Tupperware was invented by Earl Silas Tupper, an American businessman and inventor. He developed the first airtight plastic food storage container in 1946, using a type of polyethylene plastic and a unique "burping seal" inspired by paint can lids, which he patented in 1949. Tupper founded the Tupperware company in 1942 and introduced his products to the public in 1946

. Earl Tupper's innovation was creating lightweight, non-breakable containers that kept food fresh by being airtight and watertight. His invention transformed food storage and became a household staple. The product gained widespread popularity in the 1950s, especially after the adoption of the "Tupperware party" direct sales model, which was pioneered by Brownie Wise, who helped turn Tupperware into a marketing phenomenon

. In summary:

• Inventor: Earl Silas Tupper
• First product developed: 1946
• Key innovation: Airtight, watertight plastic containers with a "burping" seal
• Company founded: 1942 (Tupperware Plastics Company)
• Popularized through: Home party sales model introduced in the early 1950s

This invention revolutionized food storage and remains influential today