Seaweed glitter brings the sparkle, ditches the microplastics
In the Netherlands, SeaSpark is creating biodegradable and non-toxic glitter from seaweed that can replace the plastic and metallic versions currently dominating the market. Founded by Karlijn Besse and Xu Ben Zhang, the company is targeting cosmetics, festivals, and packaging applications.
According to Innovation Origins, A Plastic Soup Foundation study found that 87% of cosmetic products from Europe’s ten most popular brands contain microplastics, which are added to products such as shampoo, toothpaste and glitter to improve texture or shine. These particles persist in the environment, damaging ecosystems and potentially harming human health. Toxicology professor Marjorie van Duursen warns they may trigger inflammation and be absorbed by immune cells. EU Regulation 2023/2055 restricts microplastics in products, with a full ban not taking effect until 2035.
Category: Chemicals & Materials
