Glitter Conspiracy: Glitter: it’s the sparkly substance that is an essential component of many Christmas decorations, children’s artwork, and even some pranks. However, it’s also a source of frustration for many as it seems to get everywhere and is notoriously difficult to remove. Despite its popularity, the time of the glitter era may be coming to an end, as rumors abound of a glitter shortage.
The thought of a world without glitter may be too much for some to bear. But where is all the glitter even going? Who uses it? And what is it made of, exactly? Well, a glitter conspiracy theory has been circulating for some time now. It suggests that the number one consumer of this sparkly product does not want their identity known.
All About Glitter
So, what exactly is glitter made of? Most glitter is made up of thin sheets of plastic or foil that are covered in a layer of aluminum called aluminum polyethylene terephthalate. However, some craft glitter is made of metal or glass. Glitter comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. The cosmetic variety is typically more circular in shape so as not to cut the skin.
But why do we love glitter so much? The truth is that humans have always been fascinated by shiny things. Some experts believe there may be an evolutionary reason for this. The attraction to glossy objects may be linked to the search for fresh water. In one study, researchers found that toddlers and infants were particularly attracted to glistening surfaces, based on how often they licked or mouthed different shiny-surfaced plates.
History of Glitters
As for the history of glitter, it was first created in the 1940s by a man named Henry Ruschmann on a farm in New Jersey. Ruschmann was a precision cutting expert who invented the cutting machine to cut and developed glossy photo prints. The machine occasionally stuttered and deposited paper or cellulose, which was called “schnibbles”. Ruschmann went on to create a machine to cut glitter schnibbles from plastic scrap. The glitter produced was intended to be a side business to help support the farm’s operating costs for breeding and milking Guernsey cows. However, it ultimately grew into its own company called Meadowbrook Inventions.
Glitter wasn’t widely used until the 1940s in New York City when it was encouraged as a replacement for Christmas candles during World War II. Today, two main companies make glitter: Meadowbrook Inventions, which is a “very private company”, according to an email correspondence with The New York Times, and Glitterex. There is a secretive air surrounding glitter production, and the companies do not want their clients to know how it’s made.
There are many different uses for glitter. It includes being mixed into animal feed by researchers and zookeepers to track animals through their sparkly excrement. Due to its static properties and difficulty to remove, glitter has also been used as crime scene evidence.
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However, despite all these varied uses, the biggest consumer of glitter remains a mystery. When a reporter asked Glitterex who the biggest market for glitter was, the representative was not allowed to say anything because “they don’t want anyone to know that it’s glitter [in their product].” This lack of information has sparked the imagination of many people and fueled the so-called glitter conspiracy theory, or “GlitterGate”.
Conspiracies Related to Glitter
Numerous theories have been circulating the internet regarding the main industry that heavily utilizes glitter. One of the most prevalent theories suggests that the boat-building industry incorporates glitter into its products. This theory posits that the industry does not want to reveal the use of glitter. The reason being it may negatively impact its masculine image. However, this theory has been challenged as automotive paint is known to contain glitter. It contradicts the original quote that implies that the presence of glitter cannot be detected in the product.
Another theory points towards the toothpaste industry as a potential major consumer of glitter. Some speculate that glitter is utilized in the military. Others argue that it is mixed with sand on luxurious beaches. This question has captured the attention of many individuals. There are numerous videos and even a detailed PowerPoint presentation dedicated to the topic.
Despite rumors of a glitter shortage circulating on the internet, there has been no confirmation from the companies themselves, who tend to keep a tight lid on their practices. However, a potential shortage may be a positive development. The plastic film typically used to produce glitter takes an estimated 1,000 years to degrade, leading scientists to call for a ban on the product.
The question remains: which industry consumes the most glitter?