Why the new UK wet-wipes rules matter; and why clinical staff and patients don’t need to panic
Topdental Products Ltd manufacture disinfection wet wipes for the healthcare industry, this includes dental surgeries and hospitals. Our wipes are registered medical devices which are designed for use by professional clinical staff.
In order to protect waterways, the UK government has recently confirmed the ban for wet wipes that contain plastic. From Spring 2027, wipes that contain plastic will no longer be available for sale or supply. Read more gov.uk/wetwipeban
Importantly, there is a critical exemption to this ban for wipes designed for use within medical environments.
Why do wipes use plastic
A wipe material is designed to do one thing and one thing only: transfer the disinfectant solution to the surface to destroy micro-organisms that cause infection.
Polypropylene is a great material for this purpose as it “releases” the solution easily. Other materials can absorb the disinfectant and prevent its release on to the surface. This can result in poorer disinfection performance.
After the UK government confirmed new legislation to ban the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in England. Our first thought was: How could this effect patient care and infection prevention?
The answer, thankfully, is now clear – it will not!
“Disinfection wipes that are used in medical (this includes dental) environments by professional clinical staff will be exempt from the ban.”
Wipes that are currently supplied to provide vital infection control for healthcare purposes can continue to be used. Read more gov.uk/wetwipeexemption
This means the wet wipes that Topdental manufacture in our own Bossklein brand and for our range of other brand partners will remain unaffected by the ban.
Our wipes will continue to be utilised everyday by thousands of clinical professionals, controlling infections and reducing the risks associated with disease transmission.
What do we think of the ban
Topdental support this ban and the switch to plastic free alternatives for general, mass market consumers. These are genuine, positive steps that can have a real environmental impact in both reducing the production and waste of plastic.
The ban is designed to reduce the amount of plastic pollution and microplastics that end up in drains, sewers and waterways. These plastic fibres do not biodegrade properly, causing blockages and contributing to long term pollution.
It was important to receive official confirmation of the ban and for a timeline to be established. The ban is expected to come into force in spring 2027.
Why the exemption matters
Many of the wipes sold to consumers are designed for convenience. Including baby wipes, cosmetic wipes and household cleaning wipes. Unfortunately many of these wipes are then flushed down the toilet and enter the waterways.
The wipes used in dental surgeries and hospitals are engineered differently. These include extensive testing for biocompatibility, disinfection efficacy and regulatory compliance. Importantly, these wipes are not entering the sewage system after use.
Disinfection wipes used in clinical environments should be discarded within clinical or offensive waste. This is alongside other items such as used PPE and dressings.
This waste is likely to be incinerated which removes many of the risks associated with plastic pollution entering waterways.
A blunt ban without provision for medical use would risk interruptions to vital infection control protocols.
The new UK wet wipe regulations make a clear distinction between consumer products and disinfection wipes supplied for medical professionals. That legal clarity protects both patient/staff safety and the continuity of supply to healthcare providers.
Prioritising healthcare
First, we welcome the environmental intent behind the ban. Microplastic pollution from consumer wipes is a real problem but we also know that healthcare has different needs.
Dental surgeries, hospital wards and other clinical environments are considered at high risk for cross contamination. The high levels of traffic from patients and staff increase risk. Disinfection performance is vital in these high risk areas.
Topdental’s wipes are registered medical devices that fulfil the exemption criteria and will continue to be manufactured and supplied.
Topdental wipes already include the all the correct documentation and labelling that purchasers (and regulators) require to show they are for clinical use.
Plastic-free alternatives
At the same time, innovation is part of Topdental’s DNA.
We already offer a biodegradable, plastic-free wet wipe designed for both dental practice and medical hygiene applications.
Bossklein V-WIPE ZERO ECO-XL disinfection wipes are made from renewable cellulose fibres. They are formulated to the same microbial standards as our traditional products. Read more Bossklein.com/eco-xl
These disinfection wipes are the ideal alternative for practices looking to reduce their plastic use and carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
V-WIPE ZERO ECO-XL wipes are part of the Bossklein Complete Hygiene Solutions range and already used by many environmentally conscious clinics.
A balance of safety and stewardship
The new rules aim to protect waterways and sewers from persistent plastic fibres, a goal Topdental whole heartedly support. At the same time, they wisely protect healthcare providers with the agreed exemption.
At Topdental we’re committed to supplying safe and certified wipes for clinical care and accelerating plastic-free alternatives. Ensuring safety levels remain high and the health sector can reduce it’s overall environmental impact.
Concerned about how this upcoming ban may affect the products you are providing or using? Reach out and contact your infection control partner Topdental.
Call: 01535 652 750
Email: sales@topdental.co.uk