The history of plastic bottled water notably begins in 1973 with a key invention and the first commercial product launch.
The introduction of plastic bottles for water revolutionized portability and convenience, marking a significant shift in how water was consumed away from home.
A Landmark Year: 1973
According to historical accounts, 1973 was a landmark year for the development of plastic bottled water. Two key events occurred:
- The Invention: Nathaniel Wyeth of DuPont, an American inventor, achieved a crucial milestone by patenting the first plastic water bottle. This invention laid the technical groundwork for mass-producing lightweight, durable containers suitable for liquids like water.
- The Commercial Launch: In the very same year, The Mountain Spring Water Company based in California seized upon this innovation and introduced the first commercial plastic water bottle to the market.
These parallel developments in 1973 made water significantly more portable and convenient than ever before, setting the stage for the global bottled water industry we know today.
Key Events in 1973
Here is a summary of the pivotal moments in 1973:
| Year | Event | Key Figure/Company | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Patent for the first plastic water bottle granted | Nathaniel Wyeth of DuPont | Technical foundation |
| 1973 | First commercial plastic water bottle introduced | The Mountain Spring Water Company | Market entry, increased portability |
The innovation pioneered by Wyeth and quickly commercialized by The Mountain Spring Water Company transformed water from a beverage primarily consumed from taps or heavier, fragile containers into an easily transportable product.
