Wet wipes making headlines for environmental impact: is a ban approaching?

22-May-2018 - Last updated on 22-May-2018 at 09:50 GMT

Following the now nearly global ban on microbead plastics in cosmetics, consumer interest and demand for sustainable, green beauty has never been higher. Are wet wipes the next to go?

Last week, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), made a statement that singled out the popular personal care format.

“As part of our 25-year environment plan we have pledged to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, and that includes single-use products that include plastic such as wet wipes,” it announced. The UK's environmental plan can be explored here.

With wet wipes now under scrutiny, will we be looking at ditching them altogether One brand suggests there are plastic-free possibilities for the product format.

Plastic-free possibility?

The brand is called Yes To, and offers natural skin care targeted at millennials. Its portfolio includes facial wipes that the company says are plastic-free.

“Our Yes To wipes are made with 100% cellulose, a natural polymer that forms part of the living cells of all vegetation. Cellulose is biodegradable, compostable, and renewable. Our wipes are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.

“Unlike other wipes we do not use plastic “binders”. Yes To wipes are always bound using a technology called Spunlace, this is a process that starts with carded web and entangles long staple fibers with high pressure water jets.

“Spunlace does not used any latex material to bind the fibers, only high pressure.”

Yes To…

Yes To describes itself as an innovative natural brand which welcomes millennials into the natural skincare category through its fun and accessible range.

All its products are marketed as at least 95% natural, and ‘free from harsh chemicals, parabens or silicones and completely cruelty-free’.