UK airports are eager to scrap the 100ml liquids rule for hand luggage going through security this summer. However, until such a change is implemented, holidaymakers must continue to pack any liquids from their hand luggage into a clear bag for security checks. This has sparked an increase in the use of disposable clear plastic bags for toiletries and other liquids nationwide. Some UK airports have eased the rules around liquids in hand luggage, reducing the need for these plastic bags.

However, others still uphold the rule. The lack of uniformity across the UK means many holidaymakers will continue to depend on placing their 100ml liquids in a disposable plastic bag. Despite the UK's eagerness to abolish the rules as soon as possible due to advanced scanners, the airport you're returning from may still require bagged 100ml liquids.

New data from plastic waste experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk suggests that a staggering 235 million single-use plastic bags could be used in 2025. The data also reveals that an astonishing 3.5 billion bags have been used since the rules were first introduced in 2006, according to the Liverpool Echo, reports .

The 100ml liquid regulation at airports, which mandates that liquids be stored in transparent, resealable plastic bags, was established in 2006 following a thwarted terror plot to blow up transatlantic flights. This plot involved the use of liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks in carry-on luggage.

With an estimated 313 million passengers predicted to pass through UK airports this year, the number of single-use plastic liquid bags used and discarded could reach a staggering 235 million. That's enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools in just one year in the UK.

Data projections suggest that a mind-boggling 3.5 billion bags may have been used at UK airports over the past 19 years. When arranged end to end, this quantity of bags equates to 18 journeys around the Earth's equator or four times the height of Mount Everest when piled up. Why is this important? These bags are made from soft plastics, which are seldom recyclable. They often end up in landfill sites, where they can take as long as 1,000 years to decompose.

As these plastic items break down, they can produce tiny particles known as microplastics. Research shows that these pose a threat to both human and animal health. The energy and materials required to produce these bags are depleting our planet's natural resources, with 98% of single-use plastic products made from fossil fuels or virgin feedstock.

What actions can you take?

Firstly, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the regulations of your departure airport. With many soon adjusting to new rules, there might be no need to bag liquids at all.

If you're checking in luggage, steer clear of placing any liquids in your hand luggage. This eradicates the need for any small plastic bags and could also save you time at security checks, as many will wait until they arrive at security to bag up their liquids, which adds to the queue.

If reusable options aren't feasible, BusinessWaste is urging travellers to abandon single-use clear plastic bags in favour of reusable ones at UK airports this summer. The firm recommends switching to reusable ones and says there is a plethora of reusable choices available online and in shops, like Boots and Superdrug.

However, just ensure they measure 20cm x 20cm, are transparent, have a capacity no greater than one litre, comply with airport regulations, and can be securely sealed (by a zipper).

Another tip is to utilise airside click-and-collect services for toiletries. This not only bypasses exorbitant airport prices but also eliminates the need to carry liquids in hand luggage, saving space, money, and benefiting the environment.

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, at most airports:.

Gov.uk has issued guidance for air passengers, stating: "Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions. Some airports may allow you to take containers of liquid up to 100ml through security in your hand luggage. Check with the airport before you travel. Also, check the rules at other airports you'll be travelling through - for example, on your return journey."

Plastic waste expert Graham Matthews from BusinessWaste.co.uk has urged a swift move away from disposable plastic bags to reusable ones for carrying liquids in 100ml hand luggage, highlighting the environmental impact. He commented: "The plastic bags we use to bring liquids through airports are a huge blight on the environment."

Matthews also pointed out the scale of the issue, saying, "While you may only go on holiday once or twice a year, this quickly adds up as the UK now sees around 300 million air passengers a year. We're really happy to see the new scanners in place and hope that this reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bags."

He further noted the challenges of changing old habits and advised: "However, old habits die hard, and many people will be nervous to change to the new system, or find that their return airport still requires liquids to be bagged. For anyone in this position, and until the new rules are firmly in place, we strongly encourage passengers to consider utilising hold luggage, switching to reusable options, or making use of airside click-and-collect."