Omar Khalid
Plastic was everywhere in the 1970s. From furniture to dinnerware, and even the first plastic electric kettle, plastic products were becoming more common in homes. Plastic shopping bags were a novelty in the 1970s and are now found in every corner of the world. Plastic bottles were also introduced in the 1970s, though they were still being reused multiple times. The 1970s also saw the invention of design classics such as the Panton chair and Kartell storage units. The word plastic comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning able to be moulded. The success of plastic can be attributed to World War II, when there was a need for durable, inexpensive, lightweight materials that could be manufactured quickly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Bakelite, celluloid, polycarbonates, ABS, SAN, silicones, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon, polyethylene, PVC, etc. |
| Origin | The word 'plastic' comes from the Greek word 'plastikos', meaning 'able to be moulded'. |
| Composition | Polymers (long-chain molecules) or a combination of such molecules with other substances. |
| Properties | Can be shaped in almost any form; can have any colour; can have the hardness of steel or the softness of silk; can be transparent; can be pliable and easily shaped; can be moulded into various shapes; can be made to imitate natural substances like tortoiseshell, horn, linen, and ivory; can be durable, lightweight, flexible, water-repellent, and heat-stable; can be a poor conductor of electricity. |
| Uses | Plastic bags, electric kettles, furniture, dinnerware, bathware, decorative light fittings, jewellery, radio cabinets, raincoats, airplane windows and cockpits, tires, goggles, helmet liners, atomic bomb components, stockings, laminate movie sets, vehicle parts, pipes, bumpers, computers, cell phones, medical equipment, etc. |
| Advantages | Can protect the natural world by reducing the need for natural resources; can make material wealth more widespread and obtainable; can be used to create lightweight, durable, and inexpensive supplies during wartime. |
| Disadvantages | Can pose a threat to human health due to additives like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates; can cause environmental challenges due to single-use plastic waste. |
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Plastic shopping bags
The 1970s also saw the emergence of plastic bottles as well. Plastic bottles were introduced in the 1970s and were reused multiple times, as evident from the deposit system in place during that era. Plastic bottles replaced glass bottles, which were previously recycled by being washed, given new caps, and reused. The shift towards plastic bottles was driven by their durability, lightweight nature, and ease of manufacturing.
The popularity of plastic, in general, continued to grow in the 1960s and 1970s, with designers experimenting with this novel material. Plastics were used in furniture, such as the iconic Panton chair and Kartell storage units. The flexibility and versatility of plastics allowed for unique designs and shapes that weren't possible with traditional materials.
The success of plastic can be attributed to World War II, when there was a high demand for durable, lightweight, and easily produced supplies. This period saw the widespread use of plastic in various applications, from Perspex in airplane windows and cockpits to synthetic rubber tyres, goggles, and even parachutes made from nylon stockings.
However, the proliferation of plastic shopping bags has had severe environmental consequences. Plastic bags are found in the oceans, on Mount Everest, and in the polar ice caps. They contribute to marine litter and plastic pollution, threatening marine life and intensifying environmental challenges. To address these issues, countries have started to implement bans and regulations on plastic bags, with 127 out of 192 countries enacting legislation as of 2018.
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Bakelite
Baekeland was already wealthy due to his invention of Velox photographic paper. He started experimenting with strengthening wood by impregnating it with synthetic resin. By controlling the pressure and temperature applied to phenol and formaldehyde, he produced a hard, mouldable material that he named Bakelite, after himself and the heat-curing process it required.
Baekeland started semi-commercial production of Bakelite in his laboratory, marketing it as a material for electrical insulators. In 1910, he formed the General Bakelite Company of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to manufacture and market his new industrial material. By 1930, the Bakelite Corporation occupied a 128-acre plant at Bound Brook, New Jersey.
