Saran Wrap, also known as cling film or plastic wrap, has become an essential item in modern households today. It is used to cover and preserve food items, protect household objects during transportation and storage, and even aid in cooking processes.
But when was Saran Wrap invented? Who came up with the idea of this revolutionary product that has changed the way we store our food?
The Origins of Plastic
To answer these questions, let’s first take a quick look at how plastics were developed. Modern plastics started around 1869 when John Wesley Hyatt, a printer from New York City, discovered celluloid while looking for a substitute for ivory in making billiard balls.
By the beginning of World War II (1939-1945), plastic had become an important material due to its versatility and durability. Scientists had been experimenting with various kinds of polymer materials – compounds composed of long chains made up by many small molecules called monomers.
In 1926 an American chemist named Wallace Carothers worked on creating a new synthetic fiber that would be stronger than silk but ultimately ended up discovering Nylon instead – which would revolutionize the clothing industry.
Around this same time period another scientist was starting work on what would soon become one of America’s most beloved products: Saran Wrap.
Birth Of The Revolutionary Product
Saran wrap was invented by Ralph Wiley, who served as General Electric technical expert. In 1933 GE hired him to figure out how polystyrene could be used more commercially. He discovered that they can use it as protection against moisture loss for fruits and vegetables shipped long distances from supply points to supermarkets
Initially intended to make car parts such as headlight covers and airplane windshields clearer than glass, scientists experimenting stumbled upon something even better – all-purpose cling film!
This patent went through several stages before arriving at what began production under name “Saran”. Ralph Wiley developed broader applications including home use, such as preserving food and “sticking around” to any surface it was in contact within a sort of embrace that sealed out air while still allowing for breathing room.
Development
Raw materials for producing the film were researched extensively to deliver specific performance advantages.
The combination of vinylidene chloride (VDC), acrylonitrile (AN) plus large amounts of plasticizer enhancements was found most effective. The result: clingy, flexible, adaptable packaging material that could seal containers effectively without leaving residue.
Marketing & Wide Range Of Uses
With product development complete and extensive testing concluded successfully, Saran Wrap needed customers! Johnson’s Wax Company answered the call in 1943 by selling half a million rolls – distributing widely through different retailers before eventually being absorbed fully into packaged goods giant S.C. Johnson who continue making today’s Saran wrap under their brand name Glad® Press’n Seal™.
Saran wrap is still one of America’s favourite kitchen helpers because it seals away valuable nutrients and prevents freezer burn or dehydration while keeping perishable ingredients fresh until it needs to be used again later on!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ralph Wiley invented what would become know as Saran Wrap; this miracle invention revolutionized not only how we package food but also other items around our household. Today millions upon millions of households depend on saran wrap every single day to help protect their stored foods from bacteria- causing spoilage which can lead illnesses and infections if consumed unknowingly. It is amazing how something so simple has had such an impact on everyday life – where would we be without cling film?
Saran Wrap, also known as cling film or plastic wrap, has become an essential item in modern households today. It is used to cover and preserve food items, protect household objects during transportation and storage, and even aid in cooking processes. But when was Saran Wrap invented? Who came up with the idea of this revolutionary product that has changed the way we store our food?
To answer these questions, let’s first take a quick look at how plastics were developed. Modern plastics started around 1869 when John Wesley Hyatt discovered celluloid while looking for a substitute for ivory in making billiard balls. By the beginning of World War II (1939-1945), plastic had become an important material due to its versatility and durability.
In 1926 an American chemist named Wallace Carothers worked on creating a new synthetic fiber that would be stronger than silk but ultimately ended up discovering Nylon instead – which would revolutionize the clothing industry.
Around this same time period another scientist was starting work on what would soon become one of America’s most beloved products: Saran Wrap.
Saran wrap was invented by Ralph Wiley who served as General Electric technical expert. In 1933 GE hired him to figure out how polystyrene could be used more commercially. He discovered that they can use it as protection against moisture loss for fruits and vegetables shipped long distances from supply points to supermarkets.
Initially intended to make car parts such as headlight covers and airplane windshields clearer than glass, scientists experimenting stumbled upon something even better – all-purpose cling film!
This patent went through several stages before arriving at what began production under name “Saran”. Ralph Wiley developed broader applications including home use such as preserving food and “sticking around” to any surface it was in contact within a sort of embrace that sealed out air while still allowing for breathing room.
Raw materials for producing the film were researched extensively to deliver specific performance advantages. The combination of vinylidene chloride (VDC), acrylonitrile (AN) plus large amounts of plasticizer enhancements was found most effective. The result: clingy, flexible, adaptable packaging material that could seal containers effectively without leaving residue.
With product development complete and extensive testing concluded successfully, Saran Wrap needed customers! Johnson’s Wax Company answered the call in 1943 by selling half a million rolls – distributing widely through different retailers before eventually being absorbed fully into packaged goods giant S.C. Johnson who continue making today’s Saran wrap under their brand name Glad® Press’n Seal™.
Saran wrap is still one of America’s favourite kitchen helpers because it seals away valuable nutrients and prevents freezer burn or dehydration while keeping perishable ingredients fresh until it needs to be used again later on!
In conclusion, Ralph Wiley invented what would become know as Saran Wrap; this miracle invention revolutionized not only how we package food but also other items around our household. Today millions upon millions of households depend on saran wrap every single day to help protect their stored foods from bacteria- causing spoilage which can lead illnesses and infections if consumed unknowingly. It is amazing how something so simple has had such an impact on everyday life – where would we be without cling film?