The word "plastic" comes from the Greek plastikos, meaning "to form." Over time, it was used to describe the hardening of soft materials. This program looks at our modern understanding of the term-which still contains something of the original idea, since oil-based plastic is one of the most pliable, adaptable materials in the world. Outlining the creation, characteristics, and uses of plastic, the video examines polymers, injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, how color is added, and why plastic is usually considered superior to glass in bottle-making. Aspects of industrial plastic recycling are also discussed