 TED-Ed: A brief history of plastic

A brief history of plastic

For centuries, billiard balls were made of ivory from elephant tusks. But when excessive hunting caused elephant populations to decline, they began to look for alternatives. John Wesley Hyatt took up the challenge. In five years, he invented a new material called celluloid, which would become known as the first plastic. Trace the history of the material that ushered in the "plastics century." [Directed by Sharon Colman, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Miguel d'Oliveira].

Plastics began as a creative solution to the ivory shortage caused by declining elephant populations, with celluloid emerging as the first synthetic plastic. Over the twentieth century, plastics like Bakelite, nylon, and polyethylene transformed manufacturing and daily life, finding their way into everything from packaging to clothing. During World War II, plastic production in the United States quadrupled, fueling innovation and convenience but also sowing the seeds for today's mounting waste problem. Now, the world faces the challenge of balancing plastic’s usefulness with its profound environmental costs.