Ethan Clarke
Wet wipes are a common household product used for cleaning and hygiene purposes. While they are marketed as a convenient and disposable solution, they have come under scrutiny for their environmental impact, particularly due to the presence of plastic in their composition. Studies have found that a significant proportion of wet wipes contain plastic, which contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our waterways and natural environments. This has led to increasing calls for a ban on plastic in wet wipes and the development of plastic-free alternatives. With 11 billion wet wipes sold each year in the UK, the plastic content in these products is a pressing issue that requires attention from policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of wet wipes containing plastic | 80%-90% |
| Time taken to biodegrade | Decades |
| Impact on the environment | Contributes to plastic pollution, clogs septic pipes, releases plastic into waterways, degrades into microfibers, found in marine sediments, fish bodies, and the ocean |
| Types of plastic used | Polypropylene, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polyester |
| Biodegradability of plastic types | Non-biodegradable |
| Alternative plastic-free options | Cotton dry wipes, cellulose wipes, bio-based wet wipes |
| Action needed | Ban on plastic in wet wipes, improved labelling, consumer education, improved sewage infrastructure |
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What You'll Learn
Wet wipes are made of plastic
Wet wipes are made of fibres moistened by water and various cleansing agents depending on their use. The predominant component of wet wipes is spunlace non-woven fabric, whose main raw materials are petroleum-based fibres (mainly polyester fibres) and bio-based fibres (mainly viscose fibres). Polypropylene and PET are also common materials used in wet wipes. Polypropylene is often used in the packaging of many products and sometimes in diapers and period care products. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is used in plastic bottles and polyester. Neither type of plastic is biodegradable; instead, they turn into small pieces called microplastics, which can work their way into drinking water, food, and our bodies.
The presence of plastic in wet wipes has led to calls for a ban on plastic in these products. There are already many affordable, convenient plastic-free wipes on the market. In addition to banning plastic in wet wipes, policymakers, manufacturers, retailers, water companies, and the general public need to take action to address the pervasive issue of wet wipes in rivers and the environment. Manufacturers and retailers must create innovative plastic-free alternatives, improve labelling, and educate the public about how to dispose of wet wipes properly. Water companies must invest in sewage infrastructure to reduce sewage overflows and install screens to prevent wet wipes from entering the environment.
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Plastic pollution in rivers
Wet wipes, in particular, have been identified as a significant source of plastic pollution in rivers. Despite their convenience, wet wipes are often made with plastic, taking decades to biodegrade and leaving behind harmful microplastics. A study of the Don River found that wet wipes constituted 25% of all macroplastic pollution, and similar initiatives like Thames21's Big Wet Wipe Count have revealed alarming densities of wet wipes in rivers.
The plastic in wet wipes not only harms wildlife but also clogs septic pipes, leading to blockages and the release of plastic directly into waterways. This has prompted calls for multi-stakeholder action, including improved labelling, innovative plastic-free alternatives, and better sewage infrastructure. While some countries, like Bangladesh, are implementing creative recycling solutions, a global reduction in single-use plastic consumption is paramount to stem the tide of plastic flooding our rivers and oceans.
To address plastic pollution in rivers, a range of strategies are being proposed and implemented. These include public awareness campaigns, such as educating consumers about proper wet wipe disposal ("bin it, don't flush it"), advocating for stronger labelling standards, and calling on manufacturers to develop plastic-free alternatives. Additionally, there is a focus on improving sewage infrastructure to reduce reliance on sewage overflows and installing screens to prevent wet wipes from entering water bodies. Some organizations are also working with government leaders, private corporations, and the scientific community to tackle the most polluting rivers using innovative technologies and knowledge-sharing.
While these efforts are encouraging, the problem of plastic pollution in rivers remains pervasive. It requires ongoing commitment and collaboration from policymakers, manufacturers, retailers, water companies, and the public to implement effective solutions and drive systemic change.
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Plastic in wipes harms wildlife and human health
Plastic in wipes is a pressing issue that harms both wildlife and human health. Wet wipes are made of fibres moistened with water and cleansing agents. They are often marketed as "biodegradable" and flushable, but they can persist in the environment for weeks to months, releasing harmful microfibers and chemicals. These microfibers can enter waterways, clog pipes, and harm aquatic life and ecosystems.
The plastic in wet wipes can take decades or even hundreds of years to decompose, leading to environmental pollution and harm to wildlife. As the plastic breaks down, it releases microplastics that can enter the food chain and accumulate in the bodies of animals and humans. This can lead to health issues such as hormone disruption and reproductive problems in wildlife and potentially impact human health as well.
