Saran was initially utilized by the United States military, who sprayed it on fighter planes and other equipment as a protectant against the elements. Carmakers also utilized an early version of the material in upholstery to make it more resilient. Later, after scientists were able to eliminate its greenish hue and foul scent, Saran was found to be an ideal material for food packaging. By 1949, Saran Wrap was introduced by Dow as the first commercial cling wrap, and only a few years later it became a common household product used to securely wrap countless sandwiches and cover innumerable leftover items.