CGE RM110 Phonograph—Plastics and Dyes Manufacturing
In the United Kingdom, the plastics research company, ICI, played a pivotal role in developing polyethylene, one of the materials used in the RM110. Arguably WWII accelerated the mass production of polyethylene containers, which in turn increased the demand for chemical dyes. Prior to this period, pigments were mainly developed as surface coatings, but with the rise of high-density polyethylene, polyester fibers, and polypropylene plastics, new heat-resistant and chemically stable dyes had to be engineered to integrate seamlessly into plastic manufacturing (Gibbons & Skelton N/A). From the advertisements we were able to find on the RM 110, most models are made from polyethylene and polystyrene.
As the consumer market boomed, colour became an important factor in branding and marketing. Plastics offered lightweight, durable, and portable product designs, as seen with the RM110–featuring bright, vibrant pigments made possible by chemical dye innovations. While the original designer of the record player remains unknown, it is likely that its colour choices were influenced by Faber Birren, a renowned colour consultant and theorist whose clients included DuPont, Walt Disney, and General Electric (N/A 2025).
As a material, plastic also shaped how the RM110 was mediated through print advertisements. For more information, check out this page.