8 March is International Women’s Day – the perfect occasion to highlight the role of women in the history of plastics. Although the plastics industry has long been dominated by men, women have made significant contributions to materials research, product development and the application of plastics.
Women as Pioneers in the Plastics Industry
From pioneering inventions such as the first one-handed syringe to innovative developments in medical technology, aviation and protective clothing, women have left a lasting mark on the history of plastics. However, their achievements are often less well known than those of their male colleagues. It is worth taking a look at some of the outstanding female pioneers and their achievements, as well as the challenges faced by women in the industry.
Katharina Paulus (1868–1935)
Katharina Paulus: collapsible parachute
In 1890, German inventor Katharina Paulus (1868-1935) developed the first collapsible parachute containing plastic components. Her work significantly improved the handling of parachutes and contributed to safety in aviation. Paulus’ invention is still being further developed in modern parachutes today and is a key innovation for the aerospace industry.
Letitia Mumford Geer (1852–1935)
Letitia Mumford Geer: One-handed syringe
In 1899, the American physician Letitia Mumford Geer (1852-1935) invented the first one-handed syringe, a forerunner of modern plastic syringes. Her development simplified medical treatments and is still an indispensable instrument in medicine today. She focussed on an ergonomic design that enabled easy handling. Her work laid the foundation for the later plastic syringes that are used worldwide today.
Mary Anderson (1866–1953)
Mary Anderson: windscreen wiper
The American inventor Mary Anderson (1866-1953) invented the first functioning windscreen wiper in 1903. While travelling through New York, she observed how tram drivers had to clean the windows manually. Her idea of operating a wiper system from the inside led to her ground-breaking invention. Today, the windscreen wiper is an integral part of every vehicle and has significantly improved driving safety.
Katharine Burr Blodgett (1898–1979)
Katharine Burr Blodgett: non-reflective glass
The American physicist Katharine Burr Blodgett (1898-1979) developed the first non-reflective glass in 1938. Together with Irving Langmuir, she worked on surface films and perfected a coating that eliminated reflections on glass. Her research is also used in the plastics industry, particularly for optical devices such as camera lenses, spectacles and screens. Blodgett thus became a pioneer of modern optics.
Elsie MacGill (1905–1980)
Elsie MacGill: new materials for aviation
Canadian engineer Elsie MacGill (1905-1980), the first woman to graduate with a degree in aeronautical engineering, plays an important role in the integration of new materials, including plastics, into aircraft construction. During the Second World War, she led the production of the Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft and helped to develop lighter and more resistant aeroplanes. Her nickname ‘Queen of the Hurricanes’ reflects her importance in aviation history.
Bessie Blount Griffin (1914–2009)
Bessie Blount Griffin: feeding tube
In the 1950s, African-American inventor Bessie Blount Griffin (1914-2009) developed a device for the automated feeding of war invalids. Her invention utilised plastic tubes and a valve system that enabled patients to take in food through biting movements. Her device was very well received in hospitals. She later became involved in forensic science and was the first African-American woman to be invited to train at Scotland Yard.
Stephanie Kwolek (1923–2014)
Stephanie Kwolek: Kevlar
The Polish-American chemist Stephanie Kwolek (1923-2014) revolutionised materials science with her invention of Kevlar in 1965. Originally intending to study medicine, she began working as a chemist at DuPont after graduating in 1946. There she discovered the extraordinary properties of poly(p-benzamide) and poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), which were commercialised in 1971 under the brand name Kevlar. Today, Kevlar is used in over 200 applications, including bulletproof vests, tyres and firefighting equipment. Kwolek’s discovery opens the door for further advances in polymer research and remains an inspiration for future generations.
Challenges for Women in the Plastics Industry
Despite the impressive achievements of women in the history of plastics, the industry remains male-dominated to this day. Women are underrepresented in technical professions and leadership positions. Some of the challenges include
- Lack of visibility: many female inventors and scientists are barely mentioned in history books and technical reports.
- Less funding: Women are less likely to receive research grants or corporate budgets for innovative developments.
- Few female role models: The lack of women in leadership positions makes it difficult for the next generation to identify with successful career paths.
Promoting Young Talent and Educational Initiatives
Targeted measures are needed to attract more women to the plastics industry. Programmes to promote young talent in STEM subjects should focus more on girls, while mentoring programmes and networks for women in the plastics and chemical industry offer important support. Companies and universities must make the achievements of women more visible and create diversity-friendly structures.
From medical technology to aviation: women have advanced plastics research – but they are still underrepresented in the industry. Copyright: osagvsa – stock.adobe.com
Strong Together – Not Only on International Women’s Day
The history of plastics is also a history of women who have left a lasting mark with their innovations. From Letitia Mumford Geer to Katharine Burr Blodgett and Stephanie Kwolek, female pioneers have helped to advance materials science and shape our modern lives. In order to make the future of the plastics industry more inclusive and innovative, it is crucial to specifically promote women and recognise their achievements.
International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is only sustainable if all genders participate equally. Women have shaped the plastics industry and will continue to do so in the future.
