Some of the best things are invented by mistake...

While trying to create a glue in the early 1920s PVC was born. The scientist (Waldo Semon) was intrigued and experimented by making golf balls and shoe heels - something most readers will be exposed to in every day life.

Soon after his discovery, PVC-based products grew in popularity and the industry developed more ways to produce and process the new plastic.

Plants manufacturing PVC began to spring up during the '30s to meet demand.

The PVC industry assisted the war effort in the '40s and as World War II wound down they quickly found new markets for the durable plastic. Following the war, news of PVC versatility and flame-resistant properties spread, leading to dozens of commercial uses during the '50s and '60s.

PVC products have become a staple of the construction industry; the plastic's resistance to corrosion, light and chemicals made it ideal for building applications.

Today, PVC is the second largest-selling plastic in the world.