Karen McIntyre, Editor09.20.19
In the past 12 months, the EU plastics directive has quickly replaced flushability as the most talked-about topic in wipes. The impact of the Single Use Plastics Directive, which puts significant limits on the percentage of plastic waste that can go into landfills, will likely be strong on wipes. Already, it is expected that wet wipes—along with filtered cigarettes and feminine hygiene items—will face stringent labeling requirements that need to inform consumers about the appropriate disposal of the product and about the negative impacts of SUPs and littering on the environment. Additionally, EU members will be required to develop awareness programs educating consumers on reusable alternatives to products containing SUPs.
While this legislation, set to become effective in about three years, will impact just the EU member countries, there is already substantial legislation under review in many U.S. states and municipalities. Proposed legislation in California is probably the most ambitious, seeking to significantly reduce the use of SUPs in packaging and products by 2030. This would be achieved through source reduction, recycling and composting.
Concern over these regulations is high. Already, both EDANA and INDA have started working overtime to gauge just how impactful these measures will be on disposable products that contain plastics, like wipes. While there is hope that legislation will consider the benefits, many wipe products provide to consumers health and well being, brands both large
and small are already looking at strategies.
Many of their strategies revolve around alternative raw materials and suppliers to the global wipes market are delivering. From cotton to pulp to bamboo to cellulose, makers of nonwoven substrates are making sure their customers have products that not only are plastic free but that have a happy end of life story—whether it be recycling, biodegrading or repurposing.
The conversation about plastics and its role in the wipes industry is changing fast. Companies that don’t keep up could face dire consequences.
While this legislation, set to become effective in about three years, will impact just the EU member countries, there is already substantial legislation under review in many U.S. states and municipalities. Proposed legislation in California is probably the most ambitious, seeking to significantly reduce the use of SUPs in packaging and products by 2030. This would be achieved through source reduction, recycling and composting.
Concern over these regulations is high. Already, both EDANA and INDA have started working overtime to gauge just how impactful these measures will be on disposable products that contain plastics, like wipes. While there is hope that legislation will consider the benefits, many wipe products provide to consumers health and well being, brands both large
and small are already looking at strategies.
Many of their strategies revolve around alternative raw materials and suppliers to the global wipes market are delivering. From cotton to pulp to bamboo to cellulose, makers of nonwoven substrates are making sure their customers have products that not only are plastic free but that have a happy end of life story—whether it be recycling, biodegrading or repurposing.
The conversation about plastics and its role in the wipes industry is changing fast. Companies that don’t keep up could face dire consequences.