Valpak by Reconomy data informs UK Government’s draft legislation on plastic wet wipes
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Valpak by Reconomy is proud to share that evidence provided by its Consultancy team has helped shape the UK Government’s newly published draft wet wipe regulations in England. The draft legislation follows the conclusion of a UK-wide consultation on the issue.
Working closely with stakeholders and drawing on robust market data, Valpak’s analysis revealed that wet wipe usage in the UK is significantly higher than previously recorded — with an estimated 30.5 billion wet wipes placed on the market, compared to earlier estimates of 11 billion. This enhanced understanding has supported the development of policy that more accurately reflects market realities.
“We’re extremely proud to see our insights contributing to national policy,” said James Skidmore, Director of Consulting at Valpak. "Accurate data is the foundation of effective regulation. By helping to build a clearer picture of wet wipe usage, we’ve supported stronger, evidence-based proposals.”
The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025 aim to restrict the supply and sale of plastic-containing wet wipes, with exemptions for industrial and medical use. This draft legislation represents a significant step forward in reducing plastic waste at source.
Valpak’s contribution is formally acknowledged in the Government’s consultation outcome, and the organisation remains committed to supporting future-facing, sustainable policy through reliable industry insight.
The draft regulations are now open for parliamentary scrutiny and setting a path toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Key resources:
Consultation Outcome (referencing Valpak’s data):
Draft legislation:
Ends
Editors notes
Valpak’s mission is to create a sustainable, waste-free world. We are driven, not by today. We are driven by tomorrow.
We help our clients to reduce waste and recycle more, continually innovating and using leading data science and expertise to inspire businesses, help push ourselves – and our industry – forward. We don’t just show our customers how to navigate waste regulations; we help them become more sustainable, through our ever-increasing capabilities and pioneering innovations.
Valpak is the largest environmental compliance scheme in the UK. We work with major names, such as Aldi, Tesco, ASOS, and Miele, and manages compliance for more than 2,000 businesses. In 2022, it celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Valpak is part of Reconomy, an international circular economy specialist that combines technology, skills and incredible people to build sustainability ‘loops’ that create circular opportunities for business. This is achieved through a tech enabled, people-powered approach that helps Reconomy’s customers to better manage their resources, reduce waste, optimise their supply chains, and contribute in a meaningful way towards the circular economy.
Valpak services include:
o Compliance under Waste Packaging, WEEE, and Battery Directives.
o Data insights.
o International compliance.
o Consultancy.
o Accreditation under environmental schemes, such as Zero Waste to Landfill.
Valpak invests in pioneering systems and expertise which enable its customers to analyse, assess and improve product design. The Product Data Hub, Insight Platform and dedicated teams work together to drive change.
