Eco-friendly Glitter: Biodegradable Eucalyptus Cellulose Shines, Breaking the Thousand-Year Microplastic Cycle

The use of glitter for Christmas or birthday parties in New York or elsewhere has become popular to add sparkle to celebrations. However, what many people may not know is that glitter doesn’t disappear after the party ends. Instead, it ends up as waste in rivers and eventually makes its way into the ocean, impacting marine life. Indonesian researcher Veril Hasan claims that fish are transporting microplastics into human bodies, with reports stating that an average person ingests approximately 5 grams of plastic each week.

Microplastics: A Silent Threat in Our Bodies

Microplastics, equivalent to the weight of a credit card, do not decompose for up to 1000 years. They circulate within the ecosystem, affecting animals, birds, and humans alike. To address this environmental threat, the European Union has imposed restrictions on the use of loose-plastic glitter. Glitter, commonly made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is often applied on various products, including military explosives, boat paint, and funeral decorations.

Glitter’s Pervasive Use Beyond Festivities

Contrary to the belief that glitter is only used for party decorations, statistics from brand watch reveal that approximately 9% of glitter is used worldwide in toothpaste. Military explosives account for the highest usage, around 48%, followed by boat paint at 23%. Funeral homes in foreign countries also use glitter in decorations, making up roughly 10% of its global usage. Moreover, makeup products, food items, and paint also incorporate glitter, with the two largest glitter companies situated in New Jersey, USA.

The Promise of Biodegradable Glitter

Amid rising global concerns, a company has claimed to develop biodegradable glitter. German company ‘Sigmund Lindner’ purchased the glitter brand ‘Ronald Britton’ this year. Ronald Britton claims success in creating biodegradable glitter using eucalyptus cellulose. The glitter is made from cellulose molecules extracted from wood pulp and is produced in two bio-glitter factories in Germany. The glitter is processed from cellulose, creating a clear film.