What major finding led Secretary Wickard to reverse the nationwide ban in early March 1943?
Actual savings in wax paper and steel were significantly lower than anticipated.
The reversal of the ban, which occurred quickly on March 8, was precipitated by the realization that the policy's primary conservation goals were not being met. Secretary Wickard publicly stated that the actual measured savings in both wax paper and alloyed steel fell far short of initial projections. Furthermore, it became clear that the nation possessed sufficient reserves of the wrapping material after all. This failure to achieve tangible material savings, coupled with the intense consumer outrage and industry complaints regarding inefficiency and morale degradation, led to the swift abandonment of the order after it had been in place for less than two months.
