The UK will ban the sale and supply of wet wipes/face towels containing plastic components.

According to AFP, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs issued a statement on November 18th, announcing a ban on the sale and supply of wet wipes/face towels containing plastic components. The statement noted that these products not only cause environmental pollution but are also a major cause of sewer blockages. The new regulations, effective from early 2027, will lead to cleaner rivers, lakes, and beaches, and better protection for wildlife. A UK water industry research organization found that 94% of sewer blockages are caused by wet wipes, costing water companies approximately £200 million (about S$342 million) in repair costs annually.

The new regulations only target wet wipes containing plastic components, which experts say are particularly harmful to the environment. However, exemptions are possible in some cases, such as for wipes used by medical professionals. Registered pharmacies can still sell wet wipes containing plastic components, provided they do not directly display or advertise them to customers.