Ethan Clarke
The plastic bread tie, also known as a bread clip, is a notched plastic tag used for sealing bags of bread worldwide. The bread clip was invented by Floyd Paxton in 1952 and is manufactured by the Kwik Lok Corporation, based in Yakima, Washington. The invention came about when Paxton was on a flight and opened a bag of peanuts with no way to reclose it. He then used a small pen knife to carve out a prototype from an expired plastic credit card. The simple design of the bread clip revolutionised the food packaging industry, offering a fast, efficient, and cost-effective method to seal and reseal bags, replacing traditional methods like rubber bands and stickers. Kwik Lok continues to dominate the market, producing billions of bread clips annually, with Schutte as their main European competitor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the inventor | Floyd G. Paxton |
| Year of invention | 1952 |
| Reason for invention | Paxton wanted to create a cheap, reusable solution to sealing open-ended bags |
| Company founded | Kwik Lok Corporation |
| Location | Yakima, Washington |
| Year company was founded | 1954 |
| Main product | Bread clips, also known as "Kwik Lok closures" |
| Competitors | Schutte (European competitor) |
| Plastic used | Polystyrene |
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What You'll Learn
Kwik Lok Corporation
The Kwik Lok Corporation, based in Yakima, Washington, is the company behind the invention of the plastic bread tie. The company was founded by Floyd G. Paxton, who is credited with inventing the notched plastic contraption for fastening plastic bags.
The idea for the bread clip, or Kwik Lok closure, came to Paxton while on a flight in 1952. He opened a bag of peanuts and, finding that he had no way to reclose the bag, used a small pen knife to carve a prototype closure device from an expired plastic credit card. He later adapted this prototype for commercial use, creating an easy way to seal and reseal bags.
In 1954, Paxton established the Kwik Lok Corporation in California, with manufacturing plants in Yakima and New Haven, Indiana. The company quickly set out to popularize the tabs, initially using them to close bags of apples. Over time, the demand for the clips grew, and they became known as "bread clips" or "bread tabs".
Today, Kwik Lok remains one of the only manufacturers of bread clips in the world, with Schutte being their main European competitor. The company operates two factories in the US and has additional manufacturing plants in Canada, Australia, Japan, and Ireland. Kwik Lok continues to be owned by Paxton's descendants and sells billions of bread clips each year.
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Floyd Paxton's invention
The plastic bread tie, or bread clip, was invented by Floyd G. Paxton, a manufacturer of ball bearings during World War II. Born on March 17, 1918, Paxton is best known for his invention of the notched plastic tag used for sealing bags of bread worldwide.
The idea for the bread clip came to Paxton while he was on a flight in 1952. He opened a bag of peanuts and realised there was no way to reclose it. He then used a small pen knife to carve out a prototype from an expired plastic credit card. This prototype became the basis for his invention of an easy way to seal and reseal bags.
After developing the bread clip, Paxton founded the Kwik Lok Corporation in 1954 in California. The company quickly set out to popularise the use of the clips, initially using them to close bags of apples. Kwik Lok continues to be the main manufacturer of bread clips, with a near monopoly on the market. The company operates two factories in the US and has manufacturing plants in Canada, Australia, Japan, and Ireland.
Paxton's invention has had a significant impact on food packaging and has found its way into the lives of people worldwide. The simple design of the bread clip allows for easy opening and effective sealing of food bags, meeting the needs of both manufacturers and consumers. The reclosability of the clips also helps reduce food spoilage, making them a popular choice for sealing bread bags.
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Bread clip design
The bread clip, also known as the Kwik Lok closure, was invented by Floyd G. Paxton in 1952. Paxton founded the Kwik Lok Corporation, a company that manufactured these clips. The design of the bread clip was influenced by Paxton's desire to create a cheap and reusable solution for sealing open-ended bags.
The original Kwik Lok closure was made from polystyrene and featured a notched plastic tag with a barbed U-shape. This design could be easily opened and closed, providing a fast and efficient way to seal plastic bags. The simplicity of the design, combined with its ease of use, made it a popular choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Over time, the Kwik Lok Corporation expanded its product line, offering various designs and colours to cater to different customer needs and preferences. The company also developed new packaging machinery, including machines to manufacture and automatically apply the Kwik Lok closures to bags.
