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How plastic bags were invented: a brief history of the innovation

Polyethylene bags are now an essential part of everyday life — from retail and medicine to household use and industry. But when and how did their production begin? The history of polyethylene bags is as fascinating as the material itself, which revolutionized the world of packaging.

The first steps: the birth of polyethylene

Polyethylene was discovered by accident in 1933 by British scientists at ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries), who synthesized a new material under high pressure. Its unique properties — lightness, strength, flexibility — quickly found industrial applications, particularly in the military sector.

The invention of the bag

The first polyethylene bag with handles in a modern form was patented in 1965 by the Swedish company Celloplast. Its inventor is considered to be engineer Sten Gustaf Thure Sture, who developed the technology for producing strong, lightweight, and reusable bags with die-cut handles (also known as “banana” style bags).

This invention was a breakthrough in the packaging industry, as it replaced paper bags, which were less resistant to moisture and mechanical damage.

Mass production and popularity

In the 1970s, polyethylene bags began to be widely used in supermarkets across Europe and soon around the world. Thanks to their easy production and low cost, they quickly spread throughout trade, logistics, and advertising sectors.

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Modern production

Today, the production of polyethylene bags is a high-tech process that includes extrusion, forming, flexographic printing, and packaging. At cherpack.net, we manufacture a wide range of bags: t-shirt bags, banana bags, produce bags, courier bags, and custom logo bags — tailored to any business needs.

A look into the future

Despite their convenience, conventional polyethylene bags have raised environmental concerns. That’s why biodegradable bags have entered the market — as a response to modern environmental demands. They combine functionality with environmental responsibility.

Polyethylene bags are a 20th-century invention that has become a symbol of practicality. They continue to evolve — from a simple product carrier to an effective marketing tool and eco-friendly packaging solution. The story continues — and Cherpack is part of it.