The Discovery of Plastics and the Modern Age

The first man-made plastic, Parkesine, was created in 1862 from cellulose by Alexander Parkes.
In 1907, Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, sparking a new era.
Plastics are made by linking small molecules (monomers) into long chains called polymers.
Early plastics replaced ivory, tortoiseshell, and horn, reducing the demand for natural materials.
During World War II, plastics like nylon and acrylic were used for parachutes, helmets, and aircraft parts.
The postwar boom brought plastics into homes through packaging, toys, and kitchenware.
Lightweight and moldable, plastics revolutionized manufacturing across nearly every industry.
Advances in chemistry created specialized plastics like PVC, Teflon, and polyethylene.
While plastics fueled convenience, their durability also led to environmental challenges.
Today, research focuses on bioplastics and recycling to balance innovation with sustainability.