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Polycarbonates
One of the key advantages of polycarbonates is their durability and lightweight nature. They are virtually unbreakable, with a sheet of polycarbonate being 250 times stronger than a pane of glass. They are also optically clear, with high optical clarity, and can be cold-curved, making them suitable for a variety of shapes and applications. Polycarbonates are easy to install and can be cut with standard woodworking tools. Additionally, they have good thermal insulation properties, trapping heat up to 60% better than glass, making them useful in greenhouses and energy-efficient buildings.
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Plastic bottles
The use of plastic bottles can be traced back to the 1970s, a decade that saw a significant increase in recycling practices. The 1970s marked a shift towards recycling, building on the victories of the previous decade. One notable example of plastic bottle usage in the 1970s was Coca-Cola's introduction of lightweight, recyclable plastic bottles in 1975. These bottles were smaller in size but equal in liquid volume due to thinner walls. They were also significantly lighter, with six plastic bottles weighing less than a single glass bottle, and they required less energy for production and transportation. This innovation by Coca-Cola represented a landmark in the history of plastic bottles.
In the 1970s, plastic was already a familiar presence in homes, having been used for various household items and decor since the start of the century. Bakelite, an early plastic invented in 1907, was a popular material in the 1930s, while the 1960s witnessed a boom in young designers experimenting with plastic, creating design classics like the Panton chair and Kartell storage units. By the 1970s, plastic products ranged from practical household items like "unbreakable" melamine dinnerware to more modern designs like plastic chairs and tables.
While plastic bottles were not yet in widespread use in the 1970s, the decade laid the foundation for their eventual dominance. The combination of improved manufacturing technology, environmental considerations, and the advantages plastic offered over glass set the stage for plastic bottles to become the ubiquitous choice for liquid containers in the following decades.
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Plastic furniture
In the 1970s, plastic was most commonly referred to as "polyethylene," which was a type of plastic resin that became widely used during that decade. This period marked a significant shift in the production and use of plastic, which had begun to infiltrate various industries and consumer products. The furniture industry was no exception, and the emergence of plastic furniture became a notable trend in the 1970s.
One of the key advantages of plastic furniture was its affordability. It provided a less expensive alternative to traditional furniture materials such as wood or metal. This made it accessible to a wider range of consumers and contributed to its popularity, especially among young people and those with limited budgets. Plastic furniture became synonymous with modernity and a symbol of the progressive design sensibilities of the time.
Iconic designs from this era include the "Boby" storage unit by Joe Colombo, which featured colourful, stackable plastic compartments, and the "Up5" chair by Gaetano Pesce, a whimsical, oversized armchair made of foam and upholstered in stretch fabric. The "Eiffel" chair by Charles and Ray Eames combined a plastic seat with metal legs, blending contemporary and industrial materials. These designs challenged traditional notions of furniture and continue to influence modern furniture design.
The popularity of plastic furniture in the 1970s also extended to outdoor settings. Plastic lawn chairs and tables became common fixtures in backyards and patios. Bright colours and playful designs characterised this outdoor furniture, bringing a sense of fun and casual charm to outdoor spaces. Plastic's durability and resistance to weather conditions made it particularly well-suited for outdoor use.
While the use of plastic in furniture design has continued and evolved, the 1970s represented a pivotal decade that shaped the trajectory of this material in the industry. The innovations and experimental designs of that era continue to inspire and inform contemporary furniture trends, demonstrating the lasting impact of this revolutionary material. Today, vintage plastic furniture from the 1970s is often sought after by collectors, reflecting its enduring appeal and cultural significance.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic was referred to by names like Bri-Nylon and Terylene in the 1970s.
Plastic shopping bags, plastic bottles, plastic furniture, and plastic decor were all common in the 1970s.
There were some concerns about the environmental impact of plastic, with plastic bottles and bags contributing to waste. Additionally, there was a lack of trust in plastic for certain applications, such as electric kettles.
Plastic production continued to grow in the 1970s, with companies aggressively marketing single-use plastic products and expanding their market reach worldwide.
