Momentum is building behind the long-anticipated UK wet wipe ban, as draft legislation to prohibit wet wipes containing plastic continues to progress through Parliament. For manufacturers, retailers, and brands, this marks a decisive shift towards more sustainable product standards. For leaders in the category like Guardpack, the change represents both an important milestone and a welcome opportunity to accelerate the move toward plastic free wet wipes across the market.
This latest parliamentary progress follows months of consultation and debate. Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords have now reviewed the draft Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025. The most recent discussion in the House of Lords on 10 November 2025 can be viewed here. Furthermore, the published draft regulations can also be accessed here.
When Will the UK Wet Wipe Ban Take Effect?
In April 2024, Guardpack provided an update on the Government’s initial intention to ban plastic wet wipes, as detailed in our earlier article, last year. The most recent parliamentary sessions indicate that the transition period will be confirmed shortly, with the ban expected to take effect around May 2027 in England.
Wales, however, is moving ahead faster. The Welsh Government has already finalised and passed its legislation, with the ban coming into force on 18 December 2026. As Wales becomes the first UK nation to lock in a clear deadline, the rest of the UK is expected to align closely.
For businesses operating UK-wide, this staggered timeline highlights two important realities. One, that a single UK-wide regulatory standard is extremely likely, meaning requirements will not differ significantly between nations and two, that the transition period will be short. Beginning preparations now is the safest and most commercially responsible approach.
What Will the Ban Cover?
Under the new regulations, wet wipes containing plastic will be prohibited from being supplied to consumers across:
- Retail settings
- Hospitality, including complimentary restaurant wipes
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Pet care
- Any public-facing or consumer-supplied environment
The restrictions apply equally to free-issue wipes (such as those placed on restaurant tables) and products sold individually or in multipacks. In short, any wet wipe intended for use by the public will need to be plastic-free and biodegradable.
Exemptions: Limited and Strictly B2B
While the legislation includes a small number of exemptions, these apply only to business-to-business transactions and remain open to interpretation until finalised. Current exemptions cover:
- Medical care or treatment under professional supervision
- Industrial and technical applications in manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, laboratories, and electronics
- Internal professional uses where wipes are not supplied to consumers
Importantly, even these exemptions are still in draft form and may be subject to change as final wording is agreed. As the scope and definitions are not yet fully clarified, the safest approach, particularly for any organisation that may serve end users, is to begin transitioning to plastic free wet wipes now.
Environmental Impact and the ‘Three Ps’
Plastic wet wipes have been a consistent source of environmental concern, contributing to river pollution, sewer blockages, and the widespread microplastic problem, due to incorrect flushing.
Despite clear wastewater guidance, millions of wipes are disposed of down toilets each year. Government messaging reinforces that only the ‘three Ps’ should ever be flushed: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Wet wipes – even those labelled ‘flushable’ – can take years to break down, causing:
- Blockages in sewers
- Infrastructure damage costing millions annually
- Harmful ‘fatbergs’
- Microplastic release into rivers and seas
- Pollution on beaches and in waterways
The Government’s press release, “New law bans plastic wet wipes to protect rivers and seas”, highlights that plastic-containing wipes are a major source of microplastics entering the environment. Removing plastic from wet wipes is therefore a direct step towards healthier waterways and a cleaner marine environment.
For brands, transitioning away from plastic is not only a matter of compliance, it is a chance to meet increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products and to strengthen sustainability commitments ahead of legislative deadlines.
Guardpack’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future
As a leading manufacturer of multi-use wet wipes, Guardpack fully supports the Government’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote more responsible material choices. Sustainability has long been at the centre of our product development strategy, and we are proud to already offer a broad range of plastic-free, biodegradable wet wipes.
All mywipe branded products supplied directly to consumers and restaurants are already 100% biodegradable and completely plastic-free, meaning they are already fully aligned with the upcoming ban.
We have invested extensively in alternative materials, sustainable fibres, and innovative formulations that deliver the same high-quality performance without relying on plastics. Our team is ready to assist brands in transitioning existing products to new, compliant substrates – ensuring both continuity of supply and alignment with evolving regulations.
Preparing Your Business for Compliance
If your business manufactures, sells, or supplies wet wipes to consumers, or provides wipes in any customer-facing setting, now is the time to begin preparing. We recommend:
- Reviewing your current product ranges and identifying any SKU that contains plastic.
- Scheduling development time with your manufacturer to transition to plastic free wet wipes/biodegradable alternatives.
- Planning ahead for packaging, labelling, and formulation adjustments.
- Ensuring new production runs begin shifting to compliant materials well before the deadline.
Guardpack is here to support you throughout the transition and can provide expert guidance on materials, compatibility, performance, and regulatory expectations.
Get in Touch
Want to ensure your products remain compliant as UK wet wipe ban regulations come into force? Simply fill out our contact form, email us at trade@guardpack.co.uk, or speak to us on 01245 505807. Our team looks forward to hearing from you!