38 Degrees has launched a petition appealing to Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to enact the ban.

Speaking to the Guardian, David Innes from 38 Degrees said: “Glitter might look lovely but, because it’s plastic, it sticks around long after the sparkle has gone – often in the stomachs of fish and birds.”

The petition says: “We have no idea what long term effects micro-plastic will have on us, our children or the other animals and plants that share our planet. This is a very disturbing thought. Next time you eat something, what will you think?”

Campaign group calls for glitter ban in the UK