As a responsible retailer, Boots UK is committed to bringing our customers great health and beauty brands that they can trust. All our products are subject to strict European safety regulations and our team of formulation experts carefully assess sustainability issues and test all Boots own brands and Boots exclusive products before they go on sale. 

There are increasing levels of concern about the amount of plastic waste entering rivers and oceans, with Plastic Cotton bud sticks identified as a source of marine litter and one of materials causing sewer blockages.

Boots UK can confirm that by the end of 2017 it will cease to manufacture cotton buds with plastic sticks and replace them with sticks made from rolled paper. Rolled paper sticks do not affect the performance of the cotton bud but will decompose in water over time. To prevent blockages in waste water systems all of our cotton buds will be labelled as “Do Not Flush”.