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Lanes Group has called for manufacturers of wet wipes to be clearer about the damage their products can cause with tobacco packet-style warnings.
The group produced prototype packaging featuring warnings and is urging industry regulators and manufacturers to use the messages for non-flushable wipes.
The idea is launched as part of Unblocktober, a month-long campaign encouraging people not to dispose of wet wipes, fats, oils and greases or other household items down toilets and sinks.
The wet wipe package was designed by 15-year old student Emma Greenwood to show consumers at the point of sale about the consequences of flushing wipes.
Greenwood said: “It’s so easy to disconnect yourself from the consequences of your decisions because it’s ‘not your problem’ but, inevitably, it does come back to affect you. I hope the packaging will give people the evidence they need to switch to sustainable alternatives or to dispose of the wipes safely.”
Unblocktober, now in its second year, raises awareness of the harm that can be caused to pipes and sewers and what the public can do to stop blockages, which can lead to flooding in streets and homes. Last year more than 4,500 people pledged to take part in the campaign and change their habits for 31 days.
Welsh Water called on government to include wet wipes made with plastic within its single-use plastic ban, which the company said would save £3 million a year in clearing blockages.
To make it clearer to consumers how to dispose of products a ‘Fine to Flush’ certification has been developed for wipes that break down in the sewer system without causing blocks or depositing plastic in waterways.
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