The Evolution Of Plastic: 1960'S Plastic Usage

The 1960s saw a boom in plastic production and consumption, with plastic products becoming increasingly popular. Plastic was first invented in 1869, but it wasn't until the postwar era that it became a common material in American homes, taking the place of steel, paper, glass, and wood. The 1960s marked a shift in American perceptions of plastic, as the material was no longer seen as entirely positive, with plastic debris observed in the oceans for the first time. By the 1970s, the adverse effects of plastic were identified, and the environmental impact of plastic waste became a growing concern.

Plastic was already present in homes in the 1960s

Plastic was already a common feature in homes in the 1960s. The material had been in use since the start of the century, with the first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, invented in 1907. During World War II, the plastics industry experienced a boom as synthetic alternatives to scarce natural resources were needed. This trend continued post-war, with Americans ready to spend their money on products made of plastic.

In the 1960s, plastic was used in furniture, with young designers experimenting with the material and creating design classics such as the Panton chair and Kartell storage units. The 1966 Ideal Home Householders Guide describes the increasing presence of plastic in homes: "It has taken an unfairly long time for plastics to become visually sophisticated in colour and design. Because of the cheapness of mass-producing the materials, the first objects made in plastics were meant to look cheap and did." However, the author argues that this was not the case, as early plastics were often made to imitate expensive materials such as tortoiseshell or ivory.

The 1960s also saw the rise in popularity of Tupperware, which first began trading in the late 1940s but didn't reach the UK until the 1960s. Plastic was also used for inflatables and decorative items in the home, such as sticky back plastic.

While plastic was becoming a common feature in homes, the 1960s also marked a shift in perception towards the material. Plastic debris in the oceans was first observed in this decade, and Americans became increasingly aware of environmental problems. Scientists also identified the adverse effects of plastic in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a study on plankton revealing the presence of microplastics within an organism.

Plastic debris in the ocean was first observed in the 1960s

The first synthetic polymer was invented in 1869, and plastic became a mainstream material in the period surrounding World War II, from 1933 to 1945. Plastic was used in place of other materials, such as steel in cars, paper and glass in packaging, and wood in furniture. However, it was only in the 1960s that the adverse effects of plastic were identified, with a study on plankton revealing the first signs of plastic pollution and the presence of microplastics within an organism.

In 1965, a plastic bag was found off the coast of Ireland, believed to be the first recording of a plastic bag in the ocean. It was discovered by a continuous plankton recorder (CPR), a device that captures samples of plankton from the water column by towing a mesh behind a ship. The CPR record revealed how much more plastic had been found in the ocean in recent decades, indicating a significant increase from 1960 to 1970.

The presence of small plastic fragments in the open ocean, or microplastics, was reported for the first time in the 1970s. Marine plastic debris was first identified as a potential large-scale impact to the marine environment worldwide in the 1980s, roughly 30 years after the start of mass production. Since then, plastic pollution has been recognised as a pervasive global issue, with plastic debris found in a wide range of habitats, including in fish, seafloor sediments, and even Antarctic ice.

Plastic was used in furniture in the 1960s

Plastic was not a new invention in the 1960s, with its history dating back to 1869 when the first synthetic polymer was invented. However, the 1960s saw a significant increase in plastic usage, with Americans embracing the material in various aspects of their lives, including furniture. This shift can be attributed to the technological advancements in plastic production, making it cheaper and more accessible.

The 1960s marked a period of experimentation and innovation in furniture design, fueled by the possibilities that plastic offered. Young designers embraced the material, creating design classics such as the Panton chair and Kartell storage units. The furniture of this era was characterized by its bright, space-age aesthetic, embodying a dream of modernism. Plastic allowed designers to create objects with no historical precedent, challenging traditional materials and revolutionizing the furniture industry.

The mass production of plastic furniture, however, faced some challenges. Despite the promise of affordability, small production quantities and costly imports, mainly from Italy, made these designs expensive. Additionally, consumers did not fully embrace the disposable nature of plastic furniture, preferring more permanent home furnishings.

