Defra asks wipe producers to “reconsider” flushable labelling

Environment secretary, Thérèse Coffey, has written to wet wipes producers to ask them to reconsider the use of the word "flushable" on packaging to help prevent sewer blockages and water pollution. They have been asked to respond.

Between 2.1bn and 2.9bn wipes are flushed down lavatories each year, causing 94% of sewer blockages and costing water companies some £100m a year.