If polypropylene plastic is used to mass produce chopsticks, which materials, other than ivory, would have been used prior to plastic?

Before the use of polypropylene plastic, chopsticks were commonly made from a variety of materials. These included:

1. Bamboo: This was the most common material used for making chopsticks before the advent of plastic. Bamboo is a renewable resource, easy to split, resistant to heat, and has a natural texture that prevents food from slipping.

2. Wood: Various types of wood, such as pine, cedar, and sandalwood, were also used. Wood is durable and easy to carve, but it can absorb flavors and odors over time.

3. Metal: In some cultures, particularly in Korea, chopsticks were often made from metal. These could be made from bronze, silver, or even gold for the royal family. Metal chopsticks are durable and easy to clean, but they can be slippery and conduct heat, which can make them uncomfortable to use with hot foods.

4. Bone: While not as common as the other materials, bone was sometimes used to make chopsticks. These could be made from a variety of bones, but were often made from cattle bones.

5. Stone and Jade: In ancient times, chopsticks were sometimes made from precious materials like stone or jade, particularly for the wealthy or the nobility. These chopsticks were more for show than for practical use, as they were heavy and could be slippery.

6. Porcelain: In China, porcelain chopsticks were often used. These chopsticks were often beautifully decorated, but like stone and jade chopsticks, they could be heavy and slippery.