Supply and sale of plastic based wipes to be stopped, but Angling Trust outlines three more concerns
Wet wipes from a sewage over-spill trapped in a riverside bush.
The government has introduced legislation to ban the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic. Whilst the Angling Trust (AT) supports the initiative, it urges that there are three more concerns and recommendations to make this legislation truly effective.
• Non-plastic wet wipes – such as those made from lyocell and viscose – should also be include in the ban. The are often labelled as biodegradable, but can persist in the environment.
• More clarification and standardisation of disposal information is also required on the packaging. For instance, a term such as ‘flushable’ encourages harmful consumer behaviour.
• Support for sustainable, reusable alternatives to single-use products. The Trust says that an increase of accessible, affordable reusable options are essential to reduce consumption and waste.
Stuart Singleton-White, Head of Campaigns at the AT commented: “True sustainability will require comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of environmental degradation… We look forward to continued dialogue [with government] and action that will lead to effective and sustainable management of all types of wet wipes and other similar products.”
