Morrisons has removed glitter entirely from its own-brand ranges of greetings cards, gift wrap, seasonal items and horticulture in stores.
This means all Morrisons cards, crackers, wrapping paper, present bags, flowers, plants and wreaths are now 100% glitter free.
Glitter is made from tiny particles of plastic; it takes hundreds of years to degrade and is an ecological hazard if it becomes dispersed on land, rivers and oceans.
The move extends to non-seasonal as well as seasonal lines, helping Morrisons shoppers to shop more sustainably all year round.
Soluble inks, foil and paper reliefs will instead be used to decorate Morrisons FSC-certified paper cards, wrap and bags to give them a festive feel.
Morrisons has also removed all plastic toys from its Christmas crackers, which will be completely plastic free this year.
All contents – such as games and gifts – will now be made out of paper, metal or wood and are designed to be kept and reused.
The cracker shells will be made from FSC-accredited cardboard and decorated with a metallic basked ink, which means they can be recycled in kerbside collections, along with their packaging.
‘It is more than possible to be both festive and plastic free! Plastic pollution continues to be one of the most visible example of the environmental crisis we’re facing.
‘We need to see more businesses, producers and governments all taking greater responsibility. This year we are dreaming of a greener Christmas, for the sake of the planet.’
PAULA CHIN
Sustainable Materials Specialist at WWF
Morrisons has also reduced the amount of plastic packaging on cards and decorations. The majority of Morrisons cards will come boxed in recyclable cardboard and 100% of packaging on cards and decorations can be easily recycled by local authorities.
The supermarket is also introducing a wide range of ‘no plastic’ felt, hessian and wooden Christmas decorations.
The move to ban glitter and reduce plastic in Christmas ranges means that Morrisons will be removing more than 50 tonnes of plastic from its shelves during the festive period, and more across non-seasonal products all year round.
‘Every time a cracker is pulled, or a card is opened, plastics have been used… But just the once. So, we’ve taken glitter and plastic out of our festive range this year – so that our customers can enjoy their festivities without worrying about the environmental impact.
‘This means that we’re now 100% glitter free across all our own-brand ranges which is an important step in the fight against plastic pollution.’
CHRISTINE BRYCE
Director of Morrisons Home
Morrisons glitter-free Christmas cards are in store now. Crackers, decorations, wrapping paper and gift bags will be appearing on shelves throughout October and November.
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