At Guardpack, we have an unwavering passion to promote conservation and sustainability through the use of our biodegradable wet wipes. Now, with the government considering a ban on all plastic wet wipes to help tackle water pollution, this kind of eco-friendly wipe may finally take centre stage across the board.
Following the necessary consultations, this ban could come into effect as early as 2024. Wrongfully flushed wipes contributing to 93% of sewer blockages. This costs around £100m a year to fix – the potential ban shouldn’t come as a shock.
The Guardpack team wanted to take this opportunity to take a look at what the government has proposed and how we can help with the issue of pollution, whether the ban goes through or not!
What Has the Government Proposed?
Should the proposed ban be successful, the sale of plastic wet wipes could be outlawed as early as next year. This stems from a wider initiative called Plan for Water, which, as the name suggests, offers a solution to improve England’s water quality. This initiative has been developed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The ban will (hopefully) result in water companies investing in the initiative. As well as much tougher enforcement of the penalties for those who contribute to pollution. Conservative Environment Minister, Therese Coffey, has even suggested that water companies may face unlimited penalties for dumping sewage.
What Happens If the Ban Is Successful?
To put it simply, the vast majority of wet wipes – essentially any containing plastic – will be banned across the UK. Many companies, including Tesco and Boots, have already stopped selling unsustainable wipes – in favour of biodegradable wet wipes – and countless other shops will have to follow this trend.
Flushing any wet wipe can have a devastating effect on the nation’s plumbing, but even the appropriate disposal of wipes containing plastic has a negative effect on our planet. This is because the plastics don’t break down; ultimately blocking up pipes or spreading harmful microplastics across landfills over time.
The government has stated it will work alongside the industry to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to wet wipes. At Guardpack, we’re incredibly proud to say we’ve been encouraging our clients to invest in biodegradable wet wipes long before this ban was discussed.
What Can Guardpack Bring to the Table?
At this point, it should be no surprise to you that we, at Guardpack, are staunch advocates for sustainable alternatives. And, as such, we approve of this proposed ban.
Our customers are not only given the option, but actively encouraged to opt for our plastic-free material – 100% viscose and fully biodegradable – alongside our recyclable laminate packaging. Are you after some branded wet wipes? Do you feel strongly about reducing the pollution of the UK’s waterways? Please consider us as your manufacturer.
Need Biodegradable Wet Wipes? Contact Us!
If you would like to find out more about our biodegradable wet wipes and sustainable sachets, please get in touch! You can contact Guardpack today on 01245 505 807, or email us at trade@guardpack.co.uk. Don’t forget to check out our Instagram!