The world’s largest glitter producer is known as Meadowbrook Inventions, Inc., located in New Jersey, in the United States of America, but the question as mentioned in the title is, who is the largest glitter consumer? Platforms like Glitterex and global sources allow wholesalers to buy these products in huge quantities but, due to their policy of keeping their clients’ information private for less competition and other undisclosed purposes. However, we can explore the major industries these consumers may be from by exploring the top 3 businesses that use glitter the most. But before that, we will look into how glitter is manufactured, why the productions may need glitter, and its environmental impacts.
The Production Process
To begin with, you have to choose whether you want to make foil, glass, or plastic glitters. Large sheets of the chosen material will be coated with adhesives like foil or colored pigment to give them their reflective and shining properties. These sheets are then cut into small flake-like particles of various shapes, sizes, designs, and color combinations according to need. Afterward, they are taken through a chain of quality control checks that include; Particle Size Analysis, Heavy metal testing, and microbial testing.
Impacts on the Environment
even though everyone around us loves glitter it is a huge threat to humanity which is why many people have now switched to biodegradable glitter. Our daily life glitter is more dangerous than any other microplastic found on earth due to its fragmentation. It has been found in various places like our soil, food, water, and even air. Due to their size, they often find their way into animal and human bodies, making them a threat to health. This is the reason the world-famous Plastic Soup Foundation made a statement that said “Glitter = Litter”.
Cosmetics: Shimmer all around
the cosmetic glitter market is projected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of % by 2030. This indicates a steady and considerable growth rate for the market. The increasing disposable income, changing fashion trends, and growing awareness about beauty and grooming are likely to drive the demand for cosmetic glitter products. The major makeup products that consist of glitter are eyeshadows, nail polishes, lip glosses, and body lotions. As we discussed before, how intensely harmful glitter is it’s not a good option to put it on your bare skin. This Is why the Gen-Z influencers have been demanding eco-friendly and sustainable products. Who cares if the world was late, Global Sources was still on time. They have always been questioning who buys the most glitter which is why, they have introduced loads of options for safe glitter even during makeup procedures.
Arts & Crafts: sparkling all the way
The arts and crafts Glitter Market size is estimated to reach $450 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030. As an artist, we have been taught to use glitter for enhancing and differentiating between colors, textures, and elements. As artists we accessorize all sorts of things with glitter such as keychains, furniture, and even humans, if you don’t know what I mean when I say glitter to decorate humans just search up a picture of Lupita Nyongo’s look at the 2024 Oscars. Frankly speaking, you can add glitter to all sorts of things when it comes to crafts, on everything. You can purchase glitter glues, glitter pens, glitter inks, glitter sheets, and whatnot. While I ponder on whether this could potentially be the leading industry in glitter, I have a game prepared for you. Go back and count how many times I said “glitter” in this paragraph and you may get a prize in the comment section.
Fashion Designing: blitzing fabrics
About 10,000 tons of glitter is used every year in the Fashion Designing Industry but this is only the US. Now imagine how much the amount may be if the whole world uses it. One great inspiration we can get is from Camila Cabello at the 2024 Met Gala: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City. Her stunning garment caught everyone’s eye and created a bold statement.
To Sum It Up,
We know about the world’s greatest glitter manufacturer but it has never been disclosed as to who buys the most glitter. I presented all the facts to you, now can you find out? Is it the makeup industry, our local artists, or the dazzling fashion designers who go big for every new project they start? The majority of people who researched this topic say that it’s the Navy and the military. They could be using it for aesthetic purposes, camouflaging, or making surfaces smooth. But what is your opinion?
