Cellophane (cellulose)

Cellophane is a thin, transparent film made from chemically regenerated cellulose and is considered one of the oldest artificial materials derived from natural sources. It was invented by Swiss chemist Jacques Brandenberger in 1908; he obtained a patent in 1912 and later began industrial production in France. The production of cellophane involves breaking down pure cellulose (from wood or cotton) using sodium hydroxide. The resulting material is then treated with carbon disulfide to form viscose, which is extruded into a bath of sulfuric acid and sodium sulfate, where it regenerates back into cellulose and forms a film. After washing, finishing, and the addition of glycerin to improve flexibility, the final product is obtained. From the 1920s onward, cellophane became an important hygienic and environmentally friendly packaging material, widely used for wrapping sweets, food products, and gifts. In the textile industry, it was used for decorative packaging, linings, surface layers of fabrics, and even in the production of viscose fibers. Its key properties include biodegradability, water vapor permeability, resistance to fats and oils, and complete transparency. Today, its relevance is mainly in areas where eco-friendly and plastic-free solutions are required.