--- title: "Plastic: A Brief History & Outlook" description: Plastic defined means “pliable and easily shaped.” According to the Science History Institute, plastic only recently became a name for a category of materials called polymers image: https://blog.brewerscience.com/hubfs/polmers_image.png --- [![BrewerScienceLogo-Horizontal.png](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BrewerHorizontal-White.png?width=1330&name=BrewerHorizontal-White.png "BrewerScienceLogo-Horizontal.png")](https://blog.brewerscience.com) - [Research](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/) - [Overview](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/overview/) - [Patents](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/patents/) - [Publications](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/patents/) - [Processing Theories](https://www.brewerscience.com/processing-theories/spin-coat/) - [Trademarks](https://www.brewerscience.com/research/trademarks/) - [Products](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/) - [Protective Coatings](https://www.brewerscience.com/products/protective-coatings/) - 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[trilayer (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/trilayer) - [trilayer resist process (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/trilayer-resist-process) - [ultrathin wafers (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/ultrathin-wafers) - [unilayer processing (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/unilayer-processing) - [unplugged (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/unplugged) - [wafer problems (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wafer-problems) - [water (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/water) - [wearable devices (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wearable-devices) - [wearable solar (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wearable-solar) - [wireless headphones (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/wireless-headphones) - [workplace safety (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/workplace-safety) - [zero landfill (1)](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/zero-landfill) # Plastic: A Brief History & Outlook [Brewer Science](https://blog.brewerscience.com/author/brewer-science) May 30, 2018 ### Subscribe to Our Blog *Plastic* defined means “pliable and easily shaped.” According to the Science History Institute, plastic only recently became a name for a category of materials called polymers. Over time, humans have learned how to make synthetic polymers that are strong, lightweight and flexible. Polymers, or plastics, are vital to society because they expand human manufacturing beyond the limits of nature. Plastics have made possible the continued development of everyday items such as computers, cell phones and transportation, among thousands of other items including buildings and roadways. Replacing natural materials with plastic has made many of our possessions cheaper, lighter, safer, and stronger. Without plastics, many possessions that we take for granted might be out of reach for all but the richest because they would have to be made out of wood, metal or glass. Today, over [335 million tons](https://www.statista.com/statistics/282732/global-production-of-plastics-since-1950/) of plastics are used annually worldwide. *![polmers_image](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hs-fs/hubfs/polmers_image.png?width=398&name=polmers_image.png)****Polymers of the Future*** Brewer Science industry expert Tony Flaim spoke about a key disruption in advanced materials involving thermoplastic polymers – “a type of plastic made from polymer resins that become a homogenized liquid when heated and then harden when cooled,” according to [wiseGEEK](http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-thermoplastic.htm). [Thermoplastics](https://blog.brewerscience.com/advanced-materials-disrupting-an-industry) are extremely common materials for plastic toys, eyeglasses and even bulletproof vests. As the world continues to advance, so does technology. Innovators are continually finding new uses for polymers and developing more advanced materials including smart and reactive polymers, plastic electronics, self-healing polymers and bioplastics.  To stay up to date on industry hot topics, subscribe to the [Brewer Science blog](https://blog.brewerscience.com/?hsCtaTracking=b0a83e6d-aaf2-493f-b848-b3368388b9ee%7Ceaaf8c15-59e8-4bc7-907e-864d2990be10). [Brewer Science](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/brewer-science), [other](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/other), [Polymers](https://blog.brewerscience.com/topic/polymers) [Sacrificial Laser Release Materials for RDL-First Fan-out Packaging](https://blog.brewerscience.com/sacrificial-laser-release-materials-for-rdl-first-fan-out-packaging) [Brewer Science: Our Anthem](https://blog.brewerscience.com/brewer-science-our-anthem) ### About Author ![Brewer Science](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hubfs/brewersciencebuilding.jpg) Brewer Science Brewer Science is a global technology leader in developing and manufacturing innovative materials, and processes for the fabrication of semiconductors and microelectronic devices. In 1981, Brewer Science revolutionized lithography processes with its invention of Brewer Science® ARC® anti-reflective coatings. Today, we continue to expand our technology portfolio to include products that enable advanced lithography, 3-D integration, chemical and mechanical device protection, nanotechnology, and thin wafer handling. With its headquarters in Rolla, Missouri, Brewer Science supports customers throughout the world with a service and distribution network in North America, Europe and Asia. Related Posts [![Brewer Science’s 10 Wastes to Become Lean](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hubfs/WastesLean-png.png) Brewer Science’s 10 Wastes to Become Lean](https://blog.brewerscience.com/brewer-sciences-10-wastes-to-become-lean) [![Turn Your Camera On – A Key to Better Meetings](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hubfs/Teams%20Backgrounds%20Group-png.png) Turn Your Camera On – A Key to Better Meetings](https://blog.brewerscience.com/turn-your-camera-on-a-key-to-better-meetings) [![Proactive Approach to Defect Reduction in the Supply Chain](https://blog.brewerscience.com/hubfs/image001-png.png) Proactive Approach to Defect Reduction in the Supply Chain](https://blog.brewerscience.com/proactive-approach-to-defect-reduction-in-the-supply-chain) - - - - ### Comment ## Subscribe To Blog ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### contact **Brewer Science, Inc.** 2401 Brewer Dr. Rolla, MO 65401 Call us: ([573)364-0300](tel:+1800123456) ### support At Brewer Science, our customer relationships don’t end when you buy materials and equipment. Because we want to work hand-in-hand to get your processes perfect, we’ve empowered an extensive applications and support team to help with all your processing needs. [SUPPORT@BREWERSCIENCE.COM](mailto:SUPPORT@BREWERSCIENCE.COM) [Locations](https://blog.brewerscience.com/about-us/locations/) ### Recent Posts ### connect with us @ 2018 Brewer Science, inc.