Packing peanuts were invented in 1965 by Dow Chemical.

What are Packing Peanuts and How are Packing Peanuts Made?

There are two types of packing peanuts, those made from foam, and those made from starches like corn or grain sorghum. Polystyrene-based packing peanuts were invented in 1965 and have been used ever since. Polystyrene packing peanuts can be used over and over again and can be recycled at shipping stores around the world.

Ever since the early 1990s, corn starch has been increasingly used to form packing peanuts. these are more environmentally-friendly as they can be dissolved in water. They are also non-toxic to humans and pets if accidentally ingested. The main drawback to these packing peanuts though is that they are about twice as heavy, not as resilient, and cost a bit more.

Here’s a video showing how polystyrene is made:

Why Do We Need Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are a cheap, light, and increasingly environmentally-friendly way to protect fragile shipments.

Fun Packing Peanut Facts and Ideas

It’s amazing to think that packing peanuts were only invented 55 years ago when humans have been around for millions of years. Just look at some of the complex items that were invented before something as simple as a foam peanut.

Why Are Packing Peanuts a Certain Color?

• Green Packing Peanuts = 70% or more recycled polystyrene
• White Packing Peanuts = 70% or more non-recycled polystyrene
• Pink Packing Peanuts = anti-static has been applied

Random Items Invented Before Packing Peanuts

• Piano (1709)
• Steamboat (1786)
• Lie detector (1921)
• 3-D movies (1922)
• Jet engine (1937)
• Microwave oven (1945)
• Credit cards (1950)
• Super glue (1951)
• The first computer video game (Spacewar – 1962)

Random Items Invented Within a Year of Packing Peanuts

• BASIC (computer language)
• Astroturf
• Kevlar
• Acrylic paint
• Soft contact lenses
• Compact Disk

Packing Peanut Science Experiments

Cats Playing in Packing Peanuts

Ferrets Playing in Packing Peanuts

Packing Peanut Office Prank

Just do a YouTube search for “Packing Peanut Prank” and you’ll be entertained for hours.

Packing Peanut Crafts

The History of Material Handling

Learn more about the history of material handling with these guides:

• The history of bubble wrap
• The history of wire baskets
• The history of shipping routes from 1750 – 2000
• The history of shipping in the US
• The history of signs
• The history of pallet inverters
• The history of tape
• The history of cardboard boxes
• The history of pallets
• The history of forklifts