The fact is their main GM products have no consumer benefits and this looks very like a PR exercise to hoodwink the public in advance of Mr Shapiro's visit. In 1909 Bakelite became the first patented plastic. Its potential was not immediately recognised but poured into moulds it could become any shape. It was closely followed by Cellophane, first patented in 1910, which revolutionised the food packaging industry. Simple, flexible plastics like polyethylene are used for supermarket plastic bags and harder ones like polypropylene for car bumpers.
Plastic can be lighter and stronger than steel.