UK Ban on Plastic Wet Wipes contrasts with New Zealand’s position
London/Wellington – The United Kingdom has announced a ban on wet wipes containing plastic, a move lauded by environmental groups as a important step towards reducing plastic pollution. However, New Zealand will not be following suit, with the government stating it is taking a different approach too address the issue.
The UK ban, announced this week, will target all wet wipes containing plastic and is expected to come into effect by 2024. It follows growing concerns about the environmental impact of these products, which contribute to river and ocean pollution and clog up sewage systems. New Zealand, while acknowledging the problems caused by wet wipes, is focusing on industry standards and consumer education rather than an outright ban.
Water New Zealand, the country’s largest water industry body, supports a ban, stating wet wipes containing plastic are “a major problem” for water utilities. Chief executive Gillian Blythe explained the damage: “They are extremely damaging to sewers and to the environment, because they clog the sewers, causing effluent overflow into the environment. And also a problem for the environment, blockages caused by wipes are a multimillion-dollar cost to ratepayers, as councils and utilities have to invest a lot of time and money unblocking pipes.” Several years ago,the cost of damage was estimated at $16 million annually,but Blythe believes the figure is now higher due to escalating costs.
Wipes frequently enough combine with fats, oils, and grease to form ‘fatbergs’ within sewer systems. Water New Zealand urges consumers to only flush “the three Ps – pee, poo, [toilet] paper.” However, Blythe also noted that some wipes now meet the Australian and New Zealand flushability standard (AUS/NZS 5328:2022), advising consumers to check packaging for the logo if they choose to purchase wipes.
the issue is expected to worsen as the international wipes industry continues to grow, valued at billions of dollars. Labor’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking has been briefed on the issue, but New Zealand’s government has not indicated any plans to implement a ban similar to the UK’s.
