Innovations hub

From the earliest synthetic materials to today’s advanced solutions, plastics have enabled progress across healthcare, energy, mobility and everyday life. Today, that innovation continues at pace, driving new approaches to circularity, reducing emissions, and unlocking smarter, more efficient systems. 

This space brings together examples from Plastics Europe members, alongside a timeline of key breakthroughs that have defined the industry. Together, they show how plastics innovation continues to evolve and deliver meaningful impact. 

Explore how plastics innovation is helping to build a more sustainable, resilient, and forward-looking future. 

History of Plastic

Latest
Plastic fit for the Future
AI-enabled Polymer Sorting
2023
High Performance Masks
2020
Bio-based PET Packaging
2015
Industrial Polymer 3D Printing
2001
Consumer electronics
1998
Resin Identification Code introduced
1988
Compact disc
1982
Playmobil
1974
PET beverage bottle patented
1973
Engineering Plastics Adoption
1965
LEGO
1958
Wayfarer sunglasses
1952
BIC pens
1950
Vinyl record
1948
Bakelite telephone
1930
Bakelite
1909
Celluloid patented
1870
Alexander Parkes
1862

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