Origins of cellophane

Cellophane is a transparent and flexible film made from wood cellulose. Its development began with a failed attempt in 1908 by a Swiss chemist to create a stain-resistant fabric treatment, which instead produced a stubborn, peelable film.

Innovation by Brandenberger

Jacques Edwin Brandenberger, a Swiss textile engineer, sought to solve the problem of stains on tablecloths. He experimented with viscose, a liquid form of cellulose, but ended up with a rigid, transparent film that peeled off in whole sheets. However, he noticed the film’s unique properties and shifted focus to its potential as a material.

Birth of the name and patent

In 1912, Brandenberger created a machine to produce the film continuously and named it "Cellophane," combining "cellulose" and "diaphane." He patented the material that year, and an American patent followed under the title "Composite cellulose film." European companies initially commercialized it, but its rise began in the United States.

DuPont’s role and early challenges

In 1923, the American chemical company DuPont acquired the patent rights and built its first cellophane plant in 1924. However, the film was not fully waterproof to water vapor, limiting its use for packaging food like bread. This issue slowed its adoption in the U.S. until a breakthrough in 1927.

Breakthrough and commercial success

DuPont chemists William Hale Charch and Karl Prindle developed a nitrocellulose-based varnish that made the film vapor-proof. This innovation tripled cellophane sales between 1928 and 1930. By 1938, it contributed significantly to DuPont’s revenue and profits.

World War II and post-war decline

During World War II, cellophane was used to wrap soldiers’ food and make protective clothing. Its success continued through the 1950s, but new petrochemical plastics, which were cheaper to produce, began replacing it in the 1960s. DuPont stopped producing cellophane entirely in 1986.

Modern revival of cellulose-based films

The European Union’s PPWR regulation, effective from August 2026, is pushing for more sustainable packaging. In response, Finnish researchers from VTT and LUT University completed the F3 project in early 2026, developing films made entirely of cellulose treated as a polymer. This research echoes Brandenberger’s original experiment, more than a century later.