A whopping 48m wet wipes are sold every year in its stores.

Now Boots Ireland is taking action by removing all wet wipes that contain plastic fibres from its shelves, replacing them with plant-based biodegradable alternatives.

Boots Ireland is one of the biggest sellers of wet wipes in the country with over 140 different lines stocked across skincare, baby, tissue, and health care categories.

Today Boots has written to its suppliers, pledging to remove all wet wipes that contain plastic fibres from its shelves and boots.ie by the end of 2022. The move follows Boots successfully reformulating its own brand wipe ranges and making wider efforts to reduce plastic and become a more sustainable retailer.

“We removed plastics our own brand and No7 wet wipe ranges in 2021, and now we are calling on other brands and retailers across Ireland to follow suit in eliminating all plastic-based wet wipes,” said Andy McQuade, Head of Trading at Boots Ireland.

“We all have a responsibility to protect our planet. By joining forces to inspire more positive action, we can collectively make a big difference.”

The pharmacy chain has also increased its range of reusable and refillable wipe alternatives, including reusable make-up remover pads, cleansing pads, baby reusable wipes, and refillable cleansing products.