Maya Ellison
The history of food packaging has evolved significantly over time, with early humans using natural materials such as leaves, barks, gourds, and animal skin for storage. With the advent of industrialization, food began to travel farther and faster, necessitating the use of containers. Tin cans, glass jars, and paper bags emerged as popular packaging solutions before the widespread adoption of plastic. Plastic food packaging has its roots in the 19th century, but its use was largely confined to military applications until the mid-20th century. Polyethylene (PE) was one of the first plastics widely used for food packaging, replacing wax paper for bread and later expanding into the food and beverage industry. Today, plastic containers are ubiquitous in food packaging, offering convenience, preservation, and brand differentiation, while also facing scrutiny for their environmental impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic food containers | Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) containers, Polyethylene (PE), PVC, Rigid Plastic, Tupperware |
| Plastic food wrappers | PVC, Saran, Polyethylene (PE), Zipper-seal bags, Ziploc bags, Bubble wrap |
| First sold in plastic containers | 1977: beverages; 1980: food products such as jams; 1986: Swanson TV Dinners; 1996: bagged salads; 2000: yogurt; 2010: Heinz Dip & Squeeze |
| Before plastic | Gourds, shells, leaves, hollow logs, woven grasses, animal organs, clay, glass, paper, metal, cardboard, tins, aluminium, wax paper, tin foil |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic food containers were preceded by natural materials
Plastic food containers were preceded by a variety of natural materials and other non-plastic alternatives. In ancient times, goods were stored in clay jugs and vases, with different shapes of vessels accommodating different items. Baskets, for instance, were used for non-liquids, and wooden boxes for larger items.
In the early 1800s, food preservation in metal containers was realised in France. In 1809, Nicolas Appert discovered that food sealed in tin containers and sterilised by boiling could be preserved for long periods. This led to the creation of tin cans, which were supplied to the Royal Navy in large quantities after the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1820. Tin was eventually replaced by aluminium, which was more affordable and lighter.
Before the widespread use of plastic, paper packets, glass jars, and cardboard boxes were also common. Paper was used as butcher paper, wax paper, or even old newspaper. Glass was used for canning jars, shampoo bottles, and beverage containers. Cardboard was used for thin boxes that held items like cereal and crackers, and for larger boxes that housed toys.
Other natural materials used for food containers before plastic include gourds, shells, leaves, barks, and animal skin and organs.
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Plastic production increased during World War II
The use of plastic containers for food is a relatively recent development in the history of packaging. Before the invention of plastic food containers, humans used materials found in nature, such as hollow gourds, leaves, barks, animal skin, and organs. With the emergence of organised communities, containers were crafted from natural materials like woven grasses, hollowed logs, and animal organs.
The first synthetic polymer was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt, marking a pivotal moment in human manufacturing as it freed creators from the limitations of nature. However, the widespread use of plastics only came about during World War II, driven by several factors. Firstly, there was a pressing need for easy-to-produce, durable supplies during the war. Plastic, with its unique molecules not found in nature, fit the bill perfectly. It was lightweight, durable, and could be manufactured quickly and inexpensively. This led to a 300% increase in plastic production in the US during World War II, with applications in military equipment and the preservation of scarce natural resources.
The versatility of plastic meant it could be moulded into almost any shape, making it ideal for various uses during the war. For instance, nylon stockings were converted into rope and parachutes, while expanded polystyrene was used for thermal insulation and shock absorption in vehicles. Polyethylene, developed for insulating electrical wiring in wartime devices, also found its way into food packaging after the war, replacing wax paper in bread packaging and later becoming common in the food and beverage industry.
The post-war period saw a significant shift in consumerism, with plastic becoming the material of choice for a burgeoning market of consumer goods. Companies like DuPont capitalised on this by promoting plastic as a symbol of progress and convenience in magazines like "Good Housekeeping" and "House Beautiful". Earl Tupper, the creator of Tupperware, also played a pivotal role in promoting plastic as a desirable material for the home, signalling its acceptance and integration into everyday life.
In the decades that followed, plastic became increasingly ubiquitous, with single-use plastics gaining popularity in the form of shampoo bottles, soda bottles, and food packaging. However, the environmental impact of plastic waste has also come under scrutiny, with activists targeting the use of disposable plastic bags and calling for recycling initiatives to address the issue.
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Plastic food packaging innovations in the 1940s
Plastic food packaging has come a long way since its early beginnings in the 19th century. Although plastic was discovered in the 1800s, its use was largely confined to military and wartime applications. It wasn't until the 1940s that significant innovations in plastic food packaging emerged, revolutionising the way we store and consume food.
One notable development during this decade was the introduction of disposable packaging. This concept, which gained traction in the 1940s, marked a shift towards convenience and single-use items. After World War II, multiple varieties of plastics were engineered specifically to preserve food and enhance its flavour. This period saw the emergence of Polyethylene (PE), which replaced wax paper in bread packaging and later expanded into the food and beverage industry. PE's versatility and effectiveness in preserving food set the stage for further exploration of plastic food packaging solutions.
Another milestone in the 1940s was the invention of Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) flexible packaging. While it resembles a regular bag, VCI packaging is designed to prevent corrosion, making it ideal for storing and transporting metal parts. This innovation highlighted the versatility of plastic packaging, which could now protect both food and non-food items.
The 1940s also witnessed the creation of Styrofoam, a synthetic material initially used for building insulation and float docks. Its lightweight and cost-effective properties led to its adoption in food packaging, where it remains popular today. Many companies utilise Styrofoam for disposable food containers, emphasising convenience and affordability.
