Plastic wet wipes will be banned in Wales to reduce environmental harm following a vote in the Senedd. From December 2026, it will be an offence to supply wet wipes containing plastic to customers. A motion was passed in a plenary session of all 60 members, with no objections. There will be an exemption for medical-grade wipes and the ban does not extend to business-to-business. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the vote was another step towards reducing the environmental harm caused by plastic and microplastic pollution. The regulations add plastic wet wipes to a 2023 law prohibiting a list of single-use plastic products. Irranca-Davies said the impact of wet wipe pollution is tangible, and it is long-lasting. "Taking decisive action will encourage manufacturers, retailers and consumers of the need to continue our shift towards reusable and non-plastic products," he said. He told Senedd members the ban will not extend to business-to-business supply, only covering supply to consumers as with other single-use plastics. "Wet wipes for specific industrial use, where plastic-free alternatives are unsuitable or do not exist, are not included," he added. "But we will encourage these sectors to innovate." He added there was an exemption for medical-grade wet wipes that do contain plastic which are designed or manufactured for use in medical care or treatment. There is an 18-month transition period that will allow manufacturers time to adapt their business, as he welcomed the cross-party support for the ban. Conservative MS Janet Finch-Saunders welcomed the move and said wipes continue to contribute to a significant number of sewage blockages, causing overspills.
Plastic wet wipes to be banned in Wales from 2026
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"Wales to Implement Ban on Plastic Wet Wipes Starting December 2026"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Wales has taken a significant step towards environmental protection by voting to ban plastic wet wipes, effective from December 2026. This decision was reached during a plenary session of the Senedd, where all 60 members voted in favor of the motion, with no objections raised. The ban specifically prohibits the supply of wet wipes containing plastic to consumers, although it does allow for exemptions in certain cases. Medical-grade wipes designed for healthcare purposes are excluded from this prohibition, as well as business-to-business transactions. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies emphasized that this move is part of a broader initiative to address the serious environmental issues caused by plastic and microplastic pollution, which have a long-lasting impact on ecosystems. He noted that the ban aligns with existing legislation from 2023 that already restricts several single-use plastic products, underscoring a commitment to reducing plastic consumption in Wales.
The transition period of 18 months will provide manufacturers with the necessary time to adjust their operations in light of the new regulations. This period aims to facilitate a smooth transition and encourage innovation within the industry. During the discussions, Irranca-Davies highlighted the tangible effects of wet wipe pollution, particularly in terms of contributing to sewage blockages and environmental degradation. Conservative Member of the Senedd Janet Finch-Saunders expressed her support for the ban, noting the significant role that wet wipes play in causing sewage overspills. The ban represents a collaborative effort among lawmakers to promote the use of reusable and non-plastic alternatives, thereby fostering a cultural shift towards more sustainable practices among manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike.
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