PSA: European Union officially bans glitter

Glitter is a pretty magical material. Unfortunately, some of it is also pretty harmful to our planet. Because of the latter, the European Union has banned the sale of glitter as part of its efforts to minimize microplastics. 

The European Commission’s microplastics restriction went into effect on October 17. The initiative curbs the sale of microplastics in consumer products like arts and crafts, toys, and textiles. The restriction is part of the EU’s Green Deal, which strives to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent in the world by 2050.

The ban isn’t on all glitter, like that found in makeup or beauty products; however, it does pertain to loose plastic glitter, which is what’s used for crafts.

“Only certain types and uses of glitter are concerned, depending on what the glitter is made of, what is used for and whether it is loose, trapped in or attached to an object,” the EU explained in a Q&A about the ban. “In addition, products already on the market—products on shelves or in suppliers’ stocks—can continue being sold until stocks run out.”

Before you run out to clear craft stores’ shelves of glitter, know that another part of the solution is to find environmentally friendly alternatives. “The purpose is not to ban all glitter, but replace plastic glitter with more environmentally friendly glitter that does not pollute our oceans,” the Q&A states, which means “biodegradable, soluble, natural or inorganic glitter is not considered microplastics and can continue being sold.”

If you live in Europe and have a kiddo who loves crafting with glitter, there are some more exceptions, like glitter glue, paint, ink, beads, and sequins, that are not banned.

Though it’s a bummer to see such a magical crafting supply go, it’s a smart move to protect Mother Earth. Microplastics pertain to anything smaller than five millimeters in length, which is about the size of a sesame seed. Because these plastics are so, well, micro, they can easily pass through water filtration systems and contaminate the ocean and Great Lakes. Aquatic life can mistake these tiny particles for food and consume them.

They can also impact our health. A 2023 study conducted in South Korea found that microplastics “affect the human body by stimulating the release of endocrine disruptors. In addition, microplastics can carry other toxic chemicals such as heavy metals and organic pollutants during adsorption, which can adversely affect the human body.”

If you’re panicking about your glitter use, the University of Washington offers some tips on how to better dispose of it, like throwing it away after use instead of washing it down the drain. If you’ve got a glitter-loving kid, let them sparkle. Just be mindful of ways to lessen its negative impact.