The EU crackdown on microplastics also affects glitter:Glitter on greeting cards and cosmetics is prohibited

The European Commission directive aims to reduce the dispersion of these materials by 30% by 2030.But in Germany influencers and television personalities are protesting

The new Brussels directive on microplastics comes into force on Sunday 15 October.And in view of that date there is a product that all European citizens will have to say goodbye to:the glitter.Glitter, a compound made of polymers and aluminium, is in fact one of the products on which the European Union intends to impose a clampdown.With the new rules it will no longer be possible to use glitter in greeting cards, artificial sports surfaces, make-up and other cosmetic products.Brussels' regulatory crackdown is part of the broader strategy outlined in the Green Deal and aims to eliminate microplastics from as many products as possible.The objective set is the following:reduce the dispersion of these materials by 30% by 2030.

Microplastics everywhere

The impact of microplastics on human health and the environment has been the subject of several recent scientific studies.These materials have been found almost everywhere and the damage they cause - both to the environment and to humans - has been known for some time.Regarding glitter, for example, a study published in the magazine Aquatic Toxicology estimated 8 million tons present in the oceans.But the problem isn't just about glitter.Last year, a study by the University of Amsterdam certified for the first time the presence of microplastics also in human blood.And it is precisely because of all these alarms that in recent months the European Commission asked Echa, the European Chemicals Agency, for an opinion.The suggestion that the experts provided to the executive of Ursula von der Leyen was to update community rules to limit the dispersion of microplastics as much as possible.

The European directive

According to Commission estimates, the new directive will prevent the release into the environment of around half a million tonnes of microplastics, a category that includes all synthetic polymer particles smaller than five millimeters and resistant to degradation.The main innovation of the new rules consists in the ban on the sale of microplastics as such and all those objects to which they are intentionally added.The first products affected by this restriction are glitter, including those used in some cosmetics (exfoliants, foundations, nail polishes and lipsticks).Later we will touch on the materials used for some sports surfaces (such as indoor volleyball and basketball courts), detergents, fabric softeners and toys.Only in duly justified cases, specifies the European Commission, will exemptions and transitional periods be applied to allow producers to adapt to the new rules.

«Glitter hysteria» in Germany

The imminent entry into force of the European directive has already created some controversy.In Germany, writes the Guardian, several television personalities and influencers have seen fit to anticipate Brussels' tightening by stocking up on glitter.Sam Dylan, a participant of reality TV Big Brother, said she purchased 82 packs of glitter.Criticism also from Luca Valentino, showman of the program Deutschland sucht den Superstar, according to which the new European directive "will take away the last sparks of glamour".

Cover photo:UNSPLASH/Alexander Grey