TIMELINE
10,000 BC
2500 BC
Nomadic man’s natural food packaging
The ancients discover glass and paper
Packaging started with humankind’s need to store and transport food while on the hoof. Historians believe that during our nomadic hunter-gatherer days, materials such as leaves, animal skins and gourds were used to store and transport foodstuffs.
The ancient Egyptians were the first people to discover glass-blowing technology, and to mould glass into food and water containers. In ancient China, meanwhile, paper making was discovered, and was used as a flexible packaging for medicines and loose tea.
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April 2022
1300 Medievals roll out the barrel The Middle Ages saw a rise in popularity of wooden packaging, in the shape of barrels and boxes, both for storage and transportation. Barrels were typically used for sea travel, and contained rum, dried food, and fresh water. Barrel-makers called coopers - were highly valued tradesmen.
