A chemist's unusual legacy

Fredric John Baur, a chemist at Procter & Gamble, invented the Pringles tube in the 1960s. His design used a hyperbolic paraboloid shape, inspired by a "horse saddle," to keep chips from breaking. This innovation led to the iconic cylindrical packaging that now holds Pringles worldwide.

A problem with broken chips

In the 1950s, consumers complained that chips arrived crushed, oily, and with too much air in the packaging. Procter & Gamble tasked Baur, a chemist with a doctorate and a background in the US Navy, with solving this issue. His solution involved precise geometry to stack chips without damage.

A commercial success, not a personal triumph

The Pringles tube became a global success, changing how snacks are packaged and sold. However, Baur was not proud of the invention. He reportedly questioned the taste of Pringles compared to traditional chips. His legacy remained tied to the product, even as he remained skeptical of its flavor.

A unique final wish

After Baur died in 2008, his family honored his request by burying part of his ashes in a Pringles can. They chose the Original flavor and purchased the can from a pharmacy. The rest of his ashes were placed in an urn buried next to him, with a third portion given to a grandchild.

A story that spread

The unusual burial sparked rumors that the ashes were sold in commercial cans. However, Snopes later confirmed the can was simply bought by the family. This story highlights the unexpected connection between Baur’s life work and his final wish, showing how a simple snack packaging became part of his lasting legacy.