The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has taken a significant step towards environmental conservation by notifying the World Trade Organisation of a draft regulation to ban the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in England. The proposed regulation, titled “Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2024,” is set for adoption in September 2024 and aims to enforce the ban starting in March 2026.
Key Definitions and Exemptions:
- Plastic Definition: Under the draft, plastic is described as a polymer-containing material that can function as a primary structural component of products, excluding unmodified natural polymers.
- Wet Wipe Definition: The regulation defines a damp wipe as a non-woven fabric soaked in liquid, intended for single use only, which includes products such as baby wipes, cosmetic wipes, and personal hygiene wipes.
- Exemptions: Businesses and local authorities provide Specific exemptions for registered pharmacies, medical purposes, and supplies.
This initiative, a crucial part of a broader effort to reduce plastic waste and its detrimental environmental effects, brings hope. By targeting items like wet wipes, which often end up in waterways and contribute to microplastic pollution, the regulations aim to protect natural habitats and wildlife. While the ban will apply only in England, the Devolved Nations are expected to introduce similar legislation, ensuring a unified approach across the UK.
Businesses and stakeholders in the wipe industry play a crucial role in this transition. They are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming changes by adapting their product lines and strategies in line with the new environmental standards. This regulatory move underscores the UK’s commitment to a sustainable future and its proactive stance on reducing plastic pollution.
