This film is presented by Monsanto Chemical Company (:59) and is an MPO production (1:12). It will take a look at the world of plastics and synthetic material and begins with a dam which utilizes the power of water to generate electricity for cities (5:50). To make plastics, atoms and molecules are combined to form new substances (6:36). Flames flicker on screen as it requires fire to form new molecules from the air (7:17). Some examples are shown as benzene methane and propane (7:29). The red and yellow piping shown are designated for chemicals (7:45) and aluminum is used for steam. These are moved by dozens of compressors and pipes (7:58). A Monsanto worker monitors the process (8:08) and the instruments which read the pulse of the plant are depicted (8:21). The tankers which distill the simple molecules follow (8:28). The materials used are sent to storage tanks and then to kettles (8:53). The long strands of plastic material are the result of these molecules formed together (9:01). The substance phenolics (9:07) is poured as a liquid though it will harden, later it will be reheated to form things such as television cabinets or the nose of am aircraft shell (9:13). The heated cylinders depicted (9:21) are used to morph tiny grains of vinyl and the powder once dried will be sent through the screener (9:34). Substances such as styrene can be mixed with colorants in the blender (9:43) and it emerges as a thin rod from the cylinder (9:59). The basic element used in all plastics is ethaline (11:33) and an example is vinyl chloride (11:58). These form chains and create another plastic called polyvinyl chloride (12:10). A plasticizer (12:25), when added allows the molecules to slide over one another. Styrene is a clear liquid used to make rubber (12:48). To complete the formation in many of these heat and pressure will be necessary (13:25). The process of calendaring is depicted (13:32). Vinyl is ‘kneaded like dough’ (13:50) and will later be pressed into thin, wide sheets (14:03). A refrigerator door (14:35) and air conditioning grid (14:45) are sealed using injection molding. Compression molding will be utilized for substances such as phenolics (14:58). Other processes such as vacuum forming (15:51) and foamed plastics follow (15:57). Wood is given a new versatility and strength when combined with plastics like melamine (19:21). Polyethylene is used to form vegetable bags (20:13) and is seen being wound around a drum (20:15). Destruction of safety glass for a car is shown as it must be strong and solid (23:04) whereas other materials needed to be flexible and plastic could be added to achieve each result (23:14). A camera moves up and down office supplies and the notion that these substances are utilized in so very many day to day objects is presented (25:16) and this film draws to conclusion.

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