Bakelite: The Movie

For plastics aficionados and others, the movie you’ve been waiting for arrives next month.

It tells the story of Leo Baekeland, who in 1907 changed the world forever. Baekeland was a Belgian-American chemist best known for the invention of Velox photographic paper in 1893. That is, until 1907, when he invented Bakelite, an inexpensive, nonflammable, and versatile synthetic polymer that marked the beginning of the modern plastics industry. Bakelite was used to manufacture electrical insulators, radios, telephone casings, and many household appliances.

Bakelite has never gone out of style and is used in automotive and aerospace applications, construction materials and more. In recent years the "retro" appeal of old Bakelite products such as kitchenware, jewelry, and pipe stems has made them collectible.

Few inventions have been as influential as Bakelite.

In partnership with Bitmax, Executive Producer Hugh Karraker is bringing his great-grandfather Leo Baekeland’s story to life through director John Maher. All Things Bakelite will be released worldwide in several languages June 29 on multiple digital streaming platforms. These include iTunes, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and VUDU. The film celebrates Baekeland's genius, Bakelite, and other plastics, yet does not shy away from confronting plastic pollution.

Before viewing the movie next month, we suggest you get some popcorn — preferably the ready-to-eat form available in flexible packaging made of plastic — and enjoy.

The website is All Things Bakelite.