The history of plastic

First Discoveries

• 1839 : Vulcanization of rubber: Charles Goodyear discovers vulcanization, improving the durability of natural rubber. This innovation marks the beginning of the industrial use of natural polymers.

• 1869 : Invention of celluloid: John Wesley Hyatt invents celluloid, the first artificial plastic, in response to a competition to find an alternative to ivory in the manufacture of billiard balls. The material soon found applications in photographic film and various consumer goods.

The era of synthetic plastics

• 1907 : Leo Baekeland’s bakelite: Leo Hendrik Baekeland invents bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic. Made from phenol and formaldehyde, bakelite is heat-resistant and non-conductive. It revolutionized the electrical and electronics industries, replacing natural materials in the manufacture of switches, sockets and insulating components.

• 1926 : Waldo Semon plasticizes PVC: Waldo Semon discovers how to plasticize PVC, making the material more flexible and opening the way to a multitude of applications. PVC became essential in the manufacture of pipes, flooring, clothing and toys.

• 1933 : Polyethylene: Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson discover polyethylene, which rapidly becomes one of the world’s most widely used plastics. Its applications range from packaging and containers (drums, etc.) to plastic films, thanks to its lightness and resistance.

• 1954 : Polypropylene: Giulio Natta and Karl Ziegler develop polypropylene, a robust, heat-resistant plastic. It is widely used in textiles, automotive parts and food packaging, offering superior mechanical properties and enhanced chemical resistance.

Innovations and changes in society

Mass production and accessibility: plastics have enabled the mass production of affordable, durable consumer goods. The automotive, electronics and packaging industries have been transformed by the use of plastics, making many products more accessible and improving quality of life.

Medical advances: plastics have revolutionized the medical sector. Plastic medical devices, such as syringes, blood bags and tubes, have improved hygiene and safety, reducing the risk of contamination. Implants, prostheses and disposable devices have also benefited from plastic innovation, enabling safer, more advanced and personalized care.

Technology and innovation: plastics have played a crucial role in the evolution of modern technologies. Electronic components, optical fibers and composite materials have enabled significant advances in computing, telecommunications and aerospace. Plastics have contributed to the miniaturization of electronic devices, making equipment more portable and accessible.

Environment and sustainability: the environmental impact of plastics has become a major concern. Plastic pollution, non-biodegradable waste and microplastics pose major challenges. In response, the plastics industry is developing more sustainable solutions, such as biodegradable plastics, recyclable materials and bio-based alternatives. Recycling initiatives and efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics aim to minimize the ecological footprint of plastics.

Impact on everyday life: plastics have transformed many aspects of everyday life. In households, they are ubiquitous in the form of kitchen utensils, furniture, clothing and food packaging. Their lightness, durability and affordability have made many products more practical and accessible to a wide public.

Transformation of industrial sectors: plastics have transformed various industrial sectors. In the automotive sector, plastics have made it possible to reduce vehicle weight, thereby improving fuel efficiency and cutting emissions. In the construction industry, plastic materials have replaced traditional materials in many applications, offering durable and economical solutions.