Omar Khalid
Wet wipes are an essential part of many people's daily routines, especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they have also become a significant source of plastic pollution. It is estimated that 38% of the 11 billion wet wipes used annually in the UK contain plastic, with similar figures reported in China. This plastic contributes to environmental pollution, particularly in our oceans and rivers, and can have detrimental effects on human health and marine life. While some wipes are marketed as biodegradable, most contain plastic fibres that break down into microplastics over time, which can be ingested by marine animals and enter our food chain. As a result, there is a growing movement towards banning wet wipes containing plastic and encouraging consumers to opt for biodegradable or reusable alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of wet wipes containing plastic | 38% (UK) or 90% (globally) |
| Plastic components | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polylactic acid (PLA) |
| Environmental impact | Plastic pollution in rivers and oceans, harm to human health, fatbergs |
| Biodegradable alternatives | Cotton, bamboo, paper |
| Reusable alternatives | Cotton pads, muslin cleansing cloths, toilet paper gels |
| Plastic-free brands | Natracare, Honest Company |
| Regulations | UK ban on wet wipes containing plastic by the end of 2024, with exemptions for business and medical use |
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What You'll Learn
- Wet wipes containing plastic contribute to plastic pollution in oceans and rivers
- Biodegradable and compostable wipes are plastic-free alternatives
- Plastic in wet wipes is set to be banned in the UK
- Wet wipes are a single-use product with a large environmental footprint
- Some wet wipes contain bio-based plastics
Wet wipes containing plastic contribute to plastic pollution in oceans and rivers
Wet wipes are a modern convenience that many people use for personal hygiene and cleaning. However, their presence in our environment, particularly our oceans and rivers, has become a growing concern. While not all wet wipes contain plastic, it is estimated that 38% of the 11 billion wet wipes used annually in the UK do. These plastic-containing wipes contribute significantly to plastic pollution in our water bodies and the wider environment.
When disposed of, wet wipes containing plastic can enter our sewage systems and break down into microplastics over time. These tiny plastic fragments are then washed into rivers and oceans, where they persist and accumulate. This process contributes to the growing amount of plastic waste in our water ecosystems, with an estimated 100 million marine animals dying each year from plastic pollution. The plastic waste affects various species, from birds to fish and other marine organisms, with nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, known to be impacted.
Wet wipes that are appropriately disposed of can also cause environmental harm. As wet wipes cannot be recycled, they often end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to plastic waste and pollution. Even when wipes are marketed as flushable, they can still cause blockages in sewer systems and contribute to plastic pollution. In the River Thames, for example, wet wipes have formed "reefs" that are slowly changing the shape of the river itself. During a cleanup in 2019, nearly 9,000 plastic items were recovered, with wet wipes being the most common.
The presence of plastic in wet wipes has led to growing calls for action to address this issue. In the UK, there has been support for a bill introduced by Fleur Anderson MP to ban plastic in wet wipes. This bill gained cross-party support and highlighted the need to make it easier for parents and individuals to make environmentally conscious choices. Additionally, some retailers have committed to ensuring their wet wipes meet the "Fine to Flush" specification, and companies like Holland and Barrett have implemented a complete ban on the sale of wet wipe products, opting for environmentally friendly alternatives.
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Biodegradable and compostable wipes are plastic-free alternatives
Wet wipes are a source of unnecessary plastic pollution, with microplastics released into waterways and land every time they are flushed. This has led to growing concerns about the environmental impact of wet wipes, which has encouraged the development and use of plastic-free alternatives.
Biodegradable and compostable wipes are two such alternatives. Biodegradable wipes are those that break down into smaller elements under specific conditions, usually in a commercial facility. While they do not break down completely, with some traces of material remaining, they do not cause damage to the environment like regular wipes. Compostable wipes, on the other hand, are those that break down entirely into natural or organic material. These wipes are made from natural fibres such as bamboo and organic wood pulp, which allow them to be truly composted.
Biodegradable and compostable wipes are often plant-based and free of synthetic or harsh ingredients such as alcohol, parabens, and fragrances. This makes them suitable for sensitive skin, including babies with conditions like eczema. Some brands, such as DYPER, offer wipes made from 100% compostable materials that are also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. These wipes are perfect for cleaning baby bottoms, faces, and hands, and can be easily composted at home.
In addition to DYPER, other brands offering biodegradable and compostable wipes include EarthHero, Healthybaby, and ClothDiaper.com. These brands provide eco-friendly alternatives to traditional wet wipes, with some offering subscription services for added convenience. With the growing awareness of the environmental impact of plastic wet wipes, it is important to consider these plastic-free alternatives that are gentle on both the skin and the planet.
