Industry cautiously welcomes plastic wet wipe ban

In April, the environment minister, Therese Coffey, told BBC News that wet wipes containing plastic will be banned in England under plans to tackle water pollution. The ban should come into force in 2024 following a consultation and is part of a wider plan to improve water quality in the country, where no river or waterway is considered clean.

The proposed ban has been seen as a positive move by many in the preschool industry. Dr Mark Little, md at Aqua

Maxi-Cosi unveils new sliding car seat technology

Maxi-Cosi has revealed what it describes as the ‘future of car seats’ with its new sliding car seat technology, SlideTech, and the 360 Pro Family.

Setting an ergonomic precedent, the car seat can both rotate and slide towards the parent when getting their child in and out of the vehicle. The new SlideTech technology on the FamilyFix 360 Pro base allows parents to simply lock, slide, spin and go.

The FamilyFix 360 Pro slide-out base also features FlexiSpin, a 360° rotative system that enables the Pebble 360 Pro and Pearl 360 Pro car seats to be easily rotated with only one hand in any reclined position.

The Pebble 360 Pro and Pearl 360 Pro also have extended recline positions. The Pebble 360 Pro delivers maximum comfort for babies aged 0-15 months and features three recline positions, including a unique full lie-flat position. The Pearl 360 Pro boasts five recline positions, offering optimum comfort for toddlers throughout their journey.

Raul Sepulveda, president and ceo at Dorel Juvenile Europe, commented: “Maxi-Cosi has always pioneered innovation in technology that make parents’ lives easier. As a welcome the government plans to ban plastic baby wipes – it’s long been an environmental brand, we are constantly listening and responding to feedback. As a result, we have earned the trust of parents worldwide. Now, with the world’s first sliding car seat technology, we are once again shaping the future of transportation for children.”

Below: Many believe that only biodegradable, compostable options, such as Aqua Wipes, or reusable wipes are the way to eliminate damage to the environment.

Inset: Maxi-Cosi believes it is ‘shaping the future of transportation for children’ with the new launch.

For the latest news visit PreschoolNews.net problem that can be avoided. All three Aqua Wipes options are biodegradable, plastic free, compostable, vegan friendly and packaged in recyclable material.”

Christopher Money, co-founder and md at Kit & Kin, agreed: “We truly believe that small changes we make can add up to make a big difference and how many baby wipes are used every single day that have unnecessary plastic within them? Our wipes are 100% biodegradable, 99% water, 0% plastic and the pack itself is made from 50% recyclable materials.”

Some, however, believe more needs to be done. Caroline Taylor, md at MuslinZ, which offers reusable cloth wipes, explained: “There are still issues with disposable wipes generally. Single use wipes create a huge amount of waste. Consumers need to be made more aware of issues with single use wipes. Disposable wipes, even if biodegradable, are a problem.

“Being made of a cellulosebased material does not inherently make a wipe flushable. There are also concerns that the current flushability standards, including Fine to Flush, may not adequately represent various UK sewerage system environments and that wipes made of viscose, for example, can still cause blockages.”

Suppliers indicated a number of ways in which retailers could help guide consumers towards more environmentally friendly wipe options. Mark outlined: “Retailers play a crucial part in promoting ecofriendly wipes by helping to educate consumers regarding the pros and cons of baby wipe use. Emphasising the no plastic, biodegradable, compostable options, whilst also reinforcing the understanding that no wipes should be flushed, even the biodegradable ones.”

Caroline furthered: “Stocking washable, reusable wipes offers an alternative, low cost, less waste option for parents looking for a truly eco friendly wipe.”

Green Sheep Group among King’s Awards for Enterprise winners

The inaugural King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced, celebrating the achievements of UK businesses.

148 businesses representing every part of the UK and a diverse range of sectors have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country.

Preschool brands were awarded in two categories, with Bibado and Doddl winning in the innovation category, while Atelier, Frog Bikes and Green Sheep Group were recognised for their contribution to international trade.

Roger Allen, chief executive of Green Sheep Group, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised with this prestigious award specifically for our endeavours in international trade. When we started out, we were solely a UK-based company with just UK customers. However, as our product range grew and we launched new innovations, the opportunity for international expansion was evident and six years on, we have grown from selling to retailers in six countries, to selling on a wholesale basis to retailers in 30 countries. Adding in direct consumer customers, we now export to 45 countries around the world.

“The King’s Award is highly regarded on both a national and international platform and will have a significant impact on the future of our business. I am so proud of our team and all the work they put into the business – this is their award. Over the past three years our turnover has grown by 142% and our international sales by over 198%, and our Queen’s Award in 2018 undoubtedly contributed to our overall success.”

Below: Green Sheep Group has grown its international sales by over 198% in the past three years, says chief executive Roger Allen.

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