Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Plastics – From History to Modern Day Innovations

Plastics have been around for over 100 years, with the first fully synthetic plastic introduced in 1907, and as the years have gone by, there have been many advances and uses of plastic, some that you may not have even been aware of. 

This blog discusses all the wonderful things you didn’t know about plastic… 

Where It all Began 

Plastic (or Parkesine) was first introduced by Alexander Parkes in 1856, which was considered the first man-made plastic. It was created as a cheap, colourful substitute for expensive materials like ivory, horn and tortoise shells. It was developed from cellulose and could be moulded into various shapes and sizes when heated, which was the perfect alternative for these expensive materials. Not only did this help to create cheap alternatives, but it also relieved the environmental concern on the hunting or elephants and the strain on natural ivory supplies. It also paved the way for the world of plastic we know today. 

Plastic Evolves 

People soon began to realise the possibilities for plastic materials and how they could be used. Nylon stockings were in high demand in the 1930s; however, they soon became redirected for parachutes and ropes during World War 2.  

Plastics quickly became useful for a variety of uses and products. They were used for common appliances around households but were also used in a range of industries such as, construction, medicine, packaging, electronics, automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, agriculture, and textiles. 

Fun Fact – one of the earliest forms of plastic (celluloid) was used to create film reels, so without plastic, the film industry may not be what we know today. 

Even toys evolved as plastics became more common. Lego used to be made from wood, but once plastic materials came into play, the creators realised there was a stronger option that meant each brick could last forever. 

Strength 

There’s a range of characteristics that make plastic materials sought after, but one of the main characteristics is their strength. Plastic materials are durable in all sorts of conditions, so they are the perfect material for all the industries mentioned above. A lot of plastics are even stronger than metal! Not only that, but some plastic materials can conduct electricity and are used in electronics, touchscreens, and solar cells. 

Where would we be without plastic? 

Plastic materials are used in nearly everything you see around you, from toys to household appliances to cars and construction materials. Plastics really did change the world as we know it.

Here at Rayda Plastic, we create bespoke plastic products from plastic extrusion methods. If you have any general plastic enquiries, please contact our team today, and we will be happy to help!

For more information on Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Plastics – From History to Modern Day Innovations talk to Rayda Plastics Ltd