Maya Ellison
Before plastic, products came in a variety of materials including paper, paperboard, cardboard, glass, metal, leaves, animal skin, gourds, barks, and woven string bags. Plastic was invented in the 19th century, but it wasn't until the late 1950s that improvements in manufacturing and processing, coupled with the abundance of oil, led to the mass production of plastic products and the start of plastic pollution. Before this, people consumed more local and seasonal food, and products were packaged in materials that could be returned and reused, such as glass bottles for milk, beer, and soda. Paper and paperboard packaging increased in popularity in the 20th century, and tins were used for higher-end products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials used before plastic | Natural materials such as horn, tortoiseshell, amber, rubber, shellac, animal horns, ivory, cork, blood, milk, leather, glass, wood, tin, cardboard, paper, and wax paper |
| Earliest known plastic | Latex, used in South America around 1600 years before the Common Era |
| Precursors of modern plastic | Vulcanized rubber, Parkesine, and celluloid |
| First fully synthetic plastic | Bakelite, invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland |
| Other early plastics | Cellulose nitrate, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polystyrene (Styrofoam), polyamide, Teflon, silicone, and synthetic rubber |
| Plastic production and consumption | Plastic production and consumption have surged in the 20th and 21st centuries, dubbed the "Plastics Age"; in 2021, global plastic production reached over 460 million metric tons |
| Environmental impact | Plastic waste is a significant issue, with only a small percentage of plastic waste being recycled; plastic pollution harms oceanic ecosystems and contributes to the formation of ocean garbage patches |
| Alternatives to plastic | Biodegradable plastics, bioplastics, and renewable resources like polylactic acid |
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What You'll Learn
Natural materials like rubber, amber, horn, and shell
Rubber, derived from the sap of various plants, has been utilised for thousands of years. Archaeologists have discovered rubber balls and other artefacts in Latin America dating back to as early as 1600 BC. The Olmec civilisation, who lived in Mexico from around 1500 BC to 400 BC, were known as the "rubber people". Rubber's elasticity and waterproof properties made it valuable for creating balls, waterproof raincoats, and erasing pencil marks, leading to its widespread use before plastic.
Amber, a fossilised tree resin, has also been valued for centuries. Pliny, a Roman author, described how the ancient Germans collected and traded amber from the shores of the Baltic Sea. Amber was used as fuel and traded with neighbouring tribes, demonstrating its importance in ancient economies. The Romans traded for amber from the southern Baltic, and it was also valued in ancient China, as evidenced by written records dating back to 200 BCE.
Horns, typically made from animal horns or other materials like wood or metal, have been used as signalling instruments and musical tools for millennia. Animal horns adapted as signalling instruments date back to prehistoric times, and cow horns with finger holes from the Iron Age have been discovered. In the Middle Ages, ivory hunting or signalling horns made from elephants' tusks, known as "olifants" or "oliphants," were considered symbols of royalty.
Shells, while not discussed in detail in the sources, likely refer to the hard outer casing of molluscs or other marine organisms. Shells have been used by humans for various purposes throughout history, including jewellery, tools, and decorative items.
These natural materials played significant roles in various industries before the widespread use of plastic, showcasing humanity's ingenuity in utilising the resources available in their environment.
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Vulcanized rubber, Parkesine, and celluloid
Plastic is a material that has been used in product packaging and manufacturing since the mid-19th century. Before this, materials such as glass, paper, steel, and wood were used.
One of the earliest plastics was Parkesine, invented by British inventor Alexander Parkes. Parkesine was made from a mixture of nitrocellulose, a flammable nitric ester of cotton or wood cellulose, and solvents such as alcohol or wood naphtha. It could be dissolved and mixed with plasticizers like vegetable oil or camphor, a waxy substance, to create a flexible material. Parkesine was patented in 1862 and described as "a substance hard as horn, but as flexible as leather, capable of being cast or stamped, painted, dyed, or carved." However, it was never fully realized due to the financial challenges of scaling up production.
Another early plastic was celluloid, which was produced by mixing nitrocellulose and camphor, often with added dyes and other agents. John Wesley Hyatt acquired the patent for Parkesine in the 1860s and experimented with cellulose nitrate, intending to manufacture billiard balls, which at the time were made from ivory. He used cloth, ivory dust, and shellac, and in 1869 patented a method of covering billiard balls with the addition of collodion. Along with his brother Isaiah, he patented a process in 1870 for making a "horn-like material" with cellulose nitrate and camphor. Celluloid was highly flammable, challenging to produce, and expensive, so it is no longer widely used. However, it found common use in the photography and film industries before the adoption of acetate safety film in the 1950s.
