Glitter: What It Is, Its Environmental Impact, and Sustainable Alternatives
Glitter’s tiny sparkle comes at a large environmental cost—but new sustainable alternatives are changing the future of shimmer.
What Is Glitter?
Glitter is a collection of ultra-fine, light-reflecting particles that create a sparkling or shimmering effect on various surfaces. Typically ranging from 50 microns to a few millimeters in diameter, these small fragments are used to add decorative brilliance to a wide range of items—from greeting cards and toys to clothing, cosmetics, and even food products.
The remarkable visual effect of glitter comes from its structure: flat particles, often cut into squares, rectangles, or hexagons, coated with reflecting materials such as aluminum or specialized dyes. When light strikes these surfaces, the angles and coatings scatter the light, producing the familiar, eye-catching shimmer.
Origins and History of Glitter
The use of objects that look like glitter dates back to ancient civilizations that valued sparkle and shine. Early forms included crushed minerals like mica and even bits of glass used as adornments or in art. However, modern plastic glitter took shape in the 1930s, when American machinist Henry Ruschmann invented a machine to cut scrap plastic into tiny, uniform shapes—laying the foundation for the mass manufacture of commercial glitter.
By the 1960s, glitter had exploded in popularity, cemented in Western culture through fashion, pop art, and festivals. Today, it graces everything from holiday crafts to runway makeup, remaining an emblem of celebration—but also sparking growing concern over its long-term effects.
How Is Glitter Made?
Contemporary glitter is typically produced through a process that starts with sheets of plastic—most commonly *polyethylene terephthalate* (PET), which is the same plastic used in drink bottles. To generate the sparkle, these sheets are coated with a reflective material (often aluminum) or colored dyes, then cut into minuscule, consistent shapes.
Sometimes, alternatives like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copolyesters, or even cellulose acetate may be used for certain specialty glitters. The choice of material affects not only visual appearance and durability but also the glitter’s environmental fate.
- Materials: PET is the most common, with aluminum or pigment coatings.
- Size: Generally under 1 mm, with some glitter designed as microplastics (< 5 mm).
- Cut: Glitter particles may be round, square, hexagonal, or asymmetrical, depending on their intended use.
Why Do We Love Glitter?
Glitter’s universal appeal lies in its ability to catch and refract light, creating a magical, festive effect. Its popularity spans:
- Cosmetics: Eye shadows, face paint, body glitter
- Children’s crafts: School projects, holiday decorations, slime
- Fashion: Sequined clothing, shoes, festivals
- Food and drink: Edible “disco dust” to decorate cakes or cocktails
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What Is Glitter Made Of?
The majority of retail glitter is made from PET plastic, a material prized for its lightness, strength, and transparency. For extra gleam, manufacturers add reflective layers (like aluminum), and sometimes pigments for color. Other ingredients can include:
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): Historically used, now less common due to toxicity concerns
- Cellulose acetate: A plant-based polymer used in some biodegradable glitters
- Mica: Mineral-based glitter, prized for cosmetic applications
- Aluminum: Thin layer to enhance reflection
While safe for decorative use, these ingredients present key risks when released into the environment—especially the plastics.
The Science of Glitter’s Sparkle
Glitter’s distinctive shine is a direct result of specular reflection: when a flat, metallic or pigmented particle is hit by a light source, it reflects the light in a single direction, rather than scattering it. The diversity of glitter’s colors comes from the pigments and dyes in its coatings, and the brilliance is intensified by the thin metallic layer.
This blend of optics and chemistry is what makes glitter look so mesmerizing—but also makes it persistent and hard to eliminate in nature.
Environmental Impact of Glitter
Most commercial glitter is technically a form of microplastic—plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter. Because of its tiny size and durability, glitter travels through sewage and wastewater systems with ease, entering rivers, lakes, and eventually oceans as a pollutant.
Once in these environments, microplastics do not biodegrade readily. Instead, they accumulate, threatening aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain.
- Persistence: Microplastics remain in the environment indefinitely, breaking down only into smaller particles.
- Bioaccumulation: Small aquatic animals, like plankton and fish, often mistake glitter for food, which can lead to starvation, malnutrition, or physical harm.
- Human health risk: Plastics in fish and seafood may transfer to human consumers, potentially causing health problems through toxic chemical exposure.
One notable study found that in some markets up to 25% of marine fish sampled had plastics in their bodies. A study in New South Wales, Australia, indicated that 24% of the microplastics in sewage sludge were identified as glitter.
