Ethan Clarke
The evolution of food packaging has come a long way, from the use of natural materials like leaves and animal skins to the widespread adoption of plastic containers. While plastic packaging has been in use since its invention in the 1800s, the 20th and 21st centuries are considered the Plastics Age. The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907, revolutionizing the electrical industry. During World War II, plastic production in the US surged due to its military applications, and polyethylene emerged as one of the first plastics used for food packaging. The development of Saran Wrap and Tupperware further solidified the role of plastic in food storage. Nathaniel Wyeth's invention of the PET bottle in 1973 also played a significant role in the popularity of plastic containers. Today, plastic food containers continue to evolve, incorporating recyclable materials and functional aesthetics to meet consumer demands for convenience and sustainability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of creation | 1946 |
| Creator | Earl Silas Tupper |
| Material | Polyethylene |
| Type of container | Airtight |
| Other notable creations | Bubble wrap, Ziploc bags, deodorant spray bottles |
| Bubble wrap creators | Marc Chavannes and Alfred Fielding |
| Ziploc bags creator | Robert W. Vergobbi |
| Deodorant spray bottle creator | Dr. Jules Montenier |
| First fully synthetic plastic | Bakelite, invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907 |
| Plastic tape creator | Richard Drew, an engineer at 3M |
| Plastic usage in packaging industry | 36% of the world's total plastic production by mass |
| Plastic packaging consumption | Varies by country and sector; for example, China: 14 kg/capita, Europe: 174 kg/capita, and the US: represented by the Society of the Plastics Industry |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic containers are made exclusively or partially of plastic
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) containers entered the market in 1977
- Plastic replaced natural materials like gourds, shells, and animal organs
- Plastic containers are used in commercial, retail, household, tourism, and agriculture
- Plastic containers were invented by Leo Baekeland, who created Bakelite in 1907
Plastic containers are made exclusively or partially of plastic
The history of food packaging has evolved significantly over time. Initially, people consumed food where they found it, and families and villages were self-sufficient. When containers were needed, natural materials such as gourds, shells, and leaves were used. Later, containers made from hollowed logs, woven grasses, animal organs, and fabrics were introduced. With the discovery of ores and compounds, metal and pottery packaging emerged, followed by glass containers in the early 19th century, pioneered by French chef Nicholas Appert to preserve food for Napoleon Bonaparte's army.
The invention of plastic food containers can be traced back to the 1800s, with the development of plastic packaging. Polyethylene, invented in 1950, played a pivotal role in food packaging. It was initially intended for cable shielding but soon found its way into food packaging, replacing wax paper in bread packaging. Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), introduced in the last two decades, is now commonly used for beverages and food products.
The convenience, low cost, and moldability of plastics have led to their widespread adoption. Plastic packaging prolongs the freshness of food, prevents waste, and enhances transportation and distribution. However, plastic waste is a significant concern, with single-use containers contributing notably to global plastic waste.
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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) containers entered the market in 1977
The development of PETE containers can be traced back to the invention of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the mid-20th century. In 1940, J. Rex Whinfield and James T. Dickson of the Calico Printers Association in England first prepared PET through a study of phthalic acid. However, due to wartime restrictions, the patent specifications for this new material were not immediately published. It wasn't until 1954 that Imperial Chemical began producing Terylene-brand PET fibre, and DuPont independently developed a practical preparation process for PET, producing the Dacron fibre in 1953.
Over the years, PET has found widespread use in the packaging industry, particularly for beverages. Its lightweight yet strong nature made it ideal for disposable beverage bottles. Additionally, PET's ability to be recycled and reused has contributed to its popularity. By the 1970s, active packaging was introduced, aiming not just to contain food but also to extend its shelf life and promote quick meal preparation. This aligned with the growing consumer demand for convenience and the rapid pace of modern life.
When PETE containers entered the market in 1977, they were initially used for beverages. However, by 1980, their use expanded to include food products and other hot-fill items such as jams. This development provided a more durable and versatile option for food packaging, allowing for longer-lasting freshness and improved portability. PETE containers also contributed to brand differentiation and aesthetics, enhancing their appeal in the marketplace.
Today, PETE containers continue to play a significant role in the food packaging industry. They are widely used for liquids and foods, offering convenience, portability, and freshness to consumers. With ongoing research and development, there is a growing focus on producing PET in a more sustainable manner, such as using biomasses or biodegradable methods, to reduce its environmental impact.
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Plastic replaced natural materials like gourds, shells, and animal organs
Plastic food containers have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, but they are a relatively recent development in the long history of food packaging. Before the invention of plastic food containers, humans used materials found in nature such as gourds, shells, leaves, barks, and animal skin and organs as containers for food.
