The type of plastic that would ultimately be used for food containers was developed by Earl Tupper in 1938. Marketed after WWII as a new lightweight, unbreakable and airtight alternative for food storage, initial hardware and retail store sales were slow.
In 1948 the Tupperware company, realizing that many potential consumers didn’t fully understand how to use the product, began hosting home-based parties where the products could be demonstrated and tested. Often sold by homemakers directly to other homemakers, Tupperware created a unique financial opportunity for many women after WWII.
Over the next decade Tupperware products became a household staple in many kitchens. Many variations of the initial product remain in use today.