Plastics in everyday use in 1952

The main processes for the production of plastics have been familiar since 1940. The various types of plastic are used in everyday life depending on the properties the individual materials have:

• Polyethylene: packaging films, tanks, bowls, canisters, sacks, pipes, fittings, insulation.
• Polypropylene: packaging materials, suitcases, toys.
• Polyamide: heating oil tanks, petrol containers, synthetic fibres, valves.
• Polyurethane: machine components, synthetic leather, foam plastic.
• Polyacetal: springs, bolts, nuts, furniture fittings, curtain rollers.
• Acrylic glass: glazing, advertising signs, washbasins, lenses, protective glasses.
• Polystyrene: food packaging, telephones, record player housings.
• Polyvinyl chloride: floor coverings, lining of vehicle interiors, dolls.
• Polyester: recreational boats, films, traffic signs, sausage skins.