• Kanika Anachekar
• Falguni Budhawant
• Darshana Kulkarni
• Dr. Amit Breed

This study presents a simple, low-cost method to make biodegradable glitter from corn husk, an agricultural waste. Conventional glitter is a primary microplastic made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and it pollutes soil and water for decades. To offer a greener option, cellulose was extracted from corn husk using a mild alkaline (NaOH) treatment, dried, ground, coloured with natural pigments (turmeric, beetroot, and spinach), and bound with corn flour to form glitter-sized particles. The product was tested for cellulose content (Congo red staining), thermal stability, turbidity, colour fastness across different pH conditions, and biodegradability in soil, with each measurement carried out in triplicate. The glitter stayed stable in boiling water (absorbance 0.02 at 580 nm), added almost no turbidity to water (absorbance 0.02 at 600 nm), and held its colour well in acidic and neutral conditions, fading only in strong alkali. In soil, the glitter broke down within 2–3 weeks, indicating strong biodegradability. At around ₹50 per 4 g, the product is far cheaper than commercial bio-glitters. These results show that corn husk glitter is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative for arts and crafts and decorative applications, and a promising candidate for cosmetics after further skin-safety testing.

Biodegradable Glitter, Corn Husk, Cellulose, Microplastic Pollution, Circular Economy, Natural Pigments

"Biodegradable Glitter: A Sustainable Alternative to Microplastic-Based Sparkle", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no.a561-a571, October-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610062.pdf

"Biodegradable Glitter: A Sustainable Alternative to Microplastic-Based Sparkle", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no. ppa561-a571, October-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610062.pdf