As a leading provider of sustainable recycling and packaging solutions, DS Smith understands the intricate challenges faced by local authorities. Our mission is to design out waste, and to keep products and materials in use for longer. This commitment drives our continuous research and innovation in recyclability, and it’s why we want to shed light on a small, yet significant, issue that impacts our collective goals: glitter.
Glitter, found adorning everything from festive wrapping paper to greeting cards, presents a considerable hurdle to effective recycling. While its sparkle might be appealing, its composition makes it a recycling nightmare, often leading to contamination that undermines the hard work of both residents and recycling facilities.
The Microplastic Problem
We know that the devil is often in the details. Most glitter is, in essence, a microplastic – tiny pieces of plastic, typically less than 5mm, often made from etched aluminium bonded to a plastic film [1]. Their minute size and material composition make them incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to separate from paper and cardboard during the recycling process.
When items containing glitter enter the recycling stream, these microplastics act as contaminants. They degrade the quality of the recycled pulp, making it harder to produce new, high-quality paper and packaging products. In many cases, the presence of glitter can lead to entire batches of otherwise recyclable materials being rejected and diverted to landfill or incineration.
Operational Impact on Local Authorities
Our experts at DS Smith regularly analyse waste streams and we see first-hand the operational challenges that glitter creates. Sorting machinery is simply not designed to capture or remove such small, pervasive particles. This means that valuable resources – time, energy, and infrastructure – are spent on processing materials that ultimately cannot be fully recycled due to glitter contamination.
DS Smith has previously highlighted that the UK generates a staggering amount of card packaging waste, particularly during peak seasons like Christmas and Valentine's Day. Our research indicates that over a quarter of this packaging was not recycled in 2023. When items like glitter-laden wrapping paper and cards enter the system, they contribute to this non-recycled volume, making it harder for local authorities to meet their recycling targets.
We believe that clear, consistent messaging is crucial to help residents understand these nuances.
Our Practical Advice for a Glitter-Free Future
We’re advocating for practical solutions that empower both businesses and residents to make more sustainable choices. By working together, we can significantly reduce the amount of non-recyclable materials entering the waste stream.
- The "Scrunch Test": We champion the "scrunch test" as a quick and effective way for residents to determine if wrapping paper is recyclable. If the paper stays scrunched when crumpled, it's likely plastic-free and recyclable. If it springs back, it probably contains plastic or glitter and should be kept out of the recycling bin.
- Glitter-Free Products: Encourage residents to actively seek out and purchase wrapping paper, greeting cards, and other decorative items that are explicitly labelled as recyclable or, ideally, are entirely free of glitter and other non-recyclable embellishments. The market is increasingly offering more sustainable alternatives, and consumer demand can further drive this shift.
- Reuse and Repurpose: Promote the reuse of gift bags and boxes. For greeting cards, advise residents to remove any non-recyclable elements like glitter or plastic badges before recycling the plain card material. Suggest repurposing glittery cards for craft projects or gift tags for future use.
- Reinforce Local Recycling Guidelines: While general principles apply, specific recycling rules can vary by local authority. We encourage local authorities to clearly communicate their specific guidelines, directing residents to their council's website for detailed information on accepted materials and collection schedules.
A Collaborative Path to a Circular Economy
The issue of glitter is a clear example of how small design choices can have a significant impact on the entire recycling ecosystem. By collaborating with local authorities we can educate the public, influence product design, and improve recycling rates across the UK.
Public Sector Recycling Solutions | DS Smith - DS Smith
