Following on from Aldi’s recent move away from glitter, campaigners are calling for a complete ban, urging supermarkets and other retailers to back customers’ wishes and phase out the microplastics altogether.
The petition, which is hosted by campaign group 38 Degrees, calls on environment secretary Michael Gove to outlaw the product which is found in a wide range of product, including party items.
“Glitter might look lovely but, because it’s plastic, it sticks around long after the sparkle has gone – often in the stomachs of fish and birds,” said David Innes, one of the petition’s organisers.
“Some major supermarkets are moving to ban these harmful microplastics,” he continued, “but the British public is clear; supermarkets should be moving faster to tackle plastic waste.”
The discount chain Aldi said last week it was scrapping plastic glitter from this year’s Halloween range, Christmas cards and wrapping paper. The move is part of a pledge to remove non-biodegradable glitter from all products by the end of 2020.
Waitrose pledged in December to remove glitter from all own-brand lines by the end of 2020, with a focus on Christmas lines of crackers, gift wrap and cards.
Retailer Hobbycraft has launched biodegradable alternatives, including a craft bio-glitter for children’s use. “We take our position as a responsible retailer seriously and we are always looking to source more sustainable ways for our customers to craft,” said a spokesperson. “Our aim is to be completely free of non-biodegradable glitter by 2023.”
Retailers are following the public trend which has already seen BBC show Strictly Come Dancing ban the use of traditional glitter.
