Cellulose acetate is a biodegradable material manufactured with renewable natural resources. It is one of the first synthesized plastics used in film and has fiber properties that can also be woven into fabric. Cellulose acetate is produced from processed wood pulp and cotton fibers.

In 1888 the Eastman Kodak company introduced a film for photography using a nitrate-based material called celluloid acetate. This lead to additional uses in the medical field (X-ray film) and for use in the motion-picture industry.

In 1922, because nitrate film was found to be highly flammable with many precautions attached, Eastman set out to create a safer alternative. Thus the birth of cellulose acetate (CA), a nonflammable, hypoallergenic, and cotton-based material, making it a safer product. In 1925, to help the public distinguish the two materials, celluloid was marked as “Nitrate” and cellulose was marked as “Safety” film. Cellulose acetate (CA) began to replace celluloid nitrate (NO2).

1932, Eastman introduced 8 mm film in cellulose acetate (CA) as the production of celluloid nitrate (NO2) ended.

Around the same time, Eastman began color works in 1932, and in 1934 the “Color Lab” was developed. It was intended to be a part of Eastman Kodak’s color center of excellence where customers would come on a regular basis to learn, teach, and create color of interest for their market application(s).

1933 also marked the beginning of many other uses for this safety plastic (CA).

Because of the product’s versatility and hypoallergenic characteristics, other creative Americans found it to be additionally useful in household goods and wearables. This opened the dawn of American creativity using cellulose acetate.