UK-wide consultation on plastic wet wipes ban hailed as ‘welcome progress’

A UK-wide consultation has been launched to consider a ban on wet wipes containing plastic as part of proposals to tackle pollution.

Views are being sought on plans to ban the manufacture, supply and sale of plastic-containing wet wipes across the four nations.

Scottish circular economy minister Lorna Slater said the material contributes to around 36,000 sewer system blockages in the country each year.

The wet wipes break down into microplastics over time, which can be harmful to the environment and human health.

A ban on the products would alleviate this issue as well as reducing the volume of microplastics entering wastewater treatment plants when wrongly flushed.

Ms Slater said: “This is very welcome progress towards a goal we all want to achieve: tackling plastic pollution.

“Wet wipes containing plastic are an avoidable and yet growing source of beach litter. They are unsightly; they pose risks to the environment and wildlife, and annually they contribute to around 36,000 sewer system blockages in Scotland, risking flooding and costing approximately £7 million to clear.

“This is only the first step: legislation alone cannot solve this issue and we all need to be more careful about what we flush. We continue to support Scottish Water’s nature calls campaign highlighting the impact of inappropriately flushed items and the damage they cause to our environment.

“We have already successfully delivered a ban on other single-use plastic products such as straws and cutlery – which also contribute to marine litter. This will deliver on a commitment made in our marine litter strategy and is another important step on our journey towards a truly circular economy.”

The UK Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said wet wipes are “unnecessary”, as the consultation was launched.