Leading the Change: Acting Ahead of Legislation and Calling for Clearer Disposal Labelling for Wet Wipes

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Nice-Pak International (NPI) welcomes the UK government’s approval of legislation to ban the sale and supply of plastic in consumer wet wipes in England and is calling for mandatory disposal labelling on all wet wipe packaging to further support responsible consumer behaviour.

As the leading sustainable wipes manufacturer in the UK and Europe, NPI has already made significant progress toward eliminating plastic from its products. Last year, 96% * of  wipes sold across the UK were plastic-free, with plans in place to transition all customers away from plastic – well ahead of England’s legislative deadline.

The new legislation provides an 18-month transition period for businesses to adapt, requiring all plastic-containing wipes to be removed from the market by Spring 2027. This follows a similar ruling by the Welsh Government, set to take effect in December 2026. NPI  has been actively involved throughout the development of the draft legislation in England and Wales and is a member of DEFRA’s Sewer Misuse Discussion Forum.

While the removal of plastic from wipes is a major step forward, we believe that this alone will not solve the issue of improper disposal. A plastic-free wipe is not necessarily flushable, and flushing non-flushable wipes can contribute to sewer blockages. We, along with our trade body are therefore advocating for mandatory, clearly visible “Do Not Flush” labelling on all non-flushable wipes to help consumers make informed disposal choices.

As long-standing members of EDANA, we have adhered to the industry’s Code of Practice for responsible disposal labelling for many years. 

Clearer labelling will help consumers understand how to dispose of wipes responsibly and reduce the strain on our wastewater systems.

NPI remains committed to driving sustainability and supporting government efforts to reduce environmental impact through innovation, collaboration, and responsible manufacturing practices.

 

 

 

*Private label wipes sold to the UK market by Nice-Pak  in 2024

Media links: https://www.fastmarkets.com/insights/uk-government-to-ban-plastic-wet-wipes-from-entering-market/

See more https://www.nice-pak.co.uk/sustainability/

Our Environmental & Social Impact Report

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At Nice-Pak International we are driven to be the trusted partner in manufacturing, delivering products for a cleaner, healthier world – and to help our retail and brand partners reach their sustainability goals.

The report highlights our ongoing efforts and progress towards a more sustainable future and reflects our commitment to partnership, transparency, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

🌍 Inside the report you’ll learn about:

➡️ How we’re helping our customers to reduce the environmental and social risk in their supply chain
➡️ Our leadership in sustainable wipe manufacture and packaging
➡️ Our commitment to setting a Science-Based Targets and pursuing carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2

The video shares some highlights but there’s lots more in the full report and take a look at our sustainability page

 

🎥 Watch the video 

Nice-Pak feature in The Grocer – Industry response to sustainability & disposal

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We were proud to contribute to The Grocer’s Green Issue, highlighting how the industry is responding to the growing movement against plastic and incorrect disposal of wipes.

In 2024, 92% of the private label wipes Nice-Pak International sold to the UK & European market were plastic-free—a milestone we reached well ahead of incoming legislation. This progress reflects our long-standing commitment to sustainability. Since 2020, we’ve pledged globally to advance plastic-free product development and recyclable packaging, backed by significant investments across our manufacturing sites.

These achievements wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of our retail partners and suppliers, whose shared vision has helped accelerate industry-wide change.

One important reminder: plastic-free doesn’t mean flushable. Most wipes still need to be disposed of in the bin. Always check the packaging for disposal guidance.

Read the full article here: Are retailers and suppliers doing enough in the war on wet wipes? | Analysis & Features | The Grocer

🎥 Watch the video below to learn more.

Vivos Holdings Completes Combination with Nice-Pak

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Transaction closing clears the way for the combined organisation to focus on collaboration and growth opportunities across a range of hygiene and personal care product categories

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vivos Holdings, LLC, a portfolio company of Emprise Group Inc., today announced that it has completed its combination with Nice-Pak Products, Inc. The transaction brings together two industry leaders in private brand and co-manufactured hygiene and personal care products, creating one of the world’s largest solution providers in health and wellness.

