About Bio Glitter
At Projekt Glitter, we believe in shining responsibly. Learn about the benefits of biodegradable glitter, its environmental impact and how it differs from traditional glitter below.
What is biodegradable glitter?
Biodegradable glitter is designed to break down in the environment. This is done by replacing the plastic core used in traditional glitter, with a plant-based cellulose film.
The benefits of using biodegradable glitter:
It is less harmful to the environment: Traditional glitter is made from microplastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down and can harm marine life and other wildlife. Biodegradable glitter will break down much faster and is not as harmful to the environment.
It can be composted: Biodegradable glitter can be composted, reducing the amount of waste in landfills.
It is more sustainable: Because biodegradable glitter is made from natural materials, it is a more sustainable alternative to traditional glitter.
It is a safe alternative for use on skin and hair: Biodegradable glitter is made from materials that are safe for use on skin and hair, making it a great alternative for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
What is bio glitter made from?
Projekt Glitter’s eco-friendly glitter is made from eucalyptus tree pulp and cellulose.
The process for making bio-glitter is similar to that of traditional glitter, but it uses biodegradable materials instead of plastic.
- First, the biodegradable material is cut or broken down into small pieces, and processed into a fine powder.
- Next, this powder is mixed with a colored dye to give it the desired color.
- After that, a binder is added to the mixture to hold the particles together.
- The final step is to cut or press the mixture into the desired shape, such as small circles or squares. Then the bio-glitter is ready to use.
We currently offer glitter blends which includes three different sizes of glitter of ultra chunky, medium & fine glitter.
How does eco glitter biodegrade?
Biodegradable glitter, is designed to break down in the natural environment, unlike traditional plastic glitter which can take hundreds of years to degrade.
The process of biodegradation happens when the glitter comes into contact with microbes in soil, water, or air.
These microorganisms consume the cellulose, and breaks down the glitter into smaller pieces and then into natural compounds like CO2, water and biomass.
The process can take a few weeks to several months depending on the conditions and the size of biodegradable glitter.
How long does it take for eco glitter to decompose?
In the right environment, it usually takes 2-3 months for our glitter to degrade & disappear.
The rate of degradation is determined by the size of the glitter and what condition it finds itself in.
Warm and wet conditions are ideal and higher concentrations of microbes will increase the rate of biodegradation. A good analogy is that a leaf in an arid environment will take longer to degrade than in a swamp.
Sparkle Vs. Pure Glitter
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What is Sparkle glitter collection made from?
Shop the SPARKLE collection72% CELLULOSE BASE
The base gives the glitter its structure. Traditional glitter uses nasty plastic as its base, while we use cellulose, which is the main substance found in plant cell walls.
This is why our Sparkle glitter is completely vegan and eco-friendly.
25% TOP COATING
11% Glycerin, 6% Water, 5% Styrene, 3% Urea
This is the layer gives the glitter its vibrant colors, & ensures they stay put. Although there are still some tiny amounts of plastic here, we are working hard to remove plastic from the formula entirely.
Original Sparkle Glitter Ingredients:
Cellulose/Rayon (c. 72%), Glycerin (plant derived, c.11%), Aqua, Urea, and Styrene/Acrylate copolymer, Pigments (<3%)
BENEFITS:
- Ethically and sustainably sourced raw materials
- Globally cosmetic compliant
- Suitable for Vegans
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What is the Pure glitter collection made from?
Shop the PURE Collection75% CELLULOSE BASE
Like our original bio glitter range, the PURE glitter uses the same cellulose base to give the glitter its structure.
25% TOP COATING
Glycerin, Water, Urea, Shellac, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Tin Oxide.
This layer gives the glitter its colours.
Note: The Pure glitter range uses natural Shellac for its beautiful shine. This shellac is from the secreted resin of insects after they have left the host tree. This process is sustainable, and causes no harm, distress or interruptions to the life cycle of these insects and is a natural process. However, it does mean that the Pure glitter is not a fully vegan glitter.
0.1% REFLECTIVE LAYER
Mica
This is what gives the PURE glitter it’s pearlescent shine!
Pure Glitter Ingredients:
Cellulose (V), Glycerin plant derived (V), Aqua (MI), Urea (MS), Shellac (A), Mica / Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (MI), Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide (MI), Iron Oxide (M), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (MS)
KEY: V: Vegetable, MI: Mineral, MS: Mineral Synthetic, A: Animal
BENEFITS:
- Fully biodegradable in water
- 100% plastic free
- Ethically & sustainably sourced raw materials
- Aluminium free
- Globally cosmetic compliant
We are licensed resellers of both Bioglitter® PURE and Bioglitter® SPARKLE.
Bioglitter® SPARKLE, its 92% plastic-free and independently tested to prove it will degrade in natural freshwater environments and not just an industrial composter. Bioglitter® PURE, is the world’s first 100% plastic-free glitter and Certified ‘OK Biodegradable WATER’ by TÜV.