Vulcanized rubber is a material created through the process of vulcanization, which significantly improves the lifespan, function, and strength of rubber. Vulcanization involves treating natural rubber with sulfur or other curing agents to modify its properties. The ancient Mesoamericans used an early form of vulcanization, curing rubber with sulfur-rich plant juices to make balls, sandal soles, elastic bands, and waterproof containers. In the 1830s, Charles Goodyear worked on strengthening rubber tires using heat and sulfur, accidentally discovering that heating rubber made it harder. By 1844, he had patented the process and was producing vulcanized rubber on an industrial scale. Thomas Hancock, a British inventor, also patented vulcanization around the same time, and there is debate over whether he was influenced by Goodyear's work. Vulcanized rubber has found numerous applications, including in shoe soles, hoses, toys, erasers, and conveyor belts.
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Paper, glass, and cardboard packaging
In the centuries before plastic, people used materials such as rubber, amber, horn, and tortoiseshell. These natural materials were heated and moulded into various objects.
The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. Before this, many products were packaged in paper, glass, or cardboard.
Before plastic, food and home products were often packaged in cardboard boxes, tin boxes, or glass jars. Some foods, like meat, sugar, and vegetables, were bought from specialist grocers who would package them in wax paper or normal paper. Alternatively, customers would bring their own containers to be filled. For example, milk was delivered by horse-drawn cart and poured into customers' glass jugs.
Many foods were not purchased pre-packaged at all. Instead, they were sold loose, with the customer providing their own packaging or containers.
Paper packaging was also used for non-food items. For example, early plastic precursor Parkesine was used to make affordable hair combs, and manufacturers later switched to making fashionable sunglasses from the same material.
Cardboard was also used for non-food items. For example, Lego was a popular toy that was made from plastic but also created a mountain of short-life fad toys.
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Leather containers
Leather goods such as jackets, purses, and boots are valuable items that can last for years if properly cared for and stored. One of the key aspects of maintaining the quality of leather goods is proper storage.
Additionally, leather shoes should be cleaned and polished before storing them in a breathable container. Acid-free tissue paper or shoe boxes can be used to help maintain their shape, and it is crucial to avoid storing them in areas with high humidity to prevent damage to the leather. Overall, when storing leather goods, it is essential to keep them away from direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place to ensure their longevity.
In summary, leather containers were used before plastic containers became prevalent, and they continue to be useful for storing leather goods. Proper storage techniques, such as using breathable materials, maintaining consistent temperatures and humidity, and avoiding direct sunlight, are crucial for preserving the quality and longevity of leather items.
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Wood and tin toys
Wooden toys offer a wide range of benefits for children's development. They are often designed to encourage open-ended play, allowing children to use their imagination and creativity. For example, wooden blocks, puzzles, and stacking toys help develop problem-solving skills, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning. Wooden toys also provide a tactile and sensory experience, allowing children to explore textures, shapes, and weights, promoting a deeper understanding of the physical world.
Wooden toys are often handcrafted, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood grain and featuring vibrant colours and interesting shapes. These toys are typically made from sustainable materials, such as sustainably harvested hardwoods, and finished with non-toxic paints and coatings, ensuring they are safe for children and environmentally friendly.
Tin toys, on the other hand, are known for their nostalgic charm and unique mechanical features. These toys often include wind-up mechanisms or moving parts, adding an element of interactivity and surprise. Tin toys were particularly popular in the early 20th century and are often sought-after collectibles today.
Some examples of classic wood and tin toys include wooden paddle ball games, stacking toys, wooden cars, tin pinball games, and mechanical wind-up toys. These toys offer a delightful blend of nostalgia and simplicity, providing entertainment and fostering essential skills for children of all ages.
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Frequently asked questions
Before plastic, products came in a variety of natural materials such as glass, cardboard, tin, and paper.
Before plastic, food products were packaged in cardboard boxes, tin boxes, or glass jars. Many foods were also bought unpackaged and placed in wax paper or normal paper.
Yes, natural plastics such as horn, tortoiseshell, amber, rubber, and shellac have been used since ancient times. These materials were heated and moulded into various objects.
Bakelite, invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907, was the first fully synthetic plastic. It was durable, heat-resistant, and well-suited for mechanical mass production.
Bakelite was marketed as "the material of a thousand uses" and was used in a wide range of industrial and household products. Celluloid, another early plastic, was used for products like combs, billiard balls, and cinema film.
