Did you know that bioplastics have been around for much longer than you might think? Let’s go back in time to discover how this sustainable solution has evolved over the ages.
Milestones in the history of bioplastics
- Antiquity: The first uses of natural materials
In ancient times, the Mayans used latex to make balls, while the Neolithic people used plant resins to reinforce their tools.
- 1862: The invention of Parkesin
Alexander Parkes unveils Parkesin, the first industrial plastic made from cellulose, marking a major advance in the use of natural resources to create innovative materials.
- 1870: Celluloid replaces ivory
John Wesley Hyatt and his brother Isaiah changed the industry by inventing celluloid, a durable alternative to ivory, widely used in the manufacture of combs and other objects.
- 1897: The rise of galalith
Made from milk casein, galalith became a popular material for jewellery and art objects.
- 1941: The vegetable plastic car
Henry Ford presented a prototype car made from biobased plastic, foreshadowing the use of renewable resources in the automotive industry.
- 1947: Rislan®, a technical revolution
Derived from castor oil, polyamide 11 (Rislan®) demonstrated its robustness and versatility, being used in a wide range of technical applications.
- 1990s: The emergence of modern bioplastics
With the emergence of materials such as PLA and PHAs, modern bioplastics responded to the environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics, offering biodegradable and biobased solutions.
- Today: a meteoric rise
Today’s bioplastics combine technical performance with sustainability. They are part of the circular economy, meeting a wide range of needs in sectors such as packaging, automotive and medicine.
What does the future hold for bioplastics?
Since their creation, bioplastics have undergone an impressive evolution. Today, they play a key role in the transition to a circular economy. However, their potential remains immense, and their continued expansion promises innovative new applications.