Ecover said in 2016, less than half of all plastic bottles were collected for recycling and only 7% of those were turned into new bottles
In 2025, everyone who purchases washing up liquid is being encouraged to make a change to help lessen the impact on our seas.
Washing up liquid typically comes in a plastic bottle, and millions of these bottles are used by UK households every year. Ecover reports that less than half of plastic bottles made for household items were collected for recycling, and a mere 7% of those collected were actually recycled.
On the other hand, an alarming 12.7 million tonnes of plastic bottles end up in the sea each year, causing significant harm to marine life. The company is now urging people to stop buying new plastic bottles of washing up liquid and instead opt for refills.
Ecover said: “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.
“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.”
For those who still wish to purchase Fairy liquid, there is also an eco-friendly option available. At Ocado, for a thrifty £4.50, Fairy is offering a refill carton that promises to top up your standard 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.” They 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.”
