Tesco PLC will stop using glitter in its Christmas offerings and instead switch to a plastic-free alternative for products that will go on sale starting the end of November, The Guardian reported Aug. 5, citing a company announcement.
The U.K. retailer reportedly plans to launch an eco-friendly, biodegradable glitter in its Christmas range of trees, plants and flowers following an extensive review.
"Customers tell us they want us to use less plastic. This is one of the ways we're trying to help at Christmas," Michelle Buck, Tesco's product development manager, told the newspaper.
The company has yet to announce when it will phase out glitter from its own-brand cards, stationery and wrapping paper, the report added.
The move comes after campaign group 38 Degrees petitioned the ban of glitter in stores since the product is made from a microplastic that endangers people and sea animals, according to the newspaper.
"The news that Tesco is removing glitter from flowers, plants and trees this Christmas is great but it's extremely disappointing that they are not going a step further by removing it from cards and wrapping paper," 38 Degrees member David Innes reportedly said.
