Omar Khalid
Plastic bags have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, but they were not commonly used until the late 1970s to 1980s. Before this, paper bags were the norm for carrying groceries, and plastic bags were a novelty. The first plastic bags were produced in the 1950s, and by the 1970s, they had become popular in Europe, eventually spreading to the United States and the rest of the world. Today, plastic bags are a significant environmental concern, contributing to global warming, ocean pollution, and threatening marine life. So, while plastic bags did not exist in 1860, their relatively recent introduction and widespread use have led to far-reaching consequences that we are still grappling with today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags in 1860 | Did not exist |
| First plastic bag invented | 1965 by Swedish company Celloplast |
| Plastic bags introduced in the US | 1970s |
| Plastic bags first appeared in US grocery stores | 1979 |
| Plastic bags widely adopted in the US | 1980s |
| Plastic bags common worldwide | By the end of the 1980s |
| Plastic bags material invented | 1933 by accident in a chemical plant in Northwich, England |
| Plastic bags environmental impact | Contributes to global warming, ocean pollution, and health issues |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic was first invented in the 1860s
Plastic bags have become a staple in our daily lives, with their durability, flexibility, and low cost making them a popular choice for consumers and retailers alike. However, the journey of the plastic bag began long before its widespread adoption in the late 20th century. Let's go back to the 1860s when plastic was first invented.
The 1860s marked a significant decade in the history of plastics. During this time, a material called Parkesine, also known as celluloid, was invented by Alexander Parkes. Parkesine is considered one of the first synthetic plastics, and it revolutionised the way we create and use everyday objects. This early form of plastic was derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plants, and was moulded using a combination of pressure and heat. While the exact year of its invention is unknown, a yellow Parkesine fishing reel crafted by Alexander Parkes around 1860 exists in the collection of the Science Museum Group.
Parkes' invention of Parkesine paved the way for the development of celluloid, which had numerous applications. For example, in the early 20th century, celluloid was used to create items such as combs, billiard balls, and even dice that imitated the look of ivory. Celluloid also found its way into the film industry, with Louis Le Prince using it to create two spools of film in 1888-1889.
While the 1860s marked the birth of plastic, it would be over a century before plastic bags became a common sight. Plastic bags were introduced in the American market in the early 1970s as an alternative to paper bags. Despite initial scepticism, their durability and cost-effectiveness slowly gained popularity. By the 1980s, large supermarket chains like Safeway and Kroger made the switch to plastic bags, solidifying their place in American consumer culture.
The convenience and affordability offered by plastic bags contributed to their rapid adoption worldwide. However, the environmental impact of plastic bags was not fully considered at the time. The widespread use of plastic bags has led to significant environmental degradation, with plastic waste polluting our oceans, contributing to global warming, and endangering wildlife. As a result, countries have started to implement bans and restrictions on single-use plastic bags, with a growing movement towards sustainability and environmentally friendly alternatives.
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Celluloid was the first plastic
Plastic bags did not exist in 1860. In fact, plastic bags only became popular in the 1970s and were patented in 1965.
However, the 1860s did see the invention of celluloid, the first modern plastic. Celluloid was invented by John Wesley Hyatt in the late 1860s as a synthetic alternative to ivory billiard balls. By the late 1860s, billiards was becoming a sport played by more than just the upper classes, and there was concern about the availability of ivory, which the balls were made of. Hyatt combined nitrocellulose with camphor, which made a mouldable yet hard substance. This process was patented in 1869.
Celluloid was colourless, allowing it to be made in any colour and finish. It could be used to mimic expensive materials such as ivory and tortoiseshell, making items such as combs and billiard balls affordable to the middle class. It was also used to make toiletries, novelties, and photographic film.
Celluloid was highly flammable due to its ingredients, and early theatres using celluloid film had to keep their projector temperatures low to prevent fires. As celluloid ages, its ingredients begin to break down, and it becomes brittle. By the 1920s, celluloid was being replaced by new plastics such as Bakelite, though it found a niche in cinema. By the 1950s, celluloid was no longer used in filming due to advancements in technology.
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Plastic is a polymer
Plastic bags were not in use in 1860. The first plastic, called Bakelite, was created in 1909 and used for telephone and electrical components. Plastic bags were first patented in 1965 by the Swedish company Celloplast. However, they did not become popular until the 1980s when two of the biggest supermarket chains in the United States, Safeway and Kroger, switched to using them.
