Plastic wet wipes to be banned in Wales from 2026

Plastic wet wipes will be banned in Wales to reduce environmental harm following a vote in the Senedd.

From December 2026, it will be an offence to supply wet wipes containing plastic to customers.

A motion was passed in a plenary session of all 60 members, with no objections.

There will be an exemption for medical-grade wipes and the ban does not extend to business-to-business.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the vote was another step towards reducing the environmental harm caused by plastic and microplastic pollution.

The regulations add plastic wet wipes to a 2023 law prohibiting a list of single-use plastic products.

Irranca-Davies said the impact of wet wipe pollution is tangible, and it is long-lasting.

"Taking decisive action will encourage manufacturers, retailers and consumers of the need to continue our shift towards reusable and non-plastic products," he said.

He told Senedd members the ban will not extend to business-to-business supply, only covering supply to consumers as with other single-use plastics.

"Wet wipes for specific industrial use, where plastic-free alternatives are unsuitable or do not exist, are not included," he added.

"But we will encourage these sectors to innovate."

He added there was an exemption for medical-grade wet wipes that do contain plastic which are designed or manufactured for use in medical care or treatment.

There is an 18-month transition period that will allow manufacturers time to adapt their business, as he welcomed the cross-party support for the ban.

Conservative MS Janet Finch-Saunders welcomed the move and said wipes continue to contribute to a significant number of sewage blockages, causing overspills.