The Emergence of the Paper Plate

The initial recorded instance of a paper plate being manufactured on a commercial scale dates back to the 1880s. In 1889, the Queens Paper Co. of Philadelphia introduced the "Sanipaper Plate," a disposable paper plate designed for outdoor events and picnics. These early paper plates were often made from a combination of paper and paraffin wax to make them waterproof and more durable. The introduction of these disposable plates was a response to the growing demand for convenience, especially in the context of outdoor dining and public events.