsibility to protect the environment and support a healthy planet.“

Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi, said:

“The removal of plastic from Aldi wet wipes two years ago has been positive for our customers and the environment.

“It has removed an estimated 7,000 tonnes of unnecessary plastic from the system and has been welcomed by Aldi shoppers. We support the introduction of this new legislation and the positive impact it will have for everyone.“

An 18-month transition period will start from when legislation is passed to allow businesses time to prepare. Following consultation with industry, the ban will not include the manufacture of these products, in line with other recent single-use plastic bans.