History of Packaging

By Nayla González
  • First patent for tin cans (by Peter Durand)

    First patent for tin cans (by Peter Durand)

  • Chromolithography (developed in the 1830s, became popular mid-19th century)

    Chromolithography (developed in the 1830s, became popular mid-19th century)

  • Collapsible metal tube (for toothpaste, by James Henry)

    Collapsible metal tube (for toothpaste, by James Henry)

  • Airtight tin boxes – Late 19th century (around 1870s–1880s)

    Airtight tin boxes – Late 19th century (around 1870s–1880s)

  • Screw cap bottle closure – 1900s–1930s (early patent in 1900, widespread use later)

    Screw cap bottle closure – 1900s–1930s (early patent in 1900, widespread use later)

  • Thin transparent sheets made from cellulose (cellophane, by Jacques E. Brandenberger)

    Thin transparent sheets made from cellulose (cellophane, by Jacques E. Brandenberger)

  • Aluminum foil as a protective barrier 1910–1920s (used for packaging in the 1920s)

    Aluminum foil as a protective barrier 1910–1920s (used for packaging in the 1920s)

  • First aerosol spray can (by Erik Rotheim)

    First aerosol spray can (by Erik Rotheim)

  • First self-adhesive labels (by R. Stanton Avery)

    First self-adhesive labels (by R. Stanton Avery)

  • Flexible plastic packaging – 1950s–1960s (began with polyethylene films)

    Flexible plastic packaging – 1950s–1960s (began with polyethylene films)

  • Tetra Pak carton (by Ruben Rausing)

    Tetra Pak carton (by Ruben Rausing)

  • Ring pull tab to open beverage cans (patented by Ermal Fraze)

    Ring pull tab to open beverage cans (patented by Ermal Fraze)