The appeal of plastic furniture in the 1960s extended beyond its modern aesthetic. Plastic was praised for its practicality, durability, and ease of maintenance. It was marketed as "unbreakable" and "labor-saving," offering a convenient alternative to traditional materials. Plastic was also used in various household items, from dinnerware to blinds, reflecting its growing presence in everyday life.

Today, plastic furniture from the 1960s is considered a collector's item, with some pieces showcased in museum exhibitions like "Pop Goes the Plastic." Despite the initial enthusiasm, the environmental impact of plastic became a growing concern, leading to a shift in consumer preferences and a search for more sustainable alternatives.

Plastic grocery bags were introduced in America in 1979

The history of plastic is a long and complex one, with the word "plastic" originally referring to a substance that was "pliable and easily shaped". Over the last century and a half, humans have learned to create synthetic polymers, often using petroleum and other fossil fuels. The first synthetic polymer was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt, who treated cellulose derived from cotton fibre with camphor to create a plastic that could be crafted into various shapes and imitate natural substances. This discovery was revolutionary, freeing human manufacturing from the limits of nature.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and plastics were becoming increasingly popular. Polyethylene, now one of the most common plastics, had been created multiple times by 1933, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was invented in 1953. This material would later be used to make plastic bags. During this decade, plastic debris in the oceans was first observed, marking the beginning of growing awareness of environmental issues associated with plastic.

In 1965, the Swedish company Celloplast patented the one-piece polyethylene shopping bag. Four years later, in 1969, the company filed for a US patent for "tubing for packaging purposes". This invention allowed for the creation of plastic bags with a sealed bottom and an open top for inserting items. Plastic bags were now poised to enter the American market.

By the end of 1985, 75% of supermarkets were offering plastic bags, and they had almost entirely replaced paper bags globally by the end of the decade. The plastic bag had become an omnipresent product, found everywhere from the depths of the ocean to Mount Everest and the polar ice caps. Today, the widespread use of plastic bags continues to have unimaginable consequences for our natural environment. The environmental movement also played a role in the adoption of plastic bags, as saving trees became a priority.

Plastic production boomed in the 1960s

Plastic production saw a significant surge in the 1960s, with the material finding its way into various aspects of human life. This boom in plastic production was driven by several factors, including technological advancements, consumer preferences, and economic conditions.

The 1960s marked a period of economic prosperity for Americans, who were eager to spend after the Great Depression and World War II. This increased consumer demand, coupled with the versatility and affordability of plastic, made it a popular choice for various products. Plastic challenged traditional materials such as steel, paper, glass, and wood, offering a more inexpensive, lightweight, and flexible alternative.

One notable aspect of the 1960s plastic boom was the emergence of young designers who embraced the material in their creations. Plastic furniture, for instance, became increasingly popular, with pieces like the Panton chair and Kartell storage units becoming design classics. Plastic was also used in home decor, with items like Perspex baths, Laconite wallboards, and Vinolay tiles touted for their warmth to the touch, ease of care, and modern aesthetic.

The 1960s also witnessed the introduction of plastic grocery bags. While they wouldn't become commonplace in American supermarkets until the 1980s, the groundwork was laid in the '60s. In 1960, the Swedish company Celloplast filed for a US patent for "tubing for packaging purposes," which could be used to create plastic bags by sealing the tube at regular intervals. This innovation, coupled with the aggressive pursuit of polyethylene packaging patents by companies like Mobil Chemical, set the stage for the widespread adoption of plastic bags in subsequent decades.

However, even amid the excitement surrounding plastic's potential, concerns about its environmental impact began to emerge during this decade. Plastic debris in the oceans was first observed in the 1960s, and Americans became increasingly aware of environmental issues. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, scientists identified the adverse effects of plastic pollution, including the presence of microplastics within organisms. Despite these early warnings, the demand for affordable and durable materials outweighed the concerns raised by a small circle of scientists, setting the stage for the plastic waste problem that continues to challenge us today.

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