Plastic wet wipes are a major source of pollution in rivers and sewers, and typically they end up in landfill. Earlier government estimates suggested that around 11 billion wet wipes were sold in the UK each year. However, industry experts believed the true figure was much higher. Without accurate data, policy decisions risked underestimating the scale of plastic waste.
Valpak’s Consultancy team gathered and analysed robust market data to provide clarity. Working with stakeholders, we identified that UK consumption was closer to 30.5 billion wipes annually — almost three times the original estimate.
The evidence directly informed the draft Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025. The proposed legislation will restrict the supply and sale of plastic-containing wet wipes, with exemptions for medical and industrial use. This marks a crucial step in tackling plastic waste at the source.
The draft regulations are open for parliamentary scrutiny. Valpak remains committed to supporting government, businesses, and stakeholders with reliable data insights to shape effective sustainability policy and reduce plastic pollution.