Households are being encouraged to make a change to their washing up liquid buying habits in 2025 to help reduce the devastating impact of plastic waste on the world’s oceans.
Millions of plastic bottles of washing up liquid are used by UK households every year, with the majority not being recycled. In fact, according to Ecover, less than half of plastic bottles used for household items are collected for recycling, and only 7% of those are actually turned into new bottles.
The consequences are alarming, with 12.7 million tonnes of plastic bottles ending up in the ocean annually, causing immense harm to marine life. To combat this, Ecover is urging consumers to opt for refills instead of purchasing new plastic bottles of washing up liquid. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
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The cleaning product company stated: “In 2016, less than half of all plastic bottles were collected for recycling and only 7% of those were turned into new bottles.
“The resulting impact on waterways and marine life is, to put it bluntly, horrifying with an estimated 12.7 million tonnes ending up in oceans each year.”, reports the Express.
“Why melt a bottle to make a bottle, when you’ve already got a bottle? Does seem kinda crazy when you say it out loud. But where to start with that reusable plastic bottle?
“Be it washing-up liquid, laundry detergent or loo cleaner, you can refill it at one of over 700 Ecover refill stations. Find them at your local health food store, zero waste shop or some bigger supermarkets.”
Even those loyal to Fairy liquid can make an eco-friendly choice, as the brand also offers a refill option. At Ocado for £4.50, Fairy offers a rechargeable carton that claims to fill a regular Fairy liquid bottle “more than twice.”
Fairy explained: “Fairy Max Power antibacterial washing up liquid refill carton allows you to refill your 370ml upside-down bottle more than twice and helps you to save up to 85% of the plastic. The refill is recyclable.”
The company added: “The Max Power bottle with no flip cap gives you Fairy’s ultimately convenient cleaning experience. It helps you get out of the kitchen faster by making washing dishes fast and easy.”