Why we're swapping to this eco-friendly craft material (2025)

Glitter is a craft supply that needs some updating. While we love a bit of sparkle, we're switching to biodegradable glitter to make our crafting more eco-friendly.

We’re all familiar with the damage plastics can cause the planet which is why in recent year’s it’s become less common to see everyday items like plastic bags and plastic straws in use as they’ve been replaced by eco-alternatives.

Microplastics which are plastic particles that measure less than 5 millimeters in size are often so tiny we don’t notice them yet they’re regularly released into the environment affecting water, soil, wildlife and marine environments.

Ordinary glitter is made from plastic and if it ends up in the ocean and makes its way into the eco-system of fish it can have a damaging affect on them.

Brands such as Morrisons and John Lewis have pledged to no longer use plastic-based glitter in their own-brand decorations for this reason – but it’s not all bad news for lovers of the sparkly stuff.

You can still continue to have sparkles if you’re conscious with your choices and thankfully there is a great alternative to plastic glitter: biodegradable glitter. It can even work wonders if you're looking to add a touch of sparkle to a beauty look, too.

What is biodegradable glitter made from?

You may not believe it but it's possible to get high-shine glitters in multiple colours to use in your crafts projects by using glitter made from plants. Biodegradable glitters are made from plant cellulose.

They are 100% biodegradable, can be added to compost, are vegan and plant-based causing no damage to the environment or nature, yet you won’t be able to tell the difference between plastic and eco-friendly glitter as they both have the same quality of shimmer.

Biodegradable glitters are easy to get hold of and are available in different sizes from large confetti style glitters to ultra-fine varieties.

So instead of reaching for plastic glitter, invest in a glitter that is less harmful to the environment that makes a positive difference to the planet.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best brands of biodegradable glitter that you can use in all your creative projects; whether you’re making cards, cosmetics, resin projects or even want to wear it!

Do you love crafting? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!

Sparkly and sustainable, Green Glitter make glitter that is 100% plant based so it's full compostable and ocean-safe. This family-size kit contains all the classic colours required for crafting – red, gold, green and silver which you can use in projects homemade cards. The packaging is also fully recyclable.

A sparkly blend of three different types, this is a fun biodegradable glitter. The colours from Luminosity Eco Glitter are so shimmery it's hard to believe they are plant-based – they even sell a range of biodegradable holographic glitters.

It's great to see it's not only loose glitter that's been made biodegradable. Cosmic Shimmer have a range of eco glitter glues which is a craft materials that's always popular with children and loved by adults as it's mess-free!

If you're looking for a biodegradable glitter that can be used on the body, this rainbow glitter kit is just the thing. You'll receive eight pots of high-quality sparkles that are made from eucalyptus cellulose which is proven to biodegrade quickly. The kit comes with a tube of aloe vera gel so that it can used as a body glitter or why not incorporate them into face paints?

Glitter isn't only available in round shapes! These tiny glitter stars are made from FSC accredited forest eucalyptus trees. 5% of every sale goes back into planting new trees and cleaning up the sea. So not only will you have fun glitter crafting you know you've also made a conscious shopping choice.

There are over 50 different colourful blends in the eco glitter collection by Hemway. They can be used for general papercrafting, homemade cosmetics and soaps and are ideal for resin crafts.

Even though ultrafine glitters are smaller than most microplastics, it's still better to use a biodegradable glitter in all your craft projects so you can be sure you are not adding to plastic pollution. Ultrafine glitters have multiple uses and have a very high-shine to them.

For gifts that glisten, opt for one of the gorgeous mixes from Cosmic Shimmer who combine glitter in different sizes and colours to create their own unique craft glitters. Made from a biodegradable compostable film, you can feel assured that there are no limits to your creative endeavours when it comes to glitter crafting.

Big Colour Co refer to their product as 'guilt-free' glitter – you can get as sparkly as you want without worrying about harming the environment. This glitter is certified to confirm that it doesn't harm fresh water environments and with its generous tub size it's a great investment.

We all know children can get very glitter happy so make sure you're fully stocked up on these handy glitter tubes. An affordable £5, and available in an array of colours, these are perfect for your kids craft kit.