UK government plans ban on plastic-containing wet wipes

LONDON: The United Kingdom (UK) government announced plans to introduce legislation banning the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic on Monday.

The announcement was made by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on their official website following “overwhelming support” during a consultation process.

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As per DEFRA, the move is part of the government’s efforts to tackle plastic pollution and clean up its water channels. The ban will be implemented with a transition period set out to allow businesses to adapt.

DEFRA stated that the legislation will initially be introduced for England, with Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales expected to follow suit by end of 2024.  The ban would be introduced under the UK’s Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The department went on to explain why it banned wet wipes. Wet wipes containing plastic break down into microplastics over time and pose risks to both, humans and the environment by disrupting entire local ecosystems.

As per DEFRA, a recent survey revealed an average of 20 wet wipes per 100 meters of beach surveyed across the UK.

The department stated that once the wet wipes containing plastic enters the waters, it can accumulate “biological and chemical pollutants” that poses harm to both, animals and humans. DEFRA argued that banning these products will help reduce plastic and microplastic pollution. It will also decrease the volume of microplastics entering sewage treatment plants when flushed.

The govemrent department allowed an 18-month transition period that will beign once the legislation is passed. This will to allow businesses time to prepare and asapt.

However, the ban will not include the manufacture of wet wipes initially. DEFRA stated that it will “encourage” manufacturers to transition to plastic-free alternatives.

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Meanwhile, certain exemptions will be granted to ensure that wet wipes containing plastic remain accessible for ‘essential’ purposes where viable alternatives are lacking, such as medical disinfection.

The legislation is part of a broader effort to enhance the water environment, complementing initiatives such as the establishment of a Water Restoration Fund, enhanced monitoring of storm overflows, elimination of caps on civil penalties for water companies, and investments in infrastructure to mitigate sewage spills.