Wet wipe - friend or foe?

Last month, Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey told BBC News that almost all wet wipes will be banned in England as part of their plans to reduce water pollution.

This is obviously a bold statement particularly for those of you who regularly purchase and use wet wipes, so we thought you might be interested to read what Carlos Jay, Business Development, UK for Uniwipe has to say about this topic and how it will affect Uniwipe going forward particularly as they claim to be one of the leading manufacturers of medical grade cleaning wipes.

We understand there have been some concerns on the ban of plastic wet wipes in England following some recent news articles.  There is ongoing consultation in the government on the impact of wet wipes on blockages in the sewage system. In the future this may result in a plastic ban in certain wet wipes or mandatory labelling for correct disposal. However, at present there has been no legislative changes to enforce this and there is no indication on what product type or sectors this will cover.

If there are any future implications on our products we will be in touch and advise accordingly. One of the main messages to get across is the need for responsible waste and not to flush any wipes down the toilet as this is where the problems start occurring with the sewers. When plastic based wet wipes are flushed down toilets they clog up riverbeds, oceans and natural areas.  

At Uniwipe, we already have a range of plastic free wipes all of which are 100% biodegradable and are currently being tested within the healthcare sector.  

Carlos Jay – Business Development, UK

Education is undeniably crucial, and it's safe to say that our waterways would significantly benefit if people refrained from flushing wet wipes down the toilet. It may seem like a tired old phrase, but it's the truth. By educating ourselves and others on proper waste disposal, we can make a positive impact on our environment. Wet wipes are notorious for causing blockages and polluting our waterways, which can have severe consequences for aquatic life and the ecosystem as a whole.

So how do we stand on potentially stronger legislation or enforced labelling for all wet wipes to help educate the way we use wipes?

Since early 2017, EDANA (the leading global association and voice of the nonwovens and related industries) has been promoting a ‘Do Not Flush’ symbol on the front of packaging to help stop users flushing away non-flushable wet wipes. According to Water UK’s 2017 report it was largely baby wipes and cosmetic wipes that were clogging up sewer pipework most of which are linked to the domestic market. Some 5 years on however, the Government is still proposing a change to legislation despite this increased emphasis on labelling, so will the commercial wet wipe industry be affected by domestic mis-disposal or targeted legislation on certain wipes/industries?

Have you ever wondered why wet wipes are so popular? Well, let's take a closer look at the healthcare industry. Antibacterial wipes are often the go-to choice for cleaning and decontaminating surfaces. They're incredibly efficient at preventing infections from spreading between surfaces. Not to mention, they're convenient and readily available in tubs or packs. Accredited wipes are especially beneficial as they dispense the right amount of cleaning solution, ensuring maximum germ-killing effectiveness. This means no more worrying about over or under diluting the solution, and no need for product dilution training. It's no wonder wet wipes have become a staple in many households and industries alike.

So, let's assess the situation? Wet wipes definitely offer some undeniable advantages, but we cannot afford to forget that they pose a significant threat to the environment. If we continue to use them without considering the consequences, we may find ourselves with limited options in the future. Fortunately, companies like Uniwipe are taking steps to address these concerns and are offering more eco-friendly wet wipes should the law change, however, it is up to us to make the change and stop flushing them away. We all have a responsibility for our actions and to make a conscious effort to protect our planet. Ensuring a healthy environment is vital, and clean rivers and surfaces play a significant role in achieving this. Fortunately, the use of wet wipes doesn't have to compromise this goal. We can easily strike a balance between the two and maintain a harmonious co-existence.