Glitter that is not biodegradable can no longer be sold in Belgium. The development is the result of a European ban that covers a wide range of microplastics.
The ban is one of a raft of measures taken by the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, to banish microplastics from our lives. Microplastics are plastic particles no bigger than 5 millimetres. The problem is that they are not broken down in the environment and continue to pollute for many years. Microplastics can no longer be sold. Even products to which microplastics are added that are later released have been banned. The ban takes effect on 15 October but the Commission is allowing a transition period to allow producers to adapt their wares.
Glitter is one of the prime examples of microplastics and can be used in cosmetics or as decoration. Often, it occurs in eye shadow, nail varnish and lip gloss.
Microplastics are also used in microbeads, small particles occurring in cosmetics, used to scrub your skin. They also occur in shower gel and toothpaste.
Microplastics are also used in fabric softeners, cleaning products, fertilisers and products used on artificial turf. A full ban on their use in cosmetics comes in within 12 months. Fabric softener and cleaning product manufacturers enjoy a 5-year respite, while the deadline for artificial fertilisers is ten years.
The EU has calculated that 42,000 tons of microplastics end up in the environment every year. Environment toxicologist Jana Asselman (Ghent University) says: “Microplastics are so small they flow through the net and despite all efforts end up in the environment”.
Other products can hitch a ride on the back of microplastics. “The microplastics absorb chemical substances and bacteria and carry them from river to sea where the toxic substances are released” says Asselman.
Drinking water and our food mean they end up in our bodies and those of animals. “We know microplastics can have an adverse impact on our resistance and on reproduction. We don’t know which concentrations are dangerous but it’s clear they do more harm than good”.
In small animals microplastics can clog up their digestive tracts.
The new ban doesn’t mean the end of the use of glitter as a cosmetic: “Bio-glitter made from natural minerals or plant cellulose is biologically degradable and can now be sued as an alternative. This form of glitter will now get the upper hand as producers realise it’s worthwhile to invest in the production process” explains Asselman.