History of Tupperware in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 19, 2024

Tupperware is an American company known for its plastic food storage containers. Founded in 1942 by Earl Tupper, the company revolutionized kitchen storage with its innovative, airtight containers. Introduced to the public in 1946, Tupperware products quickly gained popularity for their practicality and durability.

1938: Earl Tupper Requests Polyethylene

In 1938, Earl Tupper approached DuPont, requesting pure polyethylene pellets for the production of Tupperware products.

1942: Tupperware Founded

In 1942, Earl Tupper founded the American company Tupperware.

1946: First Tupperware Product Developed

Earl Tupper developed the first Tupperware product in 1946 in Leominster, Massachusetts.

1949: Tupperware "Burping Seal" Patented

Tupperware's innovative "burping seal", a key feature ensuring the airtight nature of its containers, was patented in 1949.

1951: Brownie Wise Becomes VP of Marketing

Recognizing her success with Tupperware parties, Brownie Wise was appointed vice president of marketing in 1951.

1960: Tupperware Expands to Europe

Tupperware expanded its operations to Europe in 1960, with Mila Pond spearheading the initiative by hosting Tupperware parties in Weybridge, England, and other European locations.

1969: Tupperware Launches Shape O Toy

Expanding beyond its core product line, Tupperware introduced the Shape O, a toddler toy and puzzle, in 1969.

1998: China Enacts Pyramid Selling Laws

China implemented laws in 1998 to address and regulate pyramid selling schemes.

2003: Tupperware Ceases UK and Ireland Operations

Citing customer dissatisfaction with its direct sales model, Tupperware decided to shut down its operations in the UK and Ireland in 2003.

2005: Tupperware Operates Franchised Shops in China

As of 2005, Tupperware had established 1,900 franchised "entrepreneurial shopfronts" in China.

2011: Tupperware Attempts UK Relaunch

Tupperware attempted a relaunch in the UK in mid-2011, going as far as recruiting UK staff.

May 2018: Tupperware Announces Withdrawal from Israel

In May 2018, TheMarker, an Israeli daily, reported Tupperware's decision to withdraw from Israel.

2018: Criticism of Tupperware's Multi-Level Marketing

Tupperware's multi-level marketing strategy faced criticism in 2018, with accusations of it being manipulative and creating an uneven playing field for distributors.

December 2020: Tupperware Relaunches in Israel as Online Shop

Tupperware relaunched its operations in Israel in December 2020.

March 2021: Tupperware Ceases Operations in the Netherlands

Tupperware made the decision to shut down its operations in the Netherlands in March 2021.

August 2022: Tupperware Announces Exit from New Zealand

In August 2022, Tupperware announced its intention to leave the New Zealand market by the end of 2022.

November 2, 2022: Tupperware Raises "Substantial Doubt" About Future

On November 2, 2022, following the release of its quarterly results, Tupperware expressed significant concerns about its ability to remain in business.

April 11, 2023: Tupperware Stock Plummets

Tupperware's stock value plummeted to $1.30 on April 11, 2023, marking a new low for the company.

April 2023: Tupperware Operates in 82 Countries

As of April 2023, Tupperware reported having active operations in 82 countries around the world.

April 2023: Tupperware Issues Going Concern Warning

In April 2023, Tupperware issued a warning, stating that there were "substantial doubts" about its ability to continue operating as a going concern.

May 2023: Tupperware Hires Moelis & Co.

In May 2023, facing financial difficulties, Tupperware brought on Moelis & Co. to help explore various strategic options to address its situation.

June 2023: Tupperware Shifts to Online Sales in UK and Ireland

Tupperware halted supplies to its independent sales force in the UK and Ireland in June 2023.

July 2023: Ideal World Goes Out of Business

Ideal World, the shopping TV channel Tupperware partnered with, ceased operations in early July 2023.

June 14, 2024: Tupperware to Close Last US Manufacturing Plant

On June 14, 2024, Tupperware announced the closure of its last remaining manufacturing plant in the United States.

September 16, 2024: Tupperware to File for Bankruptcy

Tupperware Brands Corp. made an announcement on September 16, 2024, stating its preparation to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

January 2025: Tupperware US Plant Closure Completion

The closure of Tupperware's US manufacturing plant in Hemingway, South Carolina, with production shifting to Lerma, Mexico, is scheduled for completion in January 2025.