How It's Made

The programme examines the manufacturing processes for plastic bags, solar panels, petrol containers and ice‑hockey sticks, tracing how each method has developed over time through decades of innovation. It highlights the technological and material changes that have shaped production in these diverse sectors.

The programme offers a concise look at how four everyday products – plastic bags, solar panels, petrol containers and ice‑hockey sticks – are made. It presents each manufacturing line as a separate segment, giving viewers a clear picture of the steps required to turn raw materials into the finished items we use daily. In each segment the show walks through the core stages of production. For plastic bags it follows the extrusion of polymer resin into thin film, the cutting and sealing that shape the bag, and the final quality checks. The solar‑panel portion traces the creation of silicon wafers, the layering of conductive cells and the assembly of the protective glass and frame. The petrol‑container segment outlines the moulding of high‑density polymer, the addition of safety features and the testing for durability. Finally, the ice‑hockey‑stick feature details the moulding of composite shafts, the attachment of the blade, and the finishing processes that ensure performance on the rink. The series also highlights how these processes have been refined over time. Advances in polymer chemistry have made plastic‑bag production faster and less wasteful, while automation has reduced energy use. Solar‑panel fabrication has benefited from higher‑purity silicon and more efficient cell‑stacking techniques, cutting costs and boosting output. Similarly, the manufacture of petrol containers has seen stronger, lighter materials introduced, improving safety without adding weight. Ice‑hockey‑stick production has moved from simple wood to sophisticated composites, allowing tighter tolerances and better control. Across all four items, the programme shows that continual innovation has reshaped how these products are built, making them more efficient, reliable and suited to modern demands.