Since yesterday the sale of glitter in Europe has been progressively banned

And there you have it, the so-called “free” glitter. they are officially banned for sale in the European Union. A measure that “limits microplastics intentionally added to products” according to the European Commission.

Generally used for makeup, These volatile flakes, less than 5 millimeters in size, tend to pass through the meshes of water filters and end up on the seabed. A decision that must” avoid the release of approximately half a million tons of microplastics into the environment”according to France Inter.

What if you want to use glitter anyway?

Don’t panic, glitter will not be definitively erased from the beauty scene forever! Biodegradable alternatives are now available for sale, to allow all makeup enthusiasts to continue having fun with their look.

Glitter is not the only target of this ban

This ban is much broader than it seems. From Monday, some detergents, plant protection products, toys and even medical devices will also be banned. The sale of cosmetics containing micro-pearls, i.e. small plastic beads used for exfoliation, will also be banned. Obviously this measure will be implemented gradually, as the European Commission explains: “In most cases, the sales ban will be applied after a longer transition period, to give interested parties time to adapt to the new rules and identify alternatives. »

Why such a broad measure?

In the action plan called “Zero pollution for air, water and soil” presented in 2021 by the European Commission, has set itself the goal of reducing microplastic pollution by 30% by 2030. A question of the utmost importance knowing that these materials are particularly resistant and non-biodegradable. According to Environment Commissioner Virginjus Sinkevicius: “Microplastics are found in the depths of the ocean as well as at the top of Everest, they are often invisible, but present in our blood and will not disappear for thousands of years. They are almost impossible to clean. »

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