U.K. Retailers Vow to Stop Selling Plastic-Based Wipes

A number of U.K.-based retailers are pledging to ban the sale of wipes containing plastics in an effort to curb non-biodegradable waste and solve sewage problems they feel are being caused by improper flushing, a move that wipes industry stakeholders fear could backfire. Instead, these associations feel wipes makers and retailers should focus on proper labeling and increasing consumer education to solve problems associated with wipes.

In April, Boots became the latest retailer to announce a plan to stop the sale of plastic-based wipes, joining the likes of Tesco and Aldi. These efforts could impact baby wipes made by international conglomerates like Procter & Gamble and Huggies.

“Our customers are more aware than ever before of their impact on the environment, and they are actively looking to brands and retailers to help them lead more sustainable lives,” says Steve Ager, chief customer and commercial officer of Boots. “We removed plastics from our own brand and No7 wet wipe ranges in 2021 and now we are calling on other brands and retailers across the U.K. to follow suit in eliminating all plastic-based wet wipes. We all have a r