Around 150 years ago, people did not have plastic things. Now plastic has become an important part of our everyday lives. Hundreds of different types of plastic have been invented. Think about how many plastic things you use each day.
Cotton plants were used to make the first plastic.
The first plastic was made in 1862 from cellulose, which is a material found in plants. Alexander Parkes used cotton to make plastic called celluloid that could be moulded into many different shapes. This first plastic was used to make ornaments, cuffs and collars.
The telephone here is made from coal tar.
In 1907, a new plastic called Bakelite was made from coal tar. This plastic could be moulded into any shape and it would not burn, boil or melt once it had set hard. It was used to make telephones and radios.
This surfboard is made from a new strong type of plastic.
New plastics have been invented that are strong, durable, light and flexible. They are used to make sports equipment such as windsurf boards, ropes and bullet-proof vests.