Are Sequins Bad for the Environment?
- Charlotte Garbutt
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
All that glitters...
All that glitters isn't gold... in fact with sequins, the colour may be golden but they're basically plastic. Small discs of PET or PVC, they are far removed from their high-status, luxury origins. The word sequin itself came from the Arabic word sikka meaning coin and there are also links to the Venetian zecchino. In both cases, these were precious coins sewn into fabric.
Stocking fillers to landfillers
Bearing in mind that sequins these days are petroleum-based, it comes as no surprise that sequins are on the environmental naughty list. So what are the issues?
Microplastic pollution: through manufacturing and subsequent domestic washing, sequins and the synthetic garments they're often sewn onto leak microplastics into the environment which pollute freshwater and marine water. Species can mistake the small discs for food. Toxins get into the ecosystem, not only impacting water-based species but ultimately human health.
Toxic: manufacturing sequins is in itself an environmentally-harmful process, with a range of potentially harmful dyes, chemicals and solvents involved. These cause harm to the eco-systems around manufacturing plants as well as to those working day-to-day in the factories.
Waste: there is inevitably a lot of waste product around the punched-out discs of sequins. Some estimates suggest around one third waste product around each sequin. Manufacturers incinerating any waste product can end up causing further pollution. Because most of those wearing sequins only do so at Christmas, changes to consumers' fashion choices and weight fluctuations over the years means each sequined garment may only be worn a handful of times. If they're cheaply produced fast fashion, they can end up in landfill. Some brands will also dump their own unsold clothing which may be shipped off to landfill overseas. As sequins are made of plastic, they won't biodegrade and can pollute the environment long term.
Taking the shine off...
So if this is taking the shine off sparkling for the party season, are there alternatives to keep us merry and bright?
Plant-based sequins: cellulose-based sequins have been developed which biodegrade in the ocean within weeks. Recyclable sequins are also being developed which rely less on toxic solvents. Light-refraction techniques are also in development to prevent the need for plastics. More sustainable sequins can be purchased from the likes of Aspiga, The Sustainable Sequin Company (both of which use recycled sequins) and Radiant Matter and Sequinova, which both use plant-based sequins.
Preloved sequins: keep things in circulation by not buying new, with a host of sequined garments available in charity shops and apps like Vinted.
Seasonal style alternatives: remember that there are plenty of alternatives to sequins, styles which you're more likely to wear throughout the year.
Follow the links below to read more on the subject:
Oxfam Article: 1.7m sequined items are BINNED after the Christmas party season but won’t ever biodegrade
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