Glitter consists of inherently small particles. In conventional polymer-based materials, those particles break down into even smaller particles called microplastics. The nature of the product means that glitter is likely to end up in wastewater, including products that come from the cosmetic market.
Glitter has been criticized in recent years for its contribution to microplastic pollution in the oceans and soil. A report by ECHA (2020) suggests that 42,000 tons of intentionally present microplastics are released into the environment annually.
The vast scale of the issue has led to a ban which came into effect on October 17, 2023, forbidding the sale of any non-biodegradable or insoluble plastic glitter for the arts and crafts markets.
Currently, glitter based on conventional plastics can still be sold into cosmetic applications due to the transition period granted under the Microplastics Regulation. However, once this period ends, cosmetic applications will also be banned from using glitter in products that will generate microplastics. The transition period in these industries has been approved to allow time for an appropriate alternative to be developed.
Sustainable Films Make Biodegradable Glitter a Reality
Futamura's NatureFlex films claim to reduce the vast quantities of microplastics generated from glitter products.
The films are produced from renewable wood pulp and are said to be harvested from responsibly managed plantations. The company claims that the films have demonstrated wastewater biodegradability, as well as biodegradability in marine and soil environments.
According to Futamura, NatureFlex films meet all the relevant standards for industrial composting, including AS4736, EN13432 and ASTM D6400. They are also certified for home composting according to the Australian home composting standard AS5810, the French standard, NF T51-800, Din Certco and OK Compost Home protocol.
Andy Sweetman, sales and marketing director, explained, "Glitter is a tricky market due to the product almost certainly ending up in the environment, whether wastewater, marine or soil."
He adds, "NatureFlex allows for a more viable, less damaging, end-of-life scenario than conventional glitter produced from conventional plastic materials. A switch to compostable glitter is a step towards reducing the ever-growing microplastic problem we are facing in our soils and seas today."
