Evolution of Plastics

The development of bakelite marked a significant turning point in the history of plastics, providing a synthetic alternative to natural materials like shellac and ivory. Unlike its predecessor celluloid, bakelite was non-flammable and versatile, leading to its widespread use in early electronics and fashion. The introduction of polyethylene further revolutionized the industry, becoming the most commonly produced plastic today, with over 100 million tons manufactured annually.