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Plastic in wet wipes is set to be banned in the UK
In the UK, 11 billion wet wipes are used annually, with an estimated 38% of these containing plastic. This equates to 163 wet wipes per person per year. These wipes are defined as 'a non-woven piece of fabric which has been prewetted and is not designed or intended to be reused'. The plastic in these wipes means they do not break down, causing clogged pipes and damage to oceans and rivers.
Wet wipes containing plastic break down into microplastics over time, which can be harmful to human health and disrupt ecosystems. Research has shown an average of 20 wet wipes per 100 metres of beach surveyed across the UK. These wipes accumulate biological and chemical pollutants, increasing the risk of harm to animals and humans. Banning them will reduce plastic and microplastic pollution and the volume of microplastics entering waterways.
The UK Government has committed to protecting the natural environment and leaving it in a better state. The ban on wet wipes containing plastic builds on the raft of actions already taken to protect waterways and hold water companies accountable. This includes accelerating investment, putting water company fines back into the environment, and quadrupling the number of inspections of water company sites.
The ban on the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic across the UK will come into effect in September 2025, allowing an 18-month transition period for industries and retailers. Exemptions will include the sale of wet wipes containing plastic for use in business and medical settings, including to individuals for medical reasons.
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Wet wipes are a single-use product with a large environmental footprint
While some wipes are marketed as flushable, they do not break down quickly in sewers and can contribute to fatbergs, which cause sewer blockages and disperse macro and microplastics into the wider environment. In the UK, an estimated 11 billion wet wipes are used annually, with 38% containing plastic. Many manufacturers have begun producing plastic-free alternatives, but these wipes are still ultimately single-use and often wrapped in plastic packaging.
The liquid in wet wipes can also contain ingredients with sustainability issues, such as palm oil, and chemicals such as parabens, which can damage rivers and waterways. Fragrances are also common ingredients in wet wipes, but their specific chemicals are often not disclosed on labels as they are considered trade secrets. These chemicals can include endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, allergens, and environmental toxins.
To reduce the environmental impact of wet wipes, consumers can opt for biodegradable or compostable wipes made from materials such as cotton or bamboo, which break down safely and quickly after use. Reusable options are also available, such as cotton pads or muslin cleansing cloths, which can be washed and reused. Some brands offer containers to presoak and store dirty wipes, reducing the need for single-use products.
While plastic-free and reusable alternatives are available, wet wipes remain a single-use product with a significant environmental impact due to their high consumption, plastic content, and unsustainable ingredients.
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Some wet wipes contain bio-based plastics
Wet wipes are defined as 'a non-woven piece of fabric which has been prewetted and which is not designed or intended to be reused'. They have become a necessity for many consumers, with 11 billion wet wipes being used every year in the UK alone. However, wet wipes have been identified as a source of plastic pollution, with plastic microfibres being ingested by marine and riverine animals, and entering the human food chain and water supply.
While many wet wipes contain plastic, some manufacturers have taken steps to produce plastic-free alternatives. These plastic-free wipes will generally state this on the packaging. However, it is important to note that even biodegradable wipes may not fully biodegrade as claimed. This is because the lab-controlled conditions in which biodegradable products break down are not easily replicated in nature.
To address the environmental impact of wet wipes, the UK proposed regulations in 2023 to restrict the use of wet wipes containing plastic in domestic settings. These regulations aim to reduce plastic waste and pollution, as well as mitigate harms to the marine environment and animal health. Exemptions will be included for the sale of wet wipes containing plastic for use in business and medical settings.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that 38% of wet wipes contain plastic, with some sources claiming that this figure is as high as 90%. However, many manufacturers have taken steps to produce plastic-free wet wipes, and there are several biodegradable and reusable options available on the market.
Plastic wet wipes are an unnecessary source of plastic pollution, contributing to the approximately 100 million marine animals that die each year from plastic waste. When disposed of, these wipes break down into microplastics over time, which can be ingested by marine and riverine animals and enter the human food chain and water supply.
Mainstream wipes are manufactured to create a soft yet durable texture, using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP) and cotton woven together with plastic resins. Some wipes may also contain bio-based plastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA).
Yes, there are several alternatives to plastic wet wipes, including biodegradable wipes made from cotton or bamboo, and reusable options such as cleansing cloths or toilet paper gels.
Unfortunately, manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients of most products, so it can be challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic in a wipe. However, consumers can look for products that are certified by independent organizations like Made Safe, which screens household products for potentially harmful ingredients.