Soil Pollution and Terrestrial Impacts
While aquatic impacts are well-studied, emerging research suggests that even higher volumes of microplastics are released onto land than to ocean environments. Soil-dwelling organisms such as springtails suffer from decreased reproduction rates when exposed to conventional glitter microplastics, which in turn affects soil health and plant nutrient cycles.
Is Biodegradable Glitter Really Better?
Growing awareness of microplastic pollution has led to calls for biodegradable or eco-friendly glitter. Many brands now advertise glitters based on natural or compostable raw materials, such as:
- Plant cellulose glitter (usually from eucalyptus or other fast-growing trees)
- Mineral-based glitter (made from mica or similar compounds)
- Starch-based glitter
How Biodegradable Glitter Works
These alternatives are designed to break down in compost or in aquatic environments, sidestepping the persistence of plastics. Plant-based glitters, in particular, have shown promising results with no detected toxicity to tested soil-dwelling or aquatic organisms under experimental conditions.
However, caution is warranted:
- Coatings: Many biodegradable glitters still use some form of aluminum or thin plastic coating to enhance sparkle, which can result in persistent residues.
- Performance: Not all so-called biodegradable glitters fully break down in natural settings, especially without industrial composting.
Glitter and Global Regulation
Concern over microplastic contamination has prompted regulatory action around the world. The most significant example is the European Union’s 2023 ban on loose plastic glitter, prohibiting all forms of plastic-based glitter particles under 5 mm that resist natural degradation.
- Immediate ban: Loose plastic glitter used in crafts and decorations is no longer permitted in the EU.
- Phased bans: Use of plastic glitter in rinse-off cosmetics will be banned by 2027, in leave-on cosmetics by 2029, and in make-up and nail cosmetics by 2035.
- Exemptions: Biodegradable, mineral-based, or plant-based glitters are still allowed in the EU.
Other countries—including the United Kingdom and Australia—are considering similar measures, although outright bans have not yet been introduced everywhere. The EU hopes to reduce harmful microplastic releases by 30% by 2030, beginning with ready-made products like glitter.
How to Choose Sustainable Glitter (And Use Less)
With mounting evidence of environmental and health concerns, consumers and industries are turning to more sustainable glitter options. Here are ways to reduce your impact:
- Look for glitter made from plant cellulose certified as compostable by independent organizations.
- Choose mineral-based (mica) or biodegradable alternatives whenever available. Be wary of greenwashing—check product certifications.
- Avoid using loose plastic glitter in outdoor settings or near water sources.
- Favor reusable “/glitter look” items—like sequins, rhinestones, or metallic threads—which are easier to manage and do not shed microplastics as easily.
- Reduce use: Consider if traditional sparkle can be swapped for paint, colored pencils, or non-glitter alternatives in crafts.
| Feature | Conventional Glitter | Biodegradable Glitter |
|---|---|---|
| Base Material | PET (plastic) | Cellulose, plant-based, minerals |
| Coating | Aluminum, sometimes plastic | May use natural or thin mineral layers |
| Environmental Impact | High, as microplastic | Low, if truly biodegradable/compostable |
| Breakdown Time | Decades to centuries | Months to years (varies) |
| Availability | Ubiquitous | Growing, but less widespread |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is all that glitters made from plastic?
No, while most commercial glitter is made from PET plastic, some alternatives include mica (mineral-based) and plant cellulose (biodegradable). However, traditional glitter in most cosmetics and crafts is indeed a form of microplastic.
Why is glitter considered an environmental problem?
Glitter’s small size classifies it as a microplastic, allowing it to pass through wastewater treatment, enter waterways, and harm aquatic and terrestrial life. Its persistence and ubiquity make it particularly challenging to remove from the environment.
Are all types of biodegradable glitter safe for the environment?
Not necessarily. Some biodegradable glitters still use plastic or metallic coatings, which can persist as pollutants. Always seek products certified as fully compostable by third-party organizations.
Has glitter been banned outright?
In the European Union, loose plastic glitter was banned in 2023, and phased bans on its use in cosmetics are in effect. Biodegradable glitters are exempt, and regulations are evolving in other countries.
What’s the difference between edible glitter and craft glitter?
Edible glitter is formulated from food-grade ingredients like gum arabic or sugar, and is approved for consumption. Craft glitter, often plastic-based, is not safe to eat and can be hazardous if ingested.
Key Takeaways
- Most traditional glitter is a microplastic that pollutes water, soil, and can potentially harm animals and humans.
- Biodegradable and plant-based glitters offer promising alternatives but require scrutiny for true sustainability.
- New regulations in the EU and ongoing science are spurring innovation in sustainable sparkle.
- Conscious choices reduce environmental impact: favor sustainable options and use less, especially outdoors.
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
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