Polypropylene is a highly crystalline thermoplastic resin that is most often produced commercially in its isotactic form, which is characterized by the arrangement of all methyl groups down the same side of the polymer chain. Discovered in 1954 by an Italian chemist Giulio Natta and his assistant Paolo Chini, isotactic polypropylene was introduced to the plastics market only three years later. Though it was utilized in various products during its early years, polypropylene did not become truly popular until the 1980s, when a more efficient catalyst system was developed, greatly simplifying its production. Today, polypropylene can be widely found in items such as plastic bottles and boxes, dishwasher-safe food containers, patio furniture, rope, upholstery, diapers, and carpeting.

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