Food Packaging Technology Questions and Answers - Packaging History Part-1

1. The term plastic is derived from the term ______
a) Plasticos
b) Plastikos
c) Plastiquo
d) Plastein

  Discussion

Answer: b
Explanation: The term plastic is derived from the Greek word plastikos. The word “plastic” or “plastics” originated from the Greek word “plastikos”, which means – to form or grow. The word plastic means the capability to be formed, which is one of the features of plastics.

2. When was the first folding carton commercially used?
a) 1789
b) 1850
c) 1897
d) 1880

  Discussion

Answer: c
Explanation: The first folding carton was commercially used in 1897, by NABISCO (National Biscuit Company). They used it for packaging their product Uneeda Biscuit.

3. What does the term plastikos mean?
a) Easily shaped or deformed
b) Stretchable
c) Bendable
d) Malleable

  Discussion

Answer: a
Explanation: The Greek term plastikos means easily shaped or deformed. It is a Greek term which originated from the Greek term plassein, which means – to mould.

4. Which of the following is the first synthetic plastic?
a) PVC
b) PP
c) Bakelite
d) Nylon

  Discussion

Answer: c
Explanation: In 1907, Leo Baekeland, a Belgian chemist, invented Bakelite. Bakelite, also known as polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, is the first synthetic polymer made from phenol and formaldehyde.

5. When was retort pouch first developed?
a) 1900s
b) 1950s
c) 1850s
d) 2000

  Discussion

Answer: b
Explanation: Retort pouch was first developed in 1950s. A retort pouch is a packaging material, composed of different layers – Polypropylene (food contact layer), Nylon (Abrasion Resistance layer), Aluminium foil (Barrier Layer) and Polyester (outside layer). In 1950s, the retort pouch for heat-processed foods was developed originally for the US military, to pack Ready to Eat food items.

6. Which of the following is the first man-made plastic?
a) Parkesine
b) Nylon
c) Teflon
d) Polyvinyl Chloride

  Discussion

Answer: a
Explanation: Parkesine, also known as nitrocellulose is the first man made plastic. It was made majorly from cellulose, treated with nitric acid as a solvent. It was made by Alexander Parkes in 1856.

7. Who is called the “father of canning”?
a) Peter Durand
b) Bryan Donkin
c) Nicholas Appert
d) Robert Yeates

  Discussion

Answer: c
Explanation: Nicholas Appert is known as the “father of canning”. He was a confectioner. In 1809, in France, Nicolas Appert produced the means of thermally preserving food in hermetically sealed glass jars.

8. When was first commercial paperboard produced commercially?
a) 1850
b) 1817
c) 1915
d) 1945

  Discussion

Answer: b
Explanation: The first commercial paperboard was produced in 1817, by the firm M. Treverton and Son. Paperboard is a packaging material, thicker than paper possessing characteristics like foldability and rigidity. Paper with grammage greater than 250 g/m2 is called paperboard.

9. Which of the following was used by Peter Durand?
a) Cellophane
b) Tin Cans
c) Corrugated Fiberboard
d) Glass jar

  Discussion

Answer: b
Explanation: In 1810, Peter Durand designed the soldered tinplate canister and commercialised the use of heat preserved food containers.

10. When was folding box first used?
a) 1805
b) 1817
c) 1845
d) 1884

  Discussion

Answer: d
Explanation: The first folding box was used by Quaker Oats in 1884. Quaker oats is a company that mainly produces oatmeal and cereal products. In 1884, folding boxes were used to package rolled white oats.