Leo Baekeland

Invented Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, revolutionizing industrial manufacturing

Leo Baekeland (1863–1944), a Belgian-American chemist, forever changed material science with his invention of Bakelite in 1907. This thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin was the first fully synthetic plastic, paving the way for the modern plastics industry. Born in Ghent, Baekeland earned a doctorate in chemistry before immigrating to the U.S., where he initially developed Velox photographic paper, sold to Eastman Kodak in 1899.

Bakelite’s nonconductive and heat-resistant properties made it indispensable for electrical insulators, radio casings, and consumer goods. Dubbed the ‘Material of a Thousand Uses,’ it symbolized the Science History Institute’s recognition of Baekeland’s work as a cornerstone of 20th-century innovation. Unlike earlier plastics, Bakelite retained its shape under high temperatures, enabling mass production of durable, affordable products.

Baekeland’s patents and entrepreneurial vision established him as a pioneer of the chemical industry. His legacy is evident in today’s reliance on polymers, though environmental concerns about plastic waste have emerged. Museums like the Smithsonian showcase Bakelite artifacts, while documentaries explore its cultural impact. Despite controversies, Baekeland’s contribution to material engineering remains unparalleled.