The bread clip, that small yet indispensable plastic tab keeping our bread bags closed, has a surprisingly interesting origin story. It all started with an inventor named Floyd G. Paxton in the early 1950s.

A Simple Idea on an Airplane

As the story goes, Paxton, a mechanical engineer and founder of the Kwik Lok Corporation, was on a flight when he absentmindedly reached for something to reseal a bag of snacks. With no tools available, he carved a makeshift clip from an expired credit card. This moment of inspiration led to the creation of the bread clip—a simple but effective solution for keeping plastic bags sealed.

Solving a Packaging Problem

At the time, the food industry was shifting toward plastic packaging, particularly for produce and baked goods. Traditional metal twist ties were common, but Paxton saw an opportunity for something faster and more convenient. In 1954, he designed a small, flat plastic tab with a simple slit—allowing it to snap onto a bag’s neck and hold it tightly closed.

The Rise of Kwik Lok

Paxton’s company, Kwik Lok, began manufacturing the clips at scale, first for fruit packers and later for bakeries. The design was easy to produce, lightweight, and reusable, making it an instant success. Over time, bread clips became a staple in grocery stores worldwide.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite their humble nature, bread clips have remained largely unchanged for over half a century. While some companies have experimented with biodegradable versions to reduce plastic waste, Paxton’s original design still dominates.

So next time you unclip a loaf of bread, remember—what seems like a tiny piece of plastic started as a moment of inspiration at 30,000 feet in the air!