Draft Legislation for Plastic Wet Wipe Ban Released
Defra has issued the draft regulations that will outlaw wet wipes containing plastic, marking a significant step in tackling plastic pollution. The move follows an extensive consultation in which an overwhelming 95% of respondents supported the ban.
Under the proposed legislation, the ban will come into effect 18 months after receiving Parliamentary approval. Although these regulations are drafted specifically for England, the prohibition on selling plastic-based wet wipes is expected to be applied across the entire UK.
Why the Ban is Being Introduced
When announcing the plans, former Environment Secretary Steve Barclay highlighted the environmental impact of these products:
“Wet wipes containing plastic are polluting our waterways and allowing microplastics to enter the environment.”
This follows the government’s previous steps to reduce single-use plastics, including the carrier bag charge and the ban on microbeads in cosmetics.
Scope of the New Regulations
The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025 aim to:
- Prohibit the sale and supply of plastic-containing wet wipes to consumers.
- Allow exemptions only for industrial and medical uses.
- Impose £200 fines on anyone selling non-compliant products without valid exemptions.
It is important to note that the legislation does not cover manufacturing. However, the governments of all UK nations are urging producers to transition towards fully plastic-free wet wipes.
Evidence Behind the Decision
Research carried out by Valpak consultancy revealed the true scale of wet wipe consumption in the UK. The study estimated that 30.5 billion wet wipes are placed on the market annually – almost three times higher than previous estimates of 11 billion.
What Happens Next?
Once approved, the ban will create a clear timeline for businesses to adapt supply chains and for retailers to ensure compliance. With the focus on reducing plastic waste entering waterways and the wider environment, this legislation is seen as a vital step in the UK’s wider waste reduction strategy.
Affordable Waste Management’s Commitment
At Affordable Waste Management, we support initiatives that reduce single-use plastics and protect the environment. Our team helps businesses manage waste streams responsibly, ensuring full compliance with evolving UK waste regulations. From scheduled collections to documentation support, we provide efficient and cost-effective solutions for sustainable waste management.