UK declares ban on sale of moist wipes containing plastic to sort out air pollution | Politics | News | EUROtoday

The UK is about to ban the sale of moist wipes containing plastic to assist defend the surroundings.

Legislation shall be launched later this 12 months to assist stop damaging plastic air pollution and clear up waterways.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay mentioned: “Wet wipes containing plastic are polluting our waterways and causing microplastics to enter the environment.

“Defra will introduce legislation before the summer recess to crack down on this unnecessary source of pollution, following our successful single-use carrier bag charge and ban on microbeads in personal care products.

“I have been clear that a step change is needed to protect our waterways from pollution.

“The ban builds on a raft of actions already taken to protect our waterways and hold water companies accountable – including accelerating investment, putting water company fines back into the environment and quadrupling the number of inspections of water company sites.”

Defra plans to carry ahead the laws for English earlier than the summer time, with Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales following by the autumn.

Wet wipes containing plastic break down into microplastics over time which analysis exhibits might be dangerous to human well being and disrupt ecosystems.

Recent analysis confirmed a mean of 20 moist wipes had been discovered per 100 metres of seashore surveyed throughout the UK.

Responses to the general public session confirmed 95 per cent assist for the proposed ban.

Some retailers have already stopped promoting moist wipes containing plastic and there shall be an 18-month transition interval to assist companies adapt.

Steve Ager, chief buyer and industrial officer at Boots, mentioned: “Boots removed all wet wipes containing plastic from sale in stores and online last year as part of our long-standing commitment to sustainability and working with suppliers and customers to reduce the use of plastic.

“We are pleased to see the government now taking action as a ban on all wet wipes containing plastic will have a much bigger impact than retailers taking action alone.

“We all have a collective responsibility to protect the environment and support a healthy planet.”