The production and disposal of plastic wipes contribute to plastic waste and pollution. They can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they can entangle and choke animals, block their digestive systems, and contaminate water supplies. For example, a study found that 95% of mitten crabs and 75% of European flounder in the Thames River had plastic in their stomachs. Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Additionally, plastic fibres can be abrasive and cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in newborns or individuals with sensitive skin. Banning plastic in wet wipes, improving labelling, and developing innovative plastic-free alternatives are crucial steps towards reducing the harmful impact of plastic wipes on both the environment and human health.
While some companies have introduced eco-friendly alternatives made from natural materials, greater transparency and rigorous testing of non-plastic alternatives are needed to fully understand their environmental impact.
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Banning plastic in wet wipes
Plastic in wet wipes has been a significant contributor to plastic pollution. In the UK alone, 11 billion wet wipes are used annually, with approximately 90% of them containing plastic. These wet wipes take years to break down, and when they finally do, they release small pieces of plastic into the water, which are ingested by wildlife. This has led to calls for a ban on plastic in wet wipes to protect the environment and wildlife.
In response to these concerns, the UK government has announced a ban on the supply and sale of single-use wet wipes containing plastic across the country. This ban is expected to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution and the volume of microplastics entering wastewater treatment sites when wrongly flushed. It will also help protect beaches and waterways from plastic pollution. The ban will be introduced via secondary legislation under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, with overwhelming public support for the proposal.
While this ban is a welcome development, some believe that it is not enough to improve the health of rivers. They advocate for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving policymakers, manufacturers, retailers, water companies, and the general public, to effectively tackle the pervasive issue of wet wipes in rivers. Manufacturers and retailers must create innovative plastic-free alternatives and improve labelling to educate consumers about proper wet wipe disposal. Water companies must also invest in improving sewage infrastructure to reduce reliance on sewage overflows and install screens to prevent wet wipes from entering the environment.
To ensure the effectiveness of the ban, it is crucial for all stakeholders to play their part. Government agencies should enforce the legislation and hold violators accountable. Manufacturers and retailers should transition to plastic-free alternatives and provide clear disposal instructions on their products. Water companies should continue to invest in infrastructure upgrades and explore additional measures to capture wet wipes before they enter natural water bodies. Consumers should also take responsibility for their wet wipe disposal, ensuring that they do not flush wet wipes down the toilet and only dispose of them in the bin.
The ban on plastic in wet wipes is a significant step towards reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment. By working together and taking collective responsibility, we can make a positive impact on the health of our planet and safeguard its fragile ecosystems for future generations.
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Plastic-free alternatives
Wet wipes are a major source of plastic pollution, with studies finding plastic in 80%-90% of tested wipes. They contribute to drain blockages and the death of marine life when flushed, and their plastic fibres degrade into microplastics that choke wildlife and pollute rivers. While some retailers have banned plastic wipes, and governments are working towards legislation to ban plastic in wet wipes, there is a need for consumers to seek plastic-free alternatives.
One alternative to plastic wet wipes is reusable cloths, which can be dampened and kept in a waterproof pouch for when you're on the go. These cloths can be washed and reused thousands of times, reducing your environmental footprint. For example, GRASP London's Mushi cleansing cloths are made of microfibres that clean mucky hands and faces effectively and are machine washable.
Another option is biodegradable wipes made from bamboo, such as those from Cheeky Panda. Bamboo is soft and gentle on the skin and comes from a plant that grows quickly, making it a sustainable alternative. However, it's important to note that harvesting bamboo and turning it into a cellulose product requires a chemical formula that some may not prefer. Additionally, bamboo is primarily grown in East Asia, requiring long-distance shipping to reach Western countries.
Waterful also offers plastic-free disposable wipes made from cellulose plant fibres that are biodegradable. Mum & You's wipes are another alternative, claiming to disintegrate twice as fast as an apple core, making them suitable for food recycling or composting bins.
Simple at-home alternatives include using waste paper from your recycling bin to wipe down items like your kitchen bin, or rinsing muddy shoes in the shower and letting them dry there.
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Frequently asked questions
Wet wipes are made of fibres moistened by water and various cleansing agents depending on their use. The predominant component of wet wipes is spunlace non-woven fabric, whose main raw materials are petroleum-based fibres (mainly polyester fibres) and bio-based fibres (mainly viscose fibres).
Yes, wet wipes contain plastic. Recent studies have found plastic in 80% of tested wet wipes, and in the UK, 11 billion wet wipes are sold each year, 90% of which contain plastic.
Plastic in wet wipes has been linked to a range of environmental harms to wildlife and negative impacts on human health. Wet wipes take decades to biodegrade, leaving behind harmful microplastics as they break down. These microplastics can work their way into our drinking water, food, and bodies. Wet wipes also contribute to sewage blockages and release plastic into waterways when flushed down the toilet.