Now, onto the topic of polymers. Plastic is indeed a type of polymer. Polymers are chemical compounds composed of long, repeating chains of molecules or monomers. These monomers are simple chemical units that chemically bond to form larger molecules. The process by which monomers link together into a polymer chain is known as polymerization.
Polymers can be naturally occurring, such as cellulose, latex, silk, wool, DNA, rubber, and proteins, or synthetic, like nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. Synthetic polymers are derived from oil, petroleum, or bio-based sources. They are created through a polymerization or polycondensation process, where oil and natural gas are refined to form gases like ethane and propane, which are then heated to form monomers.
The key difference between polymers and plastics is that while all plastics are polymers, not all polymers are plastics. Plastics are a specific type of polymer with a large molecular mass and a mostly linear structure. They are known for their ability to be molded, extruded, or pressed into solid objects of various shapes.
The widespread use of plastics has led to significant environmental challenges due to their slow biodegradability and the reliance of their production on petrochemical products. However, developments in polymer and plastic technology are focused on reducing their negative impact on the planet.
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Natural plastics have existed for a long time
The first plastics were created in the 1930s, with the accidental discovery of polyethylene at a chemical plant in Northwich, England. This new material was strong, flexible, and heat-resistant, and it soon found military applications during World War II. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that plastic shopping bags began to gain popularity, initially introduced as an alternative to paper bags. By the 1980s, major supermarket chains had made the switch to plastic, and the plastic bag's dominance was solidified.
The rise of plastic bags was driven by their durability, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. However, their environmental impact was not fully considered at the time. Plastic bags are now recognised as a significant contributor to global warming and ocean pollution, and health issues due to their synthetic molecules. The longevity of plastic bags, taking centuries to decompose, has led to their proliferation in the environment, becoming one of the most prevalent types of litter.
Today, there is a growing movement towards sustainability and reducing plastic waste. Countries have implemented bans and restrictions on single-use plastic bags, and companies are innovating with biodegradable alternatives and reusable bags made from recycled materials. As the world grapples with the consequences of plastic bags, the search for environmentally friendly solutions becomes increasingly urgent.
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Plastic production surged in the 1900s
Plastic bags did not exist in 1860. In fact, plastic bags were introduced in the 1970s and became popular in the 1980s.
The production of plastic surged in the 1900s, marking the beginning of what is now known as the Plastics Age. This surge can be attributed to the creation of the first fully synthetic plastic by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland in 1905 or 1907. Baekeland's invention, Bakelite, combined formaldehyde and phenol under heat and pressure to create a material that was durable, heat-resistant, and ideal for mass production. Bakelite sparked a consumer boom, with its applications ranging from electrical insulation to affordable consumer goods.
During World War II, the plastics industry experienced a significant expansion, particularly in the United States, as synthetic alternatives were needed to preserve scarce natural resources. Nylon, invented in 1935, was used for parachutes, ropes, body armor, and helmet liners during the war. Plexiglas provided an alternative to glass for aircraft windows. Plastic production in the US increased by 300% during this period, and the surge continued even after the war ended.
In the post-war period, factories shifted from producing for the war effort to meeting the demands of a new domestic market. Consumers, having experienced the Great Depression and World War II, were ready to spend again, and plastic became a common material for various products. The development of polyethylene in the 1930s, first produced industrially in England, further contributed to the surge in plastic production. Polyethylene, with its flexibility and durability, found applications in piping, film for wrapping, and domestic articles.
The plastics industry continued to innovate and expand in the following decades, with companies like Mobil Chemical recognizing the lucrative potential of plastic grocery bags. By the 1980s, major supermarket chains in the US began switching from paper bags to plastic bags, citing their durability and cost-effectiveness. However, the environmental impact of plastic waste began to raise concerns, leading to the emergence of reusable bags and biodegradable alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic bags were not invented until the 1950s. Polyethylene, the most common type of plastic used for disposable bags, was first created in 1898, but it wasn't until the 1950s that high-density polyethylene was invented, enabling the production of cheap and strong plastic bags.
Before the invention of plastic bags, paper bags were commonly used. However, they were not as convenient as plastic bags, as they were more expensive, not as durable, and not as easy to carry.
Plastic bags became popular in the 1970s and quickly began to replace cloth and paper bags in Europe. By the 1980s, they had spread to the United States and other countries worldwide, with large grocery store chains switching to plastic bags.
Plastic bags have become one of the largest environmental issues of our time. They contribute to global warming, ocean pollution, and have negative impacts on human health. They are also costly to dispose of and clean up, with much of the cost falling on taxpayers.
