Plastic glitter can stay in the environment for hundreds of years, which is why so many people are switching to biodegradable glitter. One of the questions we’re asked most is: how long does biodegradable glitter actually take to break down? The honest answer is that it depends on two things: what the glitter is made from, and where it ends up.
What is biodegradable glitter?
Instead of a plastic film, biodegradable glitter is made with a plant-based film, usually regenerated cellulose from eucalyptus. Microbes can break cellulose down into water, carbon dioxide and biomass. The finish and coating on top of the film matter too: some eco glitters are fully plastic-free, while others still contain a small amount of plastic in their coating.
What affects how fast it breaks down?
- The environment: biodegradation needs microbes, moisture and the right temperature. Warm, wet, microbe-rich places like compost break materials down much faster than cold or dry ones.
- The material: a fully plastic-free glitter can break down completely. A glitter that still contains some plastic will leave that small plastic part behind.
- Testing and certification: the most reliable way to know how a glitter behaves is independent testing in a specific environment.
What does certification tell you?
Our Shimmer and Electric Sherbet ranges are made with Bioglitter® PURE, which is certified “OK biodegradable WATER” by TÜV Austria. That means it has been independently tested to biodegrade in natural freshwater within the time limits set by the standard. The manufacturer, Ronald Britton, describes PURE as plastic-free.
Our Sparkle, Holographic and Glisten ranges have a plant-based cellulose core, so they contain far less plastic than conventional glitter, but they are not 100% plastic-free. If plastic-free matters most to you, choose Shimmer or Electric Sherbet.
So, how long does it take?
There isn’t one number that applies everywhere. A certified glitter has been shown to biodegrade within a set time in the conditions it was tested in. In other places, such as the sea, cold soil or landfill, it may take longer. Be wary of any brand that gives a single breakdown time without saying where it applies.
How to dispose of glitter responsibly
Even with biodegradable glitter, the best thing you can do is keep it out of waterways. Wipe glitter off with an oil or balm cleanser and a cloth or pad, then put the residue in your general waste rather than rinsing it down the drain.
Want to know more about how our ranges compare? Read The Truth About Biodegradable Glitter.
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