The big names in plastics

The beginnings of plastic

Plastics, in their various forms, have been around for longer than most people realize. Natural polymers such as rubber and gutta-percha were in use long before the modern era. However, the real starting point for the plastics industry dates back to the 19th century, with the invention of celluloid by the Hyatt brothers.

Evolution and shapes of plastic

Celluloid (1869 ): First artificial plastic, used in photographic film, toys and household items.
Bakelite (1907): First synthetic plastic, used in electrical components and everyday objects.
PVC (1926): Versatile plastic material used in construction, clothing and more.
Polyethylene (1933 ): Discovered by accident, this plastic has become one of the most widely used in packaging, cans, toys, plastic film…
Polypropylene (1954): Used in textiles, automotive parts and food packaging.

The big names in plastics

The Hyatt brothers: celluloid pioneers

Brothers John Wesley Hyatt and Isaiah Smith Hyatt marked a turning point in the history of materials with the invention of celluloid in 1869. Seeking an alternative to ivory for making billiard balls, John Wesley Hyatt developed a material based on nitrocellulose and camphor. Celluloid is considered the first artificial plastic, opening the way to a multitude of applications, from photographic film to everyday objects.

Leo Baekeland: the invention of bakelite

Leo Hendrik Baekeland, a Belgian chemist, invented bakelite in 1907. This thermosetting material was the first synthetic plastic made from phenol and formaldehyde. Bakelite revolutionized industry thanks to its rigidity, heat resistance and insulating properties, finding applications in electrical components, utensil handles and jewelry. It is often considered the material that truly launched the era of modern plastics.

Waldo Semon: the father of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

American chemist Waldo Semon is best known for his work on polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In 1926, while seeking to dechlorinate PVC to obtain a more flexible material, Semon discovered a process for plasticizing PVC. This discovery led to the creation of a versatile material used in a variety of applications, from flooring and pipes to clothing and toys.

The discoveries of pioneers like the Hyatt brothers, Leo Baekeland and Waldo Semon laid the foundations for an industry that continues to transform our world. Thanks to these great names, the plastics industry has developed revolutionary materials that have simplified everyday life, improved technologies and opened up new possibilities in a variety of fields. Today, the challenges of sustainability and recycling are pushing the industry to innovate even further, seeking solutions for a more environmentally-friendly future.