The plastic wet wipe ban in the United Kingdom has now been formally confirmed by the Government, with an official implementation date of 19 May 2027 in England, marking a significant regulatory milestone for manufacturers, brand owners and suppliers of wet wipes and individual sachets.
This update follows several years of consultation, environmental campaigning and industry engagement. As a leading UK wet wipe and sachet manufacturer, Guardpack has consistently kept customers informed of developments around the plastic wet wipe ban and has proactively supported the transition towards more sustainable, compliant alternatives. Here, we discuss the ban in more detail.
What Is the UK Plastic Wet Wipe Ban?
The plastic wet wipe ban will restrict the sale and supply of wet wipes that contain plastic in the United Kingdom from May next year. The ban forms part of the Government’s wider strategy to tackle plastic pollution, reduce microplastics entering waterways, and encourage the use of sustainable materials.
Wet wipes containing plastic fibres have been identified as a major contributor to sewer blockages, environmental contamination and marine pollution. Despite often being labelled as ‘flushable’, plastic wet wipes do not readily break down and are a key cause of fatbergs and wastewater infrastructure damage.
The Government has now published detailed guidance outlining the scope of the ban, including definitions, exemptions and enforcement considerations. These official guidelines can be viewed here.
Products Included Under the Ban
According to the published guidance, the plastic wet wipe ban applies to any pre-moistened wipe that contains plastic, regardless of whether it is marketed for:
- Personal Care/Baby wipes
- Cosmetic and beauty wipes
- Household and surface cleaning wipes
Consumer-facing products containing plastic fibres will fall firmly within scope.
Products Excluded Under the Ban
Certain wet wipes are excluded, including:
- Wet wipes for medical purposes and those sold through registered Pharmacies.
- Wet wipes supplied to businesses, charities and public sector organisations.
Brands should note that exemptions are not limited and all consumer-facing wipes containing plastic fibres will be regulated.
Important: While the ban comes into force in England on 19 May 2027, it is enforced on 18 December 2026 in Wales, and 18 May 2027 in Northern Ireland. Businesses operating across the UK should ensure compliance according to the relevant nation’s deadline.
For brands and retailers, this means that product composition and labelling will all come under increased scrutiny as the enforcement dates approach.
Guardpack’s Position on the Plastic Wet Wipe Ban
Guardpack fully supports the plastic wet wipe ban and the wider objective of reducing plastic pollution across the UK. For over 25 years, sustainability and regulatory compliance have long been central to our approach, and we have consistently communicated developments around the wet wipe ban to our customers well ahead of regulatory deadlines. Our updates reflect our commitment to keeping customers informed and prepared, rather than reacting at the last minute. You can read these pieces here:
- Plastic-Free Wet Wipes: A Societal Essential
- Plastic-Free Wet Wipes: An Update on the Consultation and Plastic Wet Wipe Ban – Government policy update policy update, April 2024.
- Plastic-Free Wet Wipes: UK Wet Wipe Ban Moves Forward – Update, November 2025.
Transition to Biodegradable and Plastic-Free Alternatives
In line with the direction set by the plastic wet wipe ban, Guardpack has already transitioned our own-branded mywipe products to biodegradable fabrics, supporting users that want to move away from plastic-based wipes without compromising performance or quality.
For private label customers, Guardpack is actively supporting your transition to plastic-free wet wipes and compliant materials. To ensure customers have sufficient time to adapt, new production of non-biodegradable consumer products will be assigned an expiry date of April 2027, a month ahead of the UK May 2027 enforcement deadline.
This proactive approach is designed to minimise disruption, reduce risk, and support smooth product transitions.
What Customers Should Do Now
Although the plastic wet wipe ban does not come into force until 19 May 2027 in England, businesses should not delay planning. Reformulation and specification changes all require sufficient lead time. Guardpack strongly encourages customers to:
- Review existing wet wipe product specifications
- Begin transitioning to plastic-free, biodegradable alternatives now
- Engage early to avoid supply chain pressure closer to the deadline
Our experienced team is already working with businesses across the UK to develop compliant solutions that meet both regulatory requirements and brand expectations.
Ongoing Regulatory Communication
This announcement represents a key regulatory milestone and a huge move forward for sustainability. Guardpack will continue to provide clear, timely updates as further guidance and details emerge.
If you would like to discuss the plastic wet wipe ban, explore compliant alternatives, or plan your transition strategy, please contact Guardpack today.
- Fill out our contact form
- Email us at trade@guardpack.co.uk
- Phone us on 01245 505807
By working together, we can ensure compliance, protect your brand, and support the move towards a more sustainable future for wet wipes in the UK. Our team looks forward to hearing from you.