Alexei Volkov
Glitter is a mix of plastic and aluminium. It is used in cosmetics, clothing, arts and crafts, and for decorative purposes. The plastic used in glitter is rarely recycled and often ends up in the ocean, ingested by marine animals. Due to its harmful effects on the environment, the European Union has banned the sale of loose plastic glitter. Glitter is a type of microplastic and is considered a major source of ocean, air, and soil pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of plastic | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE) |
| Other materials used | Aluminum, Mica, Cellulose, Cornstarch, Salt, Sugar, Sand, Rice, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxide, Bismuth oxychloride, Styrene acrylate |
| Biodegradability | Takes about 1000 years to biodegrade |
| Size | 0.05 to 6.35 mm |
| Use | Cosmetics, Clothing, Arts & Crafts, Home decoration, Textiles, Makeup materials |
| Impact | Marine life, Human bodies, Soil health, Air, Ocean, Land-dwelling species |
| Alternative | Mica- and other mineral-based glitter, Cornstarch-based glitter, Cellulose-based glitter, Plant-based glitter, Biodegradable glitter |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic glitter's environmental impact
Modern glitter is usually manufactured from a combination of plastic and aluminum. It is rarely recycled and often finds its way into aquatic habitats, eventually being ingested by animals. This has led some scientists to call for bans on plastic glitter.
Plastic glitter takes about a thousand years to biodegrade. Glitter, like any other plastic, will degrade in the marine environment into smaller pieces called secondary microplastics. These microplastics readily pollute the environment, wildlife, and our bodies. Once microplastics enter the environment and our bodies, they are difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
The European Union (EU) has implemented a ban on glitter made of plastic particles smaller than 5mm, considered microplastics, that are resistant to degradation. This translates to a total ban on loose plastic glitter, often used in crafts and decorating. The ban will prohibit the use of plastic glitter in rinse-off cosmetics by 2027, in leave-on cosmetics by 2029, and in makeup and nail cosmetics by 2035.
With the recent EU ban, people are now looking for plastic-free alternatives. Some alternatives to plastic glitter include mica and other mineral-based glitter, cornstarch-based glitter, cellulose-based glitter, dyed salt or sugar, and colored rice or sand.
While plastic glitter may not be the biggest contributor to pollution, it is still a source of microplastics, and its small size makes it more dangerous than other microplastics.
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Biodegradable alternatives
Modern glitter is usually a combination of plastic and aluminium. However, due to the environmental impact of plastic glitter, there is an increasing demand for biodegradable alternatives.
Biodegradable glitter is crafted using materials that break down naturally over time, unlike traditional glitter, which contains microplastics that persist in the environment for years. Biodegradable glitter provides a more sustainable option for adding sparkle to festivities without leaving behind a trail of plastic pollution. However, it is important to note that even biodegradable glitter has been found to cause damage to rivers.
- Mica and other mineral-based glitter: Mica is a naturally glittery mineral that has been used since prehistoric times. However, mining operations have been linked to environmental pollution and human rights issues.
- Cornstarch-based glitter: This type of glitter can be made at home using water, cornstarch, and natural food coloring. It is DIY-friendly and edible.
- Cellulose-based glitter: Cellulose-based glitter looks and feels similar to plastic glitter but is made using highly processed cellulose from eucalyptus trees. It is designed to degrade quickly and safely in natural freshwater environments. However, it may not offer the same water stability as traditional glitter and is not suitable for use in water-based applications.
- Dyed salt or sugar: Table salt or sugar can be dyed using natural food coloring and dried in the oven to make glitter.
- Colored rice or sand: Uncooked rice and light-colored sand can be dyed using natural food coloring to create glitter and plastic-free confetti.
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History of plastic glitter
The history of plastic glitter is relatively recent, with the first production of modern plastic glitter credited to American machinist Henry F. Ruschmann in the 1930s. Ruschmann invented a machine to cut photo films and paper, and sometimes the machine would stutter, creating small pieces of glossy cellulose. These pieces were used as "snow" to decorate Christmas trees, and modern glitter was born. Ruschmann also cut mica into washers and glitter from metallized cellulose acetate film.
During World War II, glass glitter became unavailable, so Ruschmann found a market for scrap plastics, which were ground into glitter. In 1948, he founded Meadowbrook Farm Inventions (MFI) to produce industrial glitter. By the 1970s, glitter had reached mainstream popularity, fuelled by the rise of glam rock, with musicians and fans embracing sparkly face paint, clothing, and accessories. In the 1990s and early 2000s, glitter made another resurgence with the popularity of body glitter and shimmering makeup among teens and young adults.
