// Selfridges pledges to remove all plastic-based cosmetic glitter by January 2021
// It’s the latest move in its ambition to become the most sustainable retailer
// Research found that 64% of Brits were unaware that glitter contains single-use plastic
Selfridges has pledged to remove all plastic-based cosmetic glitter by next year as it pushes on with efforts to try and become the most sustainable retailer.
The luxury department store retailer said it was working closely with 300 suppliers to ensure plastic-based cosmetic glitter is removed from its beauty halls by January 1, 2021.
The move comes as research from One Poll found that almost two-thirds – 64 per cent – of Brits were unaware that glitter contains single-use plastic, earning it the reputation as the hidden microplastic.
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Upon learning about its harmful contents, 63 per cent of the survey’s respondents said they would be less likely to purchase a plastic-based cosmetic glitter in the future.
As with microbeads and other micro-plastics within cosmetics, single use glitter is easily washed away, leading to it entering water systems and going on to pollute oceans and endanger sea wildlife.
Selfridges has already banned all plastic carrier bags, single-use plastic water and carbonated drinks bottles and plastic straws.
In 2016, the retailer removed products containing plastic microbeads, two years ahead of a national manufacturing ban.
Last year, all single-use, plastic-based cosmetic wet wipes were removed from stores, both for purchase and use at counter.
“As we continue to see the devastating and irreversible impact of single-use plastics on our environment and on marine life in particular, we are committed to reducing Selfridges’ plastic footprint, a key milestone in our ongoing ‘Buying Better, Inspiring Change’ business strategy,” Selfridges sustainability director Daniella Vega said.
“By removing all micro-plastic glitter products from our beauty offer, we hope to inspire our customers, suppliers and fellow retailers to act responsibly, seek alternatives and make positive change through transparent and meaningful action.”
Seflridges head of beauty Melissa McGinnis said: “Beauty is a feel-good industry, so it is important to us that by being transparent, taking steps towards reducing unnecessary plastics and offering alternatives, our customers can also feel good by making informed and responsible buying decisions.”
In addition to its war on plastic, Selfridges has a ban on the sale of all exotic skins, which has now taken effect.
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