Plastic Wet Wipes Ban Set to Begin in Spring 2027, Government Confirms
A new phase in tackling plastic pollution
The Government has formally set Spring 2027 as the start date for the long-awaited ban on selling and supplying wet wipes that contain plastic fibres in England. The step follows the publication of the draft Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025, which have now been submitted to Parliament for approval.
MPs examined the legislation in the House of Commons on 3 November 2025, with the House of Lords reviewing it shortly after, on 10 November.
Although the regulations apply specifically to England, the wider UK will also see plastic-based wet wipes disappear from shelves as part of a coordinated cross-nation effort.
This move builds on an earlier Private Members’ Bill introduced in 2021 by Labour MP Fleur Anderson, which first called for such a ban. Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Anderson emphasised the urgency of ending the environmental harm caused by these products, describing the impending rule change as a long-overdue victory against pollution that “litters our rivers and beaches”.
What exactly will be banned?
Under the new rules, wet wipes containing plastic fibres, including polyester and polypropylene, can no longer be sold or supplied to consumers in England.
These materials:
- do not biodegrade
- break down into long-lasting microplastics
- contribute to blockages, sewer damage and wider marine pollution
The restrictions will come with specific exemptions for medical and industrial settings where suitable alternatives are not yet available.
Anyone selling plastic-containing wet wipes without an approved exemption will face a £200 fixed penalty notice.
Importantly, the ban covers sale and supply, not manufacture. This mirrors the approach taken in other single-use plastic restrictions, although governments across all UK nations continue to urge producers to transition fully to plastic-free materials.
Public support for the ban has been overwhelming – consultation feedback showed a 95% approval rate, prompting ministers to confirm earlier this year that legislation would move ahead.
The scale of the issue: 11 billion wipes a year
The UK uses an estimated 11 billion wet wipes annually, many of which contain plastic fibres that eventually fragment into microplastics.
Incorrect disposal, especially flushing wipes, is a significant contributor to fatbergs, sewage blockages and pollution across waterways.
Why this matters
The upcoming ban represents a major shift in how everyday hygiene products are regulated. It is designed not only to reduce plastic waste but also to support broader environmental objectives, including cleaner rivers and reduced microplastic pollution.
At Affordable Waste Management, we’re committed to supporting businesses as they adapt to changing legislation and improve the sustainability of their waste streams. We help organisations across the UK manage their commercial waste responsibly, efficiently and in full compliance with all current regulations.