UK bans single use plastic wipes

Overview of the New Regulations

The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025 introduce a comprehensive ban on the supply of plastic-containing wet wipes to consumers in England. This legislation represents a significant shift in environmental protection policy and has major implications for cosmetic formulators, beauty brands, and personal care product manufacturers.

Key Implementation Date

The regulations come into force 18 months after they are made (approved by Parliament). This gives cosmetic companies time to reformulate products and adjust supply chains before enforcement begins.

Definition of “Plastic” Under the Regulations

Understanding what constitutes “plastic” is critical for compliance. The regulations define plastic as:

• A material consisting of polymer as defined in Article 3(5) of REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
• May have additives or other substances added
• Functions as a main structural component of final products
• Excludes natural polymers that have not been chemically modified

This definition is significant because it means:

• Synthetically modified natural polymers (like some cellulose derivatives) may be classified as plastic
• Truly unmodified natural polymers are exempt
• The polymer definition from REACH applies, which includes substances with repeating molecular units

Definition of “Wet Wipes”

The regulations define a wet wipe as:

• A non-woven piece of fabric
• Pre-wetted
• Not designed or intended to be reused

This covers most cosmetic wipes including:

• Makeup remover wipes
• Facial cleansing wipes
• Baby wipes (in cosmetic/personal care category)
• Body cleansing wipes
• Tanning wipes
• Any single-use pre-moistened cleansing product

What Products Are Banned?

The regulations prohibit supplying or offering to supply wet wipes containing plastic to end users (consumers) in England in the course of business.

Products Affected:

• Retail cosmetic wipes sold directly to consumers
• Online sales to consumers in England
• Gift sets containing plastic-based wet wipes
• Promotional samples distributed to consumers

Products NOT Covered by the Ban:

Business-to-business sales remain exempt, as do certain medical and pharmacy supplies.

Important Exemptions for Cosmetic Companies

1. Registered Pharmacy Exemption

Retail pharmacy businesses can supply plastic-containing wet wipes if:

• Supplied at a registered pharmacy or through online pharmacy sales
• Not advertised to customers in England
• If supplied in-store: kept out of sight and not accessible to customers unless requested
• Online display on pharmacy websites is permitted

This exemption may apply to some cosmetic wipes sold through pharmacy channels.

2. Medical Purposes Exemption

Wet wipes supplied for medical purposes by healthcare professionals are exempt. This includes:

• Products used under healthcare professional direction
• Preventative medicine applications
• Medical diagnosis or treatment purposes

Some cosmetic wipes marketed for medical or therapeutic skin conditions may qualify, but this requires careful legal assessment.

3. Business-to-Business Supply

Supplying plastic-containing wipes to other businesses or local authorities for business purposes is exempt. This means:

• Supplying retailers or distributors remains legal
• Sales to professional beauty salons or spas may be exempt
• The end-user restriction only applies to consumer sales

Implications for Cosmetic Formulators

Reformulation Priorities

Formulators must evaluate their wet wipe product portfolios and:

1. Identify plastic-containing substrates – Most conventional non-woven fabrics contain:
   • Polyester (PET)
   • Polypropylene
   • Polyethylene
   • Viscose blends with synthetic binders
2. Source alternative materials such as:
   • 100% unmodified natural cellulose
   • Plant-based materials (cotton, bamboo, wood pulp)
   • Biodegradable non-woven fabrics without plastic polymers (beware PLA and PHA may not be exempt if they are classified as plastic polymers)
3. Verify polymer status – Work with substrate suppliers to:
   • Confirm chemical modification status of natural polymers
   • Obtain documentation on polymer composition
   • Ensure compliance with REACH definitions
   • REACH defines “plastic” and what’s excluded from that definition. The exclusion is very narrow: only natural polymers with no chemical modification
4. Test reformulated products for:
   • Structural integrity when wetted
   • Product compatibility with new substrates
   • Consumer performance equivalence
   • Shelf-life stability

To kno more about this regulation check the UK regulatory website