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https://www.circularonline.co.uk/news/uk-governments-announce-ban-on-wet-wipes-containing-plastic/>
"The UK government said it expects to pass legislation for a ban on wet wipes
containing plastic by the end of 2024. There will be an 18-month transition
period from the point legislation is passed.
The UK government and devolved administration will introduce regulations
separately via their respective legislative mechanisms. The ban will not
include the manufacture of wet wipes containing plastic, in line with other
recent single-use plastic bans, following consultation with industry.
The government response also sets out exemptions to ensure that wet wipes
containing plastic remain available “where there is no viable alternative”,
such as for medical disinfectant purposes.
In October 2023, the UK government, Welsh government, Scottish government and
Northern Ireland Executive launched a joint consultation on a proposed ban on
the manufacture, supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic, which
received 1,561 responses.
95% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the proposed ban on wet wipes
containing plastic. Over 96% of responses from members of the public and
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) either agreed or strongly agreed with the
proposed ban.
The UK government’s response to the consultation said respondents “emphasised
the need to reduce pollution and protect the environment and infrastructure”.
It continued that respondents said wet wipes containing plastic are an
unnecessary source of plastic pollution, particularly in waterways."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
