On March 27, 1933, chemists Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in Northwich, England, accidentally discovered polyethylene while experimenting with high-pressure ethylene reactions. This single accidental discovery would lead to what became the most widely produced plastic in history — and a primary material that compostable foodware now provides alternatives to.
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This guide examines the 1933 polyethylene discovery and its historical context.
Pre-Discovery Context
Before 1933:
Bakelite (1907) was established synthetic plastic.
Cellophane (1908) was developed.
Polystyrene existed as research material.
Synthetic polymer research was active.
Industrial chemistry rapidly advancing.
The 1933 Accidental Discovery
On March 27, 1933:
ICI chemists Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson were testing high-pressure reactions of ethylene with various compounds.
Specifically, they were investigating ethylene reactions with benzaldehyde at very high pressure (1,400 atmospheres) and elevated temperature (170°C).
They observed a waxy white solid forming on inner walls of reaction vessel.
Investigation revealed this was a new polymer — polyethylene.
Reproducing the reaction was initially difficult due to safety concerns from high-pressure work.
By 1935, a more controlled synthesis was developed with trace oxygen catalysis.
Industrial Development
Through 1939-1945:
ICI established patent positions and pilot plant production.
WWII applications drove development — radar cable insulation was crucial military application that benefited from polyethylene’s electrical properties.
Post-war commercial production expanded.
Multiple manufacturing licensees worldwide.
Various density grades developed (LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE).
By 1950s-1960s, polyethylene was high-volume commodity material.
Polyethylene Applications
Polyethylene became dominant in:
Packaging including films, bags, bottles.
Plastic bags including grocery, retail, commercial bags.
Food packaging including various containers and films.
Industrial applications including pipes, components.
Consumer products including various items.
By 21st century, polyethylene was the most produced plastic globally with over 100 million metric tons annual production.
Polyethylene in Foodware
Polyethylene became dominant in:
Plastic bags for retail, commercial use.
Food packaging films and containers.
Beverage bottles including HDPE applications.
Food service items in various applications.
The polyethylene era fundamentally shaped foodware packaging through second half of 20th century.
Environmental Concerns
By 1980s-1990s:
Litter concerns with polyethylene bags.
Persistent waste issues — polyethylene is highly persistent.
Marine pollution concerns.
Recycling challenges.
Compostable Alternative Response
Compostable bags developed addressing polyethylene bag externalities:
PBAT/PLA blends for compostable bag applications.
Standards development (ASTM D6400, EN 13432).
Industry maturation of compostable bag supply chain.
Regulatory adoption in multiple jurisdictions.
Industries developed compostable alternatives addressing the 90+ year polyethylene era’s externalities.
What This Means for B2B Operations
For B2B foodservice operations:
Historical context — polyethylene’s 92-year industry presence.
Compostable response addressing polyethylene’s externalities.
Long-term industry trajectory.
The supply chain across compostable food containers, compostable bowls, compostable cups and straws, compostable bags, and compostable cutlery and utensils — particularly compostable bags — represents the modern response to the polyethylene era origin in 1933.
What “Done” Looks Like for Historical-Aware Operations
A B2B operation with historical perspective on polyethylene:
- Awareness of 90+ year polyethylene industry history
- Understanding compostable bags as direct response
- Long-term perspective on industry trajectory
- Strategic positioning aware of historical development
The 1933 polyethylene discovery launched what would become the most produced plastic in history. The compostable bag industry exists as the early-21st-century response addressing what that 90+ year era revealed about polyethylene externalities. Understanding this arc supports strategic perspective for B2B operations evaluating compostable bag adoption.
Compostability Standards Reference
If you are evaluating compostable packaging on a procurement spec, the three claims worth verifying on every SKU are: (1) a current third-party certificate (BPI or TÜV Austria); (2) the underlying standard reference (ASTM D6400 for North America, EN 13432 for the EU); and (3) a clear end-of-life qualifier in marketing copy that complies with the FTC Green Guides. Generic “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” without certification is the most common compliance gap for U.S. brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is industrial composting accepted in my municipality?
Industrial composter access varies by zip code. Use the U.S. Composting Council facility locator and the EPA composting guidance page; if no industrial facility accepts compostable foodware in the customer’s area, the FTC Green Guides require a “compost where facilities exist” qualifier.
What is the difference between BPI-certified and “made with PLA”?
BPI certification is SKU-specific and requires testing of the finished product — including any inks, coatings, and adhesives. “Made with PLA” only describes a single component and is not a substitute. For procurement contracts, lock the certification number, not the material name.
How long does industrial composting actually take?
ASTM D6400 sets the bar at 90% biodegradation in 180 days under controlled industrial conditions (58 °C, controlled moisture). Real-world municipal facilities typically run 60–90 day cycles, faster than the standard worst case. Items still visible after one cycle are typically removed and re-fed, not landfilled. (source: EN 13432 baseline)
To browse our certified compostable catalog, see compostable supplies catalog or compostable bags.