Major retailers scrapping glittery decorations this Christmas

Two major Aussie retailers have made a controversial move to help the environment ahead of Christmas.

Two major Australian retailers have revealed plans to scrap Christmas products which contain glitter in an effort to reduce their environmental impact.

Both Woolworths and Big W will no longer sell ornaments or Christmas objects with glitter on them.

In a statement, The Woolworths Group said glitter, made of microplastics, is toxic for the environment.

Woolworths has scrapped glitter this Christmas.

Typical decorations and Christmas products including wrapping paper and cards sold at either Woolworths or Big W won’t be covered in glitter, as the company attempts to reduce its impact on the environment.

The retail giant says glitter is bad for the environment.

Woolworths Group general manager of sustainability Liam Ward said the effort is a small but meaningful way customers can deliver Christmas cheer without harshly impacting the environment.

"We know there's more we can do and we’re working to reduce glitter across our entire range in Woolworths and Big W,” Mr Ward said.

Christmas stock on the shelves at Big W.

"We're also making changes to reduce plastic in its many other forms, with both Woolworths and Big W removing reusable plastic shopping bags from check-outs nationwide by the end of June next year.”

Woolworths also announced its Christmas bonbons will also be sold with plastic-free prizes, in an attempt to be more sustainable.