Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The UK government has introduced new legislation to phase out the sale and supply of wet wipes that contain plastic in England. This measure aims to protect the environment by reducing microplastic pollution and preventing blockages in sewer systems commonly known as ‘fatbergs’. Officials highlight that these wipes damage rivers, lakes, and coastal habitats while contributing significantly to microplastics that harm wildlife and accumulate throughout the food chain.
A survey by Defra Beach Litter Monitoring Data from 2015 to 2020 revealed that there are an average of 20 wet wipes found every 100 metres on UK beaches, underscoring how frequently these products escape proper disposal channels. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized the importance of the ban, saying, “This ban will put an end to plastic wet wipes which choke our sewers, litter our beaches and poison wildlife.” Public support for the ban is strong, with a government consultation showing that 95% of respondents are in favor. Retailers, including Boots, have already withdrawn plastic-containing wipes from their shelves, responding proactively before the legislation.
Under the new law, businesses in England have until spring 2027 to comply, with Wales set to implement the ban by December 2026. Other countries are also moving to tackle the issue; Spain is preparing to ban all types of flushed wet wipes, while the US has passed the WIPPES Act, requiring manufacturers to label non-flushable wipes clearly. In England, the problem goes beyond environmental damage—wet wipes are a major contributor to sewer blockages. Research from UK Water Industry Research indicates that 94% of blockages are caused by wipes, costing water companies around £200 million annually, an expense ultimately covered by household bills.
The Lanes Group’s Unblocktober campaign has highlighted a concerning behavioral trend: despite 63% of people acknowledging that wet wipes cause blockages, 35% still flush them. Stephanie Cawley, director of customer operations at Severn Trent, commented, “The ban on plastics in wet wipes is an important step forward in tackling one of the biggest challenges on the sewer network.” She reinforced proper disposal practices, stating, “Only the three P’s, pee, poo and paper should be flushed, and putting wet wipes of any kind in the bin will make a massive difference.” Environmental organizations welcome the legislation as a positive development. Chris Coode, CEO of Thames21, called the announcement “fantastic news” but urged for broader systemic changes to further reduce plastic pollution.
There is some debate about the timeline for the ban, with certain campaigners advocating for earlier implementation because plastic-free alternatives are already widely accessible. Concerns have also been raised that focusing solely on wet wipes containing plastic could confuse consumers and miss chances to reduce the overall environmental footprint of disposable wipes. While the new rules forbid only plastic-containing wet wipes, there is still a need for better labeling so consumers understand correct disposal instructions. Water Minister Emma Hardy has written to manufacturers encouraging clearer packaging information that stresses all wet wipes should be disposed of in the bin rather than flushed, even if labeled flushable.
Retailers have expressed support for the legislation, viewing it as a way to create a level playing field. Steve Ager, an executive at Boots, noted the company had removed plastic wipes in support of “healthy communities need a healthy planet.” He added that having a national ban would bring a significantly larger impact than isolated retailer actions can achieve alone. This legislation marks an important step toward reducing plastic waste, protecting ecosystems, and addressing costly sewer maintenance issues related to plastic wet wipes
Read the full article on Positive News here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.