The Sparkling Truth: What Glitter Is and Why Its Impact Matters
Explore the origins, uses, and environmental repercussions of glitter, alongside solutions for a sparkling yet sustainable future.
What Is Glitter?
Glitter is a collection of tiny, reflective particles that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, creating a shimmering or sparkling effect when light strikes them. Most commonly used in arts and crafts, cosmetics, and fashion, these minuscule fragments are designed to add decorative appeal. But beneath their sparkling surface, the material makeup and environmental consequences of glitter reveal a darker side to its popularity.
Origins and Composition
- Modern glitter is primarily made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a robust plastic also found in drink bottles and food packaging.
- The reflective coating often involves aluminum or similar metal particles, giving glitter its trademark sparkle.
- Some varieties feature holographic effects with layered colorants or mineral-based components.
- Biodegradable and plant-based glitters are increasingly available, boasting cellulose as a main ingredient and intended for less environmental harm.
Where Glitter Comes From
Glitter’s mass production began in the mid-20th century with the development of plastic manufacturing. Today, it is created by bonding layers of plastic and metallic foil, then slicing them into millions of micro-sized pieces.
- Key industry sources include companies specializing in decorative pigments for cosmetics, crafts, and textiles.
- Glitter is ubiquitous in make-up, holiday decorations, greeting cards, clothing, and even industrial coatings.
Uses of Glitter
Glitter’s versatility means it is found in a wide variety of products and activities. Its unique ability to reflect and scatter light makes it popular for both aesthetic and practical purposes.
- Arts & Crafts: Used in paper crafts, paintings, party ornaments, and school projects.
- Cosmetics: Featured in eyeshadows, nail polishes, lip gloss, and body glitter for festivals and fashion.
- Fashion & Textiles: Woven into fabrics or applied as surface decorations for clothing and accessories.
- Events & Celebrations: Central to parties, parades, and holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, and Mardi Gras.
Environmental Impact of Glitter
While glitter brings joy and festivity, its environmental footprint has sparked growing concern among scientists, policy-makers, and activists. The small size and persistent nature of most conventional glitters classify them as microplastics—a group of plastic fragments less than 5mm in size.
How Glitter Becomes Pollution
- Glitter washes off skin and fabric during use or cleaning, traveling easily through drainage systems and into sewage and wastewater.
- Conventional glitter resists degradation, fragmenting into smaller pieces but remaining chemically stable in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
- The UN Environment Programme estimates microplastic particles are present in every square kilometre of oceans, with variable concentrations depending on region.
Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems
- Animals—including fish, birds, and insects—can mistake glitter and other microplastics for food, leading to ingestion and accumulation in their bodies.
- This ingestion can cause malnutrition, starvation, or abrasions to digestive tracts, and can disrupt critical soil food chains. For example, declines in springtails (small soil invertebrates) have been observed in contaminated grounds.
- Microplastics transfer through food chains, potentially affecting humans who eat seafood containing plastic debris.
What others are reading
Glitter and Human Health
The direct impact of glitter microplastics on humans is still under investigation. While current research suggests risks may be comparable to other exposure routes, the chemical toxicity bound in microplastics remains a cause for caution.
Prevalence in the Environment
- Studies in New South Wales, Australia, found that 24% of microplastics in sewage sludge were glitter.
- Contaminated soils worldwide have recorded microplastic concentrations up to 100,000 mg per kg, affecting soil health and plant nutrition.
Regulations and Bans
Growing awareness about glitter’s environmental risks has led to social and legislative action around the world.
| Region | Regulatory Action | Effective Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Banned sale of loose plastic glitter and some microbeads. Phased ban on plastic glitter in rinse-off cosmetics by 2027, in leave-on cosmetics by 2029, and in make-up/nail cosmetics by 2035. | 2023–2035 |
| Australia | No nationwide ban yet; research and advocacy ongoing, with increasing commercial availability of plant-based glitter. | — |
| US & Canada | No federal bans, but individual brands are switching to biodegradable alternatives. | — |
Alternatives to Plastic Glitter
As the drawbacks of traditional glitter become clear, eco-friendly options are entering the market. These alternatives aim to provide shine and sparkle without lasting damage to the planet.
Plant-Based and Biodegradable Glitter
- Plant cellulose glitter: Made from renewable materials like eucalyptus, it decomposes naturally in soil and water.
- Usually colored with mineral-based or vegetable dyes.
- Some varieties are even edible, expanding their use into food decoration.
Comparing Glitter Types
| Type | Main Ingredients | Environmental Impact | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional (PET) | Plastic, aluminum, colorants | Persistent, harmful microplastics | Cosmetics, crafts, clothing |
| Biodegradable | Cellulose, mineral dyes | Decomposes naturally, minimal harm | Cosmetics, food, events |
| Edible Glitter | Starch, sugar, food-safe colorants | No lasting environmental footprint | Baked goods, drinks |
Limitations of Biodegradable Glitter
- Some so-called “eco-glitters” use coatings (aluminum, plastic) that can offset biodegradability, causing lingering harm.
- Research ongoing to ensure full biodegradability and safety for aquatic life.
How to Make Eco-Friendly Choices
- Read product labels to confirm truly biodegradable ingredients (cellulose, natural colorants); beware of misleading marketing language.
- Opt for plant-based or mineral glitters, especially for outdoor or large-scale uses.
- Limit use of conventional plastic glitter, particularly in rinsed-off products and craft activities with children.
- Dispose of glitter properly—avoid rinsing down drains or tossing into nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is glitter considered a microplastic?
A: Glitter usually consists of plastic fragments less than 5mm in size, making it a ready-made microplastic. Its resilience and mobility mean it readily enters waterways and soils, persisting for years.
Q: What is the risk to wildlife?
A: Animals ingest glitter mistaking it for food, which can cause starvation, digestive injuries, and disrupt soil health and marine ecosystems. This can damage biodiversity and food chains.
Q: Are biodegradable glitters really safe?
A: Plant-based glitters made from pure cellulose appear to break down harmlessly and do not inhibit the reproduction of soil organisms in early studies. However, those mixed with aluminum or plastic may still pose risks, especially to aquatic organisms.
Q: What are the alternatives to plastic glitter?
A: Cellulose-based biodegradable glitters, starch or sugar-based edible glitters, and mineral-based sparkles are safer options for the environment and human health.
Q: Has glitter been banned?
A: The European Union has banned loose plastic glitter and is phasing out microplastic glitters from personal-care products through 2035.
Conclusion: The Bright Path Ahead
Glitter will likely remain a beloved element of celebration and self-expression. Understanding its impact compels us to seek alternatives and adopt responsible habits, ensuring our world stays sparkling—not just with shimmer, but with sustainability and conscious care. Plant-based and biodegradable glitters offer hope for reducing the microplastic burden, while consumers and policy-makers must continue working toward widespread change. Whenever you reach for something glittery, let your choice shine responsibly for both the planet and future generations.
References
- https://www.bicklawllp.com/our-insights/environmental-impact-of-glitter/
- https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/plant-based-glitter-outshines-plastic-alternatives
- https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2023/12/15/all-that-glitters-is-microplastic
- https://us.hemway.com/blogs/guides/is-there-environmentally-friendly-glitter
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
