REYNOLDS WRAP
FROM CIGARETTES TO ALUMINIUM
Introduced in 1947 by the Reynolds Metals Company, founded by Richard S. Reynolds Sr. after evolving from a cigarette manufacturer, the U.S. Foil Company. Starting in 1926, when the company began rolling aluminium for packaging, the U.S. Foil Company realized the production cost was cheaper and quality was higher. After acquiring companies over the next couple years, the U.S. Foil Company was reorganized, and Reynolds Metals Company was birthed. To meet the demand for aluminium at the time, Reynolds opened their first aluminium plant in Alabama and bought government owned defense plants by the early 40’s.
BECOMING A KITCHEN STAPLE
When 1947 came around, following World War ll, production for Reynolds ramped up drastically introducing the first heavy-duty aluminium foil marketed directly for households. The company expanded their production line in the 50’s to boost sales by publishing cookbooks and producing decorative gift wrap. It wasn’t until the 1980’s when Reynolds came out with plastic wrap, expanding the kitchen line into what it is today. Reynolds Metals Company was eventually bought in 2000 by Alcoa, however, the production of Reynolds products still continues.