The quest for durable and accessible food packaging has driven human innovation for centuries. Early attempts at food preservation involved using natural materials such as gourds, shells, and animal organs. With the discovery of ores and compounds, humans developed new packaging forms, including metals and pottery. The first air-tight canning technique used glass containers sealed and boiled for sterilisation, developed by French chef and distiller Nicholas Appert in the early 19th century to preserve food for Napoleon Bonaparte's army.
The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. This plastic was durable, heat-resistant, and could be moulded into almost any shape, earning it the nickname "the material of a thousand uses". However, Bakelite was not intended for food packaging. Polyethylene, invented in 1950, was one of the first plastics widely used for food packaging, initially replacing wax paper in bread packaging.
The widespread use of plastic in food packaging can be attributed to its affordability, customisability, and ability to prolong the shelf life of food. Plastic containers are lightweight, strong, and available in various colours, shapes, sizes, and textures, making them ideal for storing and transporting food. Plastic production in the US during World War II increased by 300% due to its military applications and the need to preserve scarce natural resources, and it soon found its way into the food packaging industry.
While plastic has revolutionised food packaging, its environmental impact has prompted the development of natural alternatives. Scientists, engineers, and designers are exploring sustainable materials such as liquid wood, algae insulation, and polymer substitutes made from fermented plant starch like corn or potatoes. These alternatives aim to reduce plastic waste, address carbon emissions, and return nutrients to the earth.
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Plastic containers are used in commercial, retail, household, tourism, and agriculture
Plastic containers are used across a wide range of industries, including commercial, retail, household, tourism, and agriculture.
In the commercial sector, plastic containers are commonly used for food storage in restaurants and other foodservice establishments. They are budget-friendly, practical, and versatile, making them a popular choice for storing prepped ingredients, leftovers, and various food items. Plastic containers are also stackable, optimising storage space in commercial kitchens. Additionally, their airtight seals help preserve the integrity and freshness of ingredients, minimising waste.
In retail, plastic containers are often used for packaging and transporting goods. They are lightweight, reducing fuel consumption and emissions during transportation. Plastic packaging also offers durability, safety, and hygiene, making it suitable for a range of products, including foodstuffs, medicines, and pharmaceuticals.
Within households, plastic containers are commonly used for food storage, helping families store leftovers, prep meals, and extend the life of perishable foods. It is important to use food-grade plastic containers that are safe for food storage and to follow guidelines for their proper use, such as avoiding single-use containers for freezing or microwaving.
In the tourism industry, plastic containers have been widely used for single-use items like cups, cutlery, bottles, and vanity kits in hotels and resorts. However, there is a growing awareness of the negative environmental impact of plastic waste, and businesses are encouraged to adopt circular economy practices, such as refilling and reusing plastic containers, to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.
Finally, in agriculture, plastic containers are used for harvesting, storing, and transporting produce. These containers are often designed with specific types of produce in mind, ensuring their safety and freshness. Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) or Returnable Plastic Containers are commonly used, providing efficiency in closed-loop distribution systems and durability in the field. Most agricultural containers are made from High-Density Polypropylene (HDPP) or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with HDPP being more cost-effective and impact-resistant.
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Plastic containers were invented by Leo Baekeland, who created Bakelite in 1907
Plastic containers are a common feature of modern life, used to store everything from food to cosmetics. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the first fully synthetic plastic was invented. In 1907, Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, a hard, mouldable plastic made from phenol and formaldehyde.
Baekeland's discovery of Bakelite was not accidental. He had been searching for a synthetic substitute for shellac, a natural electrical insulator that was in limited supply and expensive. By controlling the pressure and temperature applied to phenol and formaldehyde, Baekeland was able to produce a hard, mouldable plastic that could be shaped or moulded into almost anything.
Bakelite was not only a good insulator, but it was also durable, heat resistant, and ideally suited for mechanical mass production. It was soon used in the rapidly growing automobile and radio industries, and its applications spread to most branches of industry. Radios, telephones, and electrical insulators were made of Bakelite due to its excellent electrical insulation and heat resistance.
Bakelite marked the beginning of the age of plastics and led to the development of new synthetic products by major chemical companies. Today, plastics are ubiquitous, used in everything from food containers to car parts. While Bakelite itself is no longer widely used, its invention revolutionized the way we create and use materials, paving the way for the modern plastics industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The first plastic food containers were invented by Earl Silas Tupper in 1946. He is best known as the inventor of Tupperware, an airtight plastic container for storing food.
The first fully synthetic plastic, which did not contain molecules found in nature, was invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907. He called it Bakelite.
Polyethylene (PE) was one of the first plastics used widely for food packaging. It replaced wax paper in bread packaging and later found its way into the food and beverage industry.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) is commonly used for drinks bottles. It was first patented in 1973 by American entrepreneur Nathaniel Wyeth.
Scotch Cellulose Tape, later renamed Cellophane Tape, was invented in 1930 by Richard Drew, an engineer working for 3M.
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