The rise of plastic packaging

Image source: asia.ru

Plastic is generally considered as one of the most widely used materials in the world today. While utilized for anything from commodities to luxuries, its most common application by far is as packaging for food, chemicals, and practically any material and substance. Its use as a packing material goes way back in history. Here is a brief look at the history of plastic packaging.

• The first plastic was created in 1862. Based from cellulose, it could be molded to many shapes when heated, and was called Parkesine.

• In 1908, Dr. Jacques Edwin Brandenberger created Cellophane. He intended to create a cloth that repelled stain but instead, he succeeded in creating the first wrap that was impervious to liquids.

• In 1930, Richard Drew invented the Scotch® Cellulose Tape, an adhesive plastic tape that offered a convenient means for grocers to seal plastic packages.

• In 1933, Ralph Wiley invented a new type of plastic that clung to almost any material. First used by the military, it gradually became available to the public and became widely utilized for keeping food fresh. Called SaranTM, it was the first cling wrap.


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• Tupperware® was developed by Earl Silas Tupper in 1946. It was a line of food containers made from polyethylene.

• Polyethylene garbage bags were developed in 1950. They offered a convenient and orderly way of storing trash.

• In 1954, zipper storage bags were patented by Robert Vergobbi. These led to the introduction of the first Ziploc® containers in 1968.

• The first Bubble Wrap® was patented in 1960 by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes.

• In 2000, polyactic acid derived from corn resurrected bio-based plastic packaging.

• In 2010, Mettalyte™ films were introduced in order to reduce packaging tears that resulted to the spoilage of food products like grains, noodles, and coffee.

Plastic has come a long way since it was first created. There is little doubt that research will continue to improve this material and further expand its uses.


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