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The first manmade plastic
The first manmade plastic was unveiled by Alexander Parkes at the Great International Exhibition in London. This material – dubbed Parkesine – was derived from cellulose. -
Early 1900’s
Swiss textile engineer Dr. Jacques Edwin Brandenberger created Cellophane, a clear layer of packaging for any product – the first fully flexible, water impermeable wrap. -
Another plastic
Ralph Wiley, a Dow Chemical lab worker, accidentally discovered another plastic: polyvinylidene chloride which became known as SaranTM. The plastic was first used to protect military equipment and later for food packaging. Saran would cling to almost any material – bowls, dishes, pots and even itself – and became a terrific tool for maintaining the freshness of food at home. -
Plastic bottles
The first major commercial plastic spray bottle was developed by Dr. Jules Montenier, creator of “Stopette”, an underarm deodorant that was dispensed by squeezing its plastic bottle. As sponsor of the popular “What’s My Line” television show, Stopette triggered an explosion in the use of plastic bottles. -
Plastic garbage bag
The familiar black or green plastic garbage bag (made from polyethylene) was invented by Canadians Harry Wasylyk and Larry Hansen. The new garbage bags, intended for commercial use, were first sold to the Winnipeg General Hospital. They later became popular for home use -
The first licensed character lunch box
Wisconsin manufacturer Geuder, Paeschke and Frey produced the first licensed character lunch box: a lithographed Mickey Mouse on an oval tin with a pull-out tray inside. Plastic was used for the handle and then for the entire box starting in the 1960s. -
Salad-in-a-bag packaging
Salad-in-a-bag packaging (metallocene-catalyzed polyolefins) was introduced, helping to reduce food waste and making it easier to purchase fresh produce. -
The two liter plastic beverage bottle
The two liter plastic beverage bottle and the one gallon plastic milk jug reach a milestone in “lightweighting” – both containers shed a third of their weight since they became widely used in the 1970s -
MetallyteTM films
MetallyteTM films were introduced to help keep sharp contents (coffee beans, grains, noodles, croutons) fresher by reducing packaging tears. The new films are also lighter than foil-based designs. -
Ketchup packaging
Heinz® Dip & Squeeze TM , первая за последние 42 года инновация в упаковке кетчупа, представляет собой пакет с двумя функциями, предлагающий два способа насладиться кетчупом: отогнуть крышку для легкого погружения или оторвать кончик, чтобы выдавливать пищу. Новая упаковка делает еду на ходу веселее и удобнее. -
An “intelligent plastic”
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde invented an “intelligent plastic.” This led to the beginning of intelligent packaging. The plastic changes its color when the food packed in it is about to lose its freshness. -
Today
Now that you know a bit more about how plastic came to be what it is today, you can do your part to contribute to eco-friendly plastic options. When it comes to containers or clamshell packaging solutions, always choose reusable options and always remember to recycle.
