As the world of luxury and sustainability converges, a glittering paradox emerges: can sparkle be both beautiful and environmentally friendly? From ancient Mayan temple builders to modern-day eco-warriors, the story of glitter is one of fascination, innovation, and transformation.
The Shiny Stuff of Dreams, Drama, and Eco-Dilemmas
Luminous beauty – but at what cost?
Glitter has a magical — and messy — presence in our lives. It features in holiday greeting cards and ornaments, nail polish, fashion accessories, sports events makeup, and even food. In marketing and product design, it has been used to convey ‘premium’ or ‘celebratory’ vibes.
Glitter is a type of small, shiny material used to add visual appeal to various products.
It is typically made from plastic or metal, with the most common types being polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and aluminum.
Historically, glitter has been used in decorations, crafts, and even cosmetics since ancient times.
In modern times, it's widely used in festivals, parties, and special events.
According to a study, over 70% of children's toys contain microplastics, including glitter.
The Origins of Glitter
Humans have long been fascinated with all things sparkly. The term ‘glitter’ is believed to come from the Old Norse word ‘glitra,’ which means ‘to glitter.’ Prehistoric people used crushed mica — a shiny silicate — to add shimmer to cave paintings. The Egyptians ground green malachite or blue lapis lazuli stones for shimmery eyeshadow and sacred art.
In 2008, Australian researchers discovered that ancient Mayan temple builders used mica-infused plaster to make their temples gleam in the sunlight. Modern day glitter owes its conception to Henry Ruschmann, a German-born American cattle rancher and machinist, who developed a machine to finely cut scrap plastic and metal into tiny, reflective particles, and industrial glitter was born.
Glitter in Pop Culture
Glitter and pop culture have had a long association with concerts, festivals, or talent shows often featuring glittery finales. It adorned the face of David Bowie‘s 1970s glam rock avatar Ziggy Stardust, and has lent its shine to latter day pop stars like Lady Gaga and Lizzo.
David Bowie was a British singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame in the late 1960s.
Born on January 8, 1947, in London, England, he is known for his innovative and eclectic music style, which blended elements of rock, pop, and glam rock.
Throughout his career, Bowie released numerous hit albums and singles, including 'Space Oddity,' 'Changes,' and 'Let's Dance.' He was also a talented actor, starring in films like 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' and 'Labyrinth.'
Bowie passed away on January 10, 2016, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
In fashion, glitter has been a staple of maximalist couture — think Studio 54-era jumpsuits, 1990s rave wear, or sparkly platform boots seen on high-fashion runways like Gucci and Marc Jacobs. Glitter freckles had a viral moment in 2024 thanks to Taylor Swift.
Gucci is an Italian luxury fashion brand founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci.
The company started as a leather goods manufacturer and soon became famous for its high-quality luggage, handbags, and shoes.
In the 1950s, Gucci introduced the iconic Bamboo handbag, which remains one of the brand's most recognizable designs.
Today, Gucci is part of the Kering group and operates over 500 stores worldwide, offering a wide range of fashion products, including clothing, accessories, and beauty items.
The Dark Side of Sparkle
Despite its playful image, glitter can cause negative environmental impacts. Most commercial glitter is microplastic — made from PET or PVC coated with aluminum and dye. These tiny particles are too small to be filtered during wastewater treatment, ending up in rivers and oceans, and ingested by plankton, fish, and even birds.
However, innovators have been working on eco-friendly alternatives, including cellulose-based glitter, often made from eucalyptus or other plant-derived materials, that biodegrades naturally and doesn’t pose a threat to wildlife. Companies like Projekt Glitter are offering environmentally-friendly glitter options, with some products being 94% plastic-free.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Sparkle
Jeen Low, founder of Berlin-based Projekt Glitter, aims to offer 100% plastic-free glitter by year’s end with her company’s products. Her aim is to make the entire stock plastic-free by year’s end — with preferably the same reflective sparkle as traditional glitter. It’s been rewarding to see people light up when they realize they don’t have to give up glitter, but just need to choose a better kind.
As we continue to explore the world of glitter, it’s essential to acknowledge both its magical and messy aspects. By choosing eco-friendly alternatives and being more mindful of our consumption habits, we can enjoy the sparkle without compromising our values or the environment.
