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.

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/19754401.flint-wet-wipe-manufacturer-leading-way-plastic-free-future/

Welsh Government Bans Plastic Containing Wet Wipes – Nice-Pak Is Already Leading The Transition and Urges For Responsible Disposal.

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 The Welsh Government has passed legislation banning the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic. From December 18, 2026, it will be illegal to sell and supply any plastic-containing consumer wet wipes in Wales. England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to bring similar bans shortly.

Nice-Pak International (NPI) is Europe’s largest producer of plastic-free wipes.

“Last year, 96% of the wipes Nice-Pak produced for the UK market were plastic-free – we took action well before legislation demanded it.” said Michael Docker, Managing Director at Nice-Pak.

The UK's leading manufacturer of plastic-free wipes

NPI has been a proactive partner in helping its customers transition to sustainable, plastic-free wipes and has been recognised by the Welsh Government for its active role in the consultation process.

Michael continued: “Whilst this ban is excellent news, it’s important to clarify that plastic-free does not mean flushable. Most wipes should be disposed of in the bin. Always check the packaging for correct disposal instructions.”

“We’ve invested heavily in sustainable technologies across our manufacturing sites and launched a global pledge in 2020 to champion plastic-free products and recyclable packaging. Thanks to the collaboration of our suppliers and retail partners, we’ve helped drive large-scale, industry-wide change.”

“We’ve long believed that investing in sustainable innovation is the right thing for the environment. We fully support a complete ban on plastic containing wipes and stand ready to help others make the transition.”

The wipes market in the UK is valued at £508 million equating to 577 million packs. Baby wipes are the largest category accounting for 48% of total volume. *

 

The ban covers all consumer wipes, including baby, household cleaning wipes, cosmetic and personal care wipes. Medical wipes are excluded from the ban.

*Source: Kantar World Panel – UK Wipes Market, 52 week ending 29-Dec-24

 

See Press Links: 

https://www.wigantoday.net/community/welsh-government-bans-plastic-containing-wet-wipes-wigan-manufacturer-leading-the-way-5189390
 

 

 

 

 

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

Nice-Pak Lead In Sustainable Wipe Manufacture – Environmental & Social Impact Headlines 2024

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At Nice-Pak, we are proud to be leading the way in sustainable wet wipe manufacture. As part of our ongoing commitment to a greener future, we’ve made remarkable progress:

✅ 90% of our private label wipes are plastic-free made from plant based fibres, aligning with our mission to produce products for a cleaner, healthier world.
✅ Our ambitious goal? Carbon neutrality by 2030, driving positive change throughout our business.

A big thank you to our passionate team for their relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability!

Check out this short video from our Managing Director, Michael Docker, as he shares insights into our 2024 journey and future goals.

Together, we’re creating cleaner, greener products for future generations. 🌿

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

Politicians praise Nice-Pak’s “great green ambitions”

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Our Flint facility was delighted to host Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami and Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn.

Nice-Pak is the UK’s largest plastic- free private label wipes supplier.

Nice-Pak was founded in the United States in 1957 and employs 2,000 people across seven sites globally.

The Aber Park Industrial Estate site was opened in 1992 and employs 245 people, 60 per cent of whom have been worked here for 10 years or more.

Our  long term partnerships with leading retailers have delivered  numerous award wins including 75 per cent of the best baby wipe awards over the past 12 years. Recognised as a Top Employer for 11 years in a row by the Top Employers Institute. The Top Employers Institute is a global authority that certifies organizations based on their HR practices and employee conditions.

A state-of -the-art facility was constructed in Wigan in 2016.

As well as the manufacturing lines, Nice-Pak has in-house chemists and research and development teams working to develop low-cost high-value products, as well as marketing and consumer insight teams.

Alison Roberts, Corporate Social Responsibility and Communications Manager at Nice-Pak, said: “We are passionate about our plastic-free journey. In 2019 only 9% of our wipes were plastic free.

“We had an ambitious plan to make 80 per cent plastic free by 2022, and currently over 90 per cent are plastic free and we’re ready to move to 100 per cent.”

New Managing Director Michael Docker shared plans to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Both Mark Tami MP and Hannah Blythyn MS will support in helping the company to secure advice and funding to assist with the plans.

Mark Tami and Hannah Blythyn said: “It’s been great to hear about Mike’s plans for the site and to meet the staff and see the obvious passion and dedication that they have towards their work.

“Nice-Pak is a popular, long-standing local employer and we are committed to doing all we can to work together to support both the business and the workforce as they take forward their plans towards achieving carbon neutral status.”

 

Image: From left to right Joey Davies, Michael Docker, MD, Hannah Blythyn MS, Mark Tami MP, Steve Williams, Peter Bushell, Edmundas Kunigonis and Alison Roberts.

Press Links:

https://www.deeside.com/politicians-praise-local-employer-with-great-green-ambitions/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24503319.british-safety-council-honour-nice-pak-flint/

 

Commitment to Carbon Reduction

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Proud to be re-certified for ISO50001 demonstrating our commitment to carbon reduction within our manufacturing facilities.

This certification forms part of our Energy Policy reflective of our desire to lead, promote sustainable practices and demonstrates our commitment to carbon reduction within our manufacturing facilities and across our product lifecycles.

Our response to Governments consultation on proposed ban on plastic containing wipes

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Nice-Pak International produces a range of wet wipes on behalf of global brands and retailers.
In recent weeks the UK, Welsh and Scottish Governments and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland launched a joint consultation on the proposed ban on plastic containing wipes.

Nice-Pak welcome a UK ban on the supply and sale of plastic containing wipes and are already 90 per cent plastic-free as a result of significant efforts over many years.

Nice-Pak outline sustainability progress in The Grocer

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In a recent personal care feature in ‘The Grocer’ magazine, we outlined our long-term commitment to driving sustainable change within the wet wipes industry. As a result of progress already made, 90% of the wipes we produce for the UK market are free from plastic. Read the full article below.

 

Read full article below

Source: The Grocer 30th September 2023. See full article