While these innovations laid the groundwork for the widespread use of plastic food packaging, it's important to acknowledge the ongoing quest for more sustainable solutions. Today, the focus has shifted towards developing eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics, addressing environmental concerns while still harnessing the benefits of plastic packaging.
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Plastic packaging for beverages in the 1970s
Plastic packaging for beverages emerged in the 1970s, marking a significant shift in the industry. This decade witnessed the introduction of various plastic packaging solutions, catering to the evolving needs of consumers and advancements in technology.
One notable development was the introduction of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE/ PET) containers for beverages in 1977. This innovation allowed for the packaging of carbonated soft drinks in 2-litre PET bottles, which could withstand internal pressure and retain freshness. Coca-Cola was at the forefront of this transition, initially planning to use acrylonitrile (AN) bottles before switching to PET due to health concerns raised by the FDA.
The 1970s also saw the continued popularity of glass bottles for beverages, particularly for high-value products. Glass provided a "rigid packaging" option and was favoured for its ability to withstand pressure and retain freshness. However, with the emergence of plastics, glass packaging gradually became less prevalent, with plastic offering lightweight and affordable alternatives.
During this decade, active packaging gained traction, focusing not just on containing food but also on extending its shelf life. This included the use of oxygen removers, carbon dioxide absorbers, and antimicrobial films to preserve beverages and other food products for longer durations.
The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a significant increase in plastic consumption by flexible packagers, with developments in preformed pouches, heat-sealing, lamination, and coextrusion. These innovations laid the groundwork for the expanded use of plastic packaging in the 1970s, including the use of plastic trays, bowls, and clamshells for convenience and fast foods.
Additionally, the emergence of microwave ovens in the 1970s and 1980s further influenced packaging design, with the introduction of modified atmosphere and shelf-stable foods. This era marked a transition from traditional paper and metal packaging towards plastic alternatives, driven by convenience, functionality, and the unique advantages offered by plastic materials.
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Plastic packaging for modern convenience
Plastic is the newest packaging material compared to glass, metal, paper, and cardboard. It was discovered in the 19th century, but its use was initially limited to military and wartime applications. The first plastic, styrene, was distilled from a balsam tree in 1831, but it was brittle and fragile. Germany improved the process in 1933, and by the 1950s, foam products were available worldwide. During World War II, plastic production in the US increased by 300% due to its military applications, and it gradually entered the food packaging industry. Polyethylene (PE) was one of the first plastics widely used for food packaging, replacing wax paper in bread packaging and later expanding into the food and beverage industry.
The invention of airtight plastic containers is a notable milestone in the history of plastic packaging. In 1946, Earl Silas Tupper created the well-known and highly convenient Tupperware, revolutionizing food storage. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) containers emerged in the 1970s, initially for beverages, and by 1980, they were used for food products as well. Active packaging, introduced in the early 1970s, goes beyond containment by extending shelf life and promoting quick meal preparation. Examples include microwavable foods and containers with oxygen removers or antimicrobial films.
Plastic packaging has evolved to meet modern demands for convenience. The rise of grocery and meal delivery services has driven the popularity of lightweight, on-the-go packaging that maintains food freshness during delivery. Functional aesthetics are also considered, with receptacles designed to protect the product, ensure freshness, and differentiate brands. Plastic's versatility allows for various colours, shapes, sizes, and textures, making it highly customizable.
Over time, plastic packaging has been adapted for specific purposes. In 1954, zipper-seal bags were created, and in 1968, they became Ziploc bags, widely used for food storage. In 1996, bagged salad packaging reduced food waste and made buying fresh produce more convenient. Yogurt, for instance, was offered in flexible plastic tubes in 2000, catering to consumers' snacking needs.
While plastic packaging offers undeniable convenience, there is a growing awareness of its environmental impact. Consumers are increasingly seeking ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic products, and companies are incorporating recyclable and recycled plastics into their packaging designs. The journey towards more sustainable practices continues, with ongoing exploration of reuse options and alternative materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic food containers were first introduced in the 1940s, with the creation of Tupperware by Earl Silas Tupper in 1946. However, plastic production in the US increased by 300% during World War II due to its military applications, and it later found its way into the food packaging industry.
Before the invention of plastic food containers, people used materials found in nature such as hollow gourds, leaves, barks, animal skin, and organs. Later, containers were made from natural materials such as woven grasses, hollowed logs, and animal organs. With the advent of metal containers in the early 1800s, food was packaged in tin cans, aluminium, and other cheap metals. Glass containers, paper bags, cardboard boxes, and wooden boxes were also commonly used.
Plastic food packaging has evolved significantly since its inception. In the 1950s, plastic garbage bags and zipper-seal bags were introduced, followed by Ziploc bags in 1968. Active packaging, introduced in the early 1970s, aimed to extend shelf life and promote quick meal preparation. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) containers entered the market in the late 1970s, allowing for the packaging of hot-fill products. Today, packaging designs incorporate recyclable and recycled plastics, and companies use functional aesthetics to differentiate their brands.
Modern alternatives to plastic food containers include glass, metal, and paper packaging. Glass containers are often used for beverages and some food items, while metal tins or cans are used for items like canned food and cookies. Paper packaging, such as paper bags or boxes, is also used for items like crackers, cereals, and personal care products. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards reusable and recyclable packaging to reduce plastic waste.