 

 

“Today marks a transformative moment in our journey as a 100% employee-owned ESOP holding company,” said Richard Koulouris, Emprise Group Chief Executive Officer. “This transaction combines two industry leaders to create one of the world’s largest solutions partners supporting brand owners and retailers with healthful living products. Vivos brings unmatched operational excellence and broad manufacturing capabilities; Nice-Pak brings a long history of providing innovative solutions and purpose-driven sustainability leadership.”

This transaction expands Vivos’ geographic footprint, enhances its innovation and product development capabilities, and broadens its portfolio of private brand and co-manufactured hygiene and personal care products.

“I would like to thank everyone involved on both sides of this deal for all their incredible hard work,” said Koulouris. “Whether you’re in R&D, on the production floor, in sales, or supporting our operations, this was a massive undertaking that couldn’t have happened without you.”

Founded in 1957 with headquarters in Pearl River, NY, Nice-Pak is the leading global producer of innovative wipes that deliver health and wellness. Nice-Pak has a long history of providing innovative solutions, including the Original Wet-Nap® wipes for foodservice and the first resealable baby wipes travel pack.                                     

About Emprise Group, Inc.

Based in St. Louis, Emprise Group, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned ESOP holding company that focuses on owning and investing in a diverse group of middle-market consumer product manufacturing businesses. Emprise Group enables its operating companies to leverage their competencies and industry knowledge to accelerate growth and create value for its employee-owners. For more information about Emprise Group, visit emprisegroup.com.

 

Our Premier at PLMA

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With only a few days to go until PLMA we can now reveal that we have something very special to share with our visitors – here’s some behind the scenes footage!

Look forward to seeing customers and sharing our latest innovations!   See you at Hall 12 Stand C05 next Tuesday.

 

 

Summertime – where will we travel?

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Great to see Glastonbury over the weekend, we know many festival goers use wipes for their hygiene needs over the summer season. Wherever you take your wipes this summer, please dispose of them responsibly.

 

Nice-Pak deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

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We send our heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family and join all in paying tribute to her lifetime of service.

Nice-Pak’s Global Sustainability Pledges

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Listening and acting to promote sustainable change.

1. Sustainable Choice

Beginning in 2020, in addition to what may be requested, we will offer a sustainable option as part of every quotation, addressing the same need and containing as a minimum, a responsibly-sourced, plastic-free nonwoven.

2. Sustainable Packaging

Beginning in 2020, we will have at least one environmentally-preferable packaging option available in each of our major product categories and expand that offering over time.

3. Our Brands

We will always prioritise the use of sustainable materials in our own brands. Any plastics remaining in nonwovens within our branded products by the end of 2020 will be transparently communicated on-pack.

4. Chemicals of Concern

We will constantly monitor chemicals of concern and take action as appropriate in the interests of both our customers and the consumer.

5. Responsible Manufacturing

Our operations/plants are committed to using innovative and sensible environmental steps to minimise impact on the planet with a focus on preserving our natural resources.

6. Responsible Disposal

We will consistently advise and encourage customers to comply with the Industry Code of Practice on ‘Do Not Flush’ labelling. In addition, we will report annually on the overall compliance levels of our customers with that Code of Practice towards the goal of 100% compliance. At consumer level, we will continue efforts to drive awareness of the need for appropriate disposal of wet wipes in order to protect the environment.

Sani Hands Antibacterial Wipes in Focus

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We were pleased to host the Sky News crew yesterday who wanted to learn about unprecedented demand for our Sani-Hands antibacterial hand wipe.

 

Sani Hands appeared on Sky TV breakfast news this morning.  Ian Anderson, Marketing Director, stated that “ we are looking at contingency plans to increase our capacity.  That is a challenge that we are fully embracing and one that we are confident we can meet.”

Sani Hands provides up to 6 hours protection against germs and bacteria and is becoming an important weapon in the current national campaign for improved hand hygiene.