Cellulosics for Durability, Styling, and Versatility

2024-09-03T17:17:55-04:00

Colorful print spread advertising cellulosic plastics made with plastic molding compounds manufactured and sold by Hercules Powder Company. On each page, the advertisement features a minimalist illustration of a hand; emanating from each finger are photographs and illustrations showing different applications of cellulosic plastics in consumer goods, including tool handles, eyeglass frames, telephones, doorknobs, and plastic toys. Each photograph has a caption describing the product. On page two of the spread, two hands are depicted. From one hand, cover images of Hercules Powder Company booklets on different plastic molding compounds extend from each finger. The second hand points to graphics listing the attributes of cellulosic plastics while holding a compass.

Formed in 1912 as part of an anti-trust settlement with DuPont, the Hercules Powder Company (later Hercules Inc.) initially specialized in the manufacture of explosives and smokeless powders and subsequently diversified its business to encompass a variety of industrial products, including pine and paper chemicals, synthetics, pigments, polymers, and cellulose.