While the basic design of the bread clip has remained relatively unchanged, there are more complex variations available. These involve two articulated plastic parts mounted on a pivot with a spring between them to provide tension. This variation offers a stronger seal and is suitable for bags that require a tighter closure.
The bread clip's design has stood the test of time due to its simplicity, functionality, and ease of use. Its widespread adoption by manufacturers and consumers alike has made it an integral part of food packaging, ensuring that bread and other products remain fresh and securely sealed.
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Bread packaging history
The history of bread packaging has evolved over the years, driven by the need to preserve freshness and improve convenience for consumers. Here is a brief history of bread packaging, with a focus on the invention of the plastic bread tie:
Early Bread Packaging:
Before the invention of sliced bread in 1928, bread was often sold without any packaging or wrapped in simple paper. Printed waxed papers were introduced in the 1940s and 1950s, providing a more mechanized approach to bread packaging. These wrappers were then sealed with labels at each end, allowing consumers to reseal the bread after opening.
Sliced Bread and Waxed Wrappers:
The invention of sliced bread led to the need for specific packaging to maintain freshness. Moisture-proof waxed wrappers were initially used before the introduction of plastic wrappers. Folding cartons and paperboard boxes were also developed during this time, providing a more durable and protective form of packaging.
Innovation in Bread Packaging:
The bread clip, also known as the "Kwik Lok closure," was invented by Floyd G. Paxton in the early 1950s. Paxton's inspiration came from a flight he took in 1952 when he opened a bag of peanuts and had no way to reseal it. He carved a prototype from an expired credit card using a pocket knife. This invention revolutionized bread packaging by providing an efficient and resealable closure for plastic bags. Kwik Lok Corporation, founded by Paxton, continues to be the main manufacturer of bread clips worldwide.
Environmental Concerns and Alternatives:
Today, bread packaging varies across different regions. While plastic bread bags with clips are common in some areas, other regions are moving away from plastic packaging. For example, Acme Bread in Berkeley, California, encourages customers to minimize paper waste by offering discounts when they forgo bread packaging. In the UK, printed plastic adhesive tape is used for closing bread bags, which can be recycled along with the bag.
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Plastic bag closures
The idea for the plastic bag closure came to Paxton while he was on a flight in 1952. He opened a bag of peanuts and realised there was no way to reclose it. He then used an expired credit card and a small pen knife to carve out a prototype closure device. He later adapted this invention for commercial use as an easy way to seal and reseal bags. The Kwik Lok Corporation continues to be the main manufacturer of plastic bag closures, with Schutte as their European competitor.
The plastic bag closure was developed to meet the growing need for efficient and cost-effective methods to close plastic bags on the packaging line. Manufacturers were increasingly using automation in the manufacture and packaging of food, and they needed ways to raise production volumes and reduce costs. At the same time, consumers wanted a fast and easy way to open and effectively seal food bags. The plastic bag closure, or bread clip, provided a simple and inexpensive solution.
The plastic bag closure has several advantages over other closure methods. It is easy to use and requires minimal dexterity to operate. It is also reusable, allowing users to open and reseal the bag multiple times. This feature also helps to reduce food waste by keeping the contents fresh for longer. Additionally, the plastic bag closure can be customised with different colours and prints, making it a versatile option for various industries.
The widespread use of plastic bag closures, or bread clips, has led to them becoming a common household item. They are constantly providing a valuable service in keeping food items closed and safe from spoilage. However, it is important to note that they are made of plastic, and proper disposal and recycling are necessary to minimise their environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic bread tie, also known as the bread clip, was invented by Floyd G. Paxton.
The plastic bread tie was invented in 1952.
The plastic bread tie was invented to address the growing need for a cheap and efficient method to close plastic bags on packaging lines.
The idea for the plastic bread tie came to Paxton when he was flying home from a business trip and opened a bag of peanuts with no way to reclose it. He then used an expired credit card and a small pen knife to carve his first bread clip.