Today, plastic glitter is usually manufactured from the combination of plastic and reflective materials such as aluminium, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and bismuth oxychloride. A common plastic used is PET plastic, made from polyethylene terephthalate (PETE). However, plastic glitter has come under scrutiny in recent years for its environmental impact. It can take about a thousand years for plastic glitter to biodegrade, and it is rarely recycled. When washed off in sinks or showers, glitter can end up in rivers, oceans, and other natural habitats, where it poses a serious threat to marine life, ecosystems, and potentially human health.
Due to these environmental concerns, the EU has implemented a ban on plastic glitter particles smaller than 5mm, considered microplastics, with plans to prohibit the use of plastic glitter in rinse-off cosmetics by 2027, leave-on cosmetics by 2029, and in makeup and nail cosmetics by 2035. Eco-conscious companies have begun exploring sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable glitter made from cellulose, eucalyptus-based materials, cornstarch, or natural minerals like mica.
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Plastic glitter in cosmetics
Plastic glitter is typically made from PET or PVC plastic, covered with synthetic materials for its visual shimmer. It is produced by layering plastic with colouring and reflective material, such as aluminium, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and bismuth oxychloride. The sheets are then cut into tiny particles of different shapes and sizes.
Plastic glitter is used in cosmetics to make the face, body, and nails shiny or sparkly. However, due to its minuscule size, glitter is considered a microplastic and has been linked to adverse environmental impacts. It is non-biodegradable and contaminates soil, air, water, and food. As a result, there is a growing trend towards using biodegradable glitter made from cellulose, mica, or other minerals. These eco-friendly alternatives are perfect for cosmetics and crafting and are safe for the body and the environment.
The first production of modern plastic glitter is credited to the American machinist Henry F. Ruschmann, who invented a machine to cut photo films and paper in the 1930s. The machine sometimes produced small pieces of glossy cellulose, which inspired Ruschmann to cut mica into washers and glitter from metallized cellulose acetate film. During World War II, when glass glitter became unavailable, Ruschmann found a market for scrap plastics, which were ground into glitter.
Today, there are concerns about the environmental impact of plastic glitter in cosmetics. It is often made with toxic, chemical additives for colour and shine, which, once in contact with water and air, start to degrade and contaminate the water. While biodegradable alternatives exist, there are concerns that "eco-glitter" may cause similar damage to traditional glitter due to its size and scale.
Despite the popularity of glitter in cosmetics, some companies have taken a stand against its use. For example, Sugar Pill, a cosmetics company, has confirmed that their glitters are not plastic-based, and leading UK retailers such as Morrisons have gone completely glitter-free.
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Microplastics in the environment
Microplastics are small plastic pieces ranging in size from 1μ to <5 mm in diameter. They are water-soluble and can be either primary, as they are initially created in small sizes, or secondary, as they develop due to plastic degradation. Microplastics have been found in every ecosystem on the planet, from the Antarctic tundra to tropical coral reefs, and have even been found in food, beverages, and human and animal tissue.
Glitter is often made of plastic and is, therefore, a microplastic. Modern glitter is usually manufactured from the combination of plastic, coloring, and a reflective material such as aluminum, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, or bismuth oxychloride. A common plastic used in glitter is PET plastic, but mica can also be used. These sheets are then cut into tiny particles of many shapes, including squares, triangles, rectangles, and hexagons.
The use of glitter has been extensive in entertainment events, shows, and carnivals globally, as well as by individuals in their daily lives. Due to its widespread use, glitter has been identified as a major source of microplastics in the environment. Glitter, like other microplastics, can be difficult to detect and extract from the environment, and once it enters the environment, it is challenging, if not impossible, to remove.
The presence of glitter and other microplastics in the environment has detrimental effects. They contaminate aquatic systems and enter the food chain, posing a threat to various organisms. Microplastics act as carriers for toxic additives and other hazardous substances from industrial and urbanized areas, which are then directly ingested by organisms within a particular ecosystem. They also pose an indirect threat by adsorbing surrounding water pollutants.
To address the problem of microplastic pollution, the European Union (EU) has implemented a ban on glitter made of plastic particles smaller than 5mm, considered microplastics, that are resistant to degradation. This has caused a shift towards plastic-free alternatives, such as mica- and other mineral-based glitters, cornstarch-based glitter, and cellulose-based glitter.
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Frequently asked questions
Modern glitter is usually made from a combination of plastic and aluminium. A common plastic used is PET plastic, but mica can be used.
Glitter is often made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Biodegradable glitter made from eucalyptus tree extract is available. Cellulose glitter is also available, which is made from highly processed cellulose from eucalyptus trees.
Plastic glitter is considered a microplastic and can pollute the environment and human bodies. It is resistant to degradation and can take up to one thousand years to biodegrade.
