Bio-Sequins and Paillettes
Sequins have long been synonymous with glamour, adorning clothing, accessories, and decorations with their eye-catching shimmer. Despite their small size, however, sequins have a disproportionately large environmental impact. Most are made from petroleum-based plastics, with synthetic coatings or metallic foils for their dazzling effect. Widely used across the fashion, textiles, and consumer goods industries, sequins are now coming under scrutiny for their ecological footprint.
The Growing Demand for Sequins
According to the Sequins Apparels Market Size and Trends 2023-2030 Report, the demand for sequins is projected to grow at a CAGR rate of 6.7%, reaching an estimated market value of US$22.3 million by 2028. Sequins are particularly popular in seasonal event wear, often seen during festive parties and summer celebrations. Yet, this popularity comes at a cost.
Data from Oxfam reveals that 1.7 million sequined items are discarded after the party season each year. Additionally, eBay reports that 58% of consumers wear sequined outfits only once or twice before disposing of them. This cycle of overconsumption exacerbates the environmental impact of sequins.
The Environmental Cost of Plastic-Based Sequins
Traditional sequins are derived from fossil-based plastics, depleting non-renewable resources and contributing to pollution. Their production process is energy-intensive and has significant ecological repercussions. As plastic-based sequins are non-biodegradable, their disposal and even routine washing release microplastics into the environment, particularly into marine ecosystems.
These microplastics pose risks to wildlife and human health, highlighting the urgent need for more responsible alternatives.
A New Era: Bio-Plastic and Cellulose Paillettes
Bio-plastic and cellulose-based sequins offer a promising solution. Made from renewable, plant-based materials, these eco-friendly alternatives deliver the same visual appeal while reducing environmental harm. Companies like Radiant Matter, Sequinova, and Studio Carolyn Raff are at the forefront of this innovation, each bringing unique expertise to the table.
Leaders in Responsible Sequins
Radiant Matter
Radiant Matter is a trailblazer in design innovation, pioneering the use of bio-plastic and cellulose-based materials. Their commitment to circularity ensures that their paillettes are biodegradable and produced with minimal energy consumption and waste.
The company’s flagship innovation, BioSequin™, is a world-first naturally glittering embellishment made from renewable cellulose. These biodegradable sequins are non-toxic, colorfast, and pigment-free. Unlike traditional sequins, their shimmering metallic sheen is achieved without the use of minerals, metals, or associated mining, ensuring an ethical supply chain.
Radiant Matter has collaborated with notable brands such as Stella McCartney, BEEN London, and Patrick McDowell, integrating responsible sparkle into high fashion.
Sequinova
Sequinova focuses on transforming the fashion industry with scalable, responsible solutions. Using cellulose as their primary material, Sequinova’s sequins are fully biodegradable and certified to decompose in freshwater environments within eight weeks, leaving no toxic residue.
Unlike lab-only producers, Sequinova emphasizes mass production. The company has built a team of manufacturing specialists, scientists, and product developers who work directly with factories. By localizing production, they’ve established partnerships with facilities in Europe and Asia to supply markets efficiently and responsibly.
Studio Carolyn Raff
Founded by textile designer Carolyn Raff, this studio takes an experimental and conceptual approach to creating embellishments. Inspired by the motto “An ocean full of possibilities,” Studio Carolyn Raff utilizes rapidly renewable raw materials, particularly algal bio-plastics, to create biodegradable paillettes.
Their production process incorporates natural dyes sourced from sea microorganisms or recycled from the food industry and other fashion projects. The studio also offers low minimum order quantities and customizable options, including 3D paillettes for unique designs. This makes their creations particularly appealing for bespoke and artistic projects.
Conclusion: A Brighter, Responsible Future
The shift from petroleum-based sequins to bio-plastic and cellulose alternatives marks an important step toward reducing their environmental impact. With companies like Radiant Matter, Sequinova, and Studio Carolyn Raff leading the way, it’s clear that the future of sparkle lies in innovation and ecological responsibility.
As consumers, we can support this shift by choosing environmentally friendly embellishments and advocating for better practices in the brands we love. Let’s ensure that our love for glitter and glamour doesn’t come at the expense of our planet.