Leo Hendrik Baekeland, a Belgian chemist, is renowned as the Father of the Plastics Industry for his pivotal inventions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1893, Baekeland introduced Velox photographic paper, revolutionizing photography with its faster development process. His most iconic creation, Bakelite, emerged in 1907 as the world’s first synthetic plastic. Bakelite’s affordability, non-flammability, and versatility made it a groundbreaking material, influencing diverse industries such as electronics, fashion, and household products. Baekeland’s legacy extends beyond his inventions, earning him prestigious awards like the Perkin Medal and establishing the Baekeland Medal in polymer science. His contributions laid the foundation for the modern plastics industry, shaping the way we interact with materials in our daily lives.