The iconic road trip is as American as apple pie. Countless families love (and loathe) the annual minivan trek to “grandma’s house.” And what group of college buddies hasn’t piled into a hatchback to cheer on their squad at a big away game?

So before you hit the open road, check out some important ways plastics make that road trip possible. From lighter car components that decrease weight for increased fuel efficiency, to handy, airtight packaging that helps keep road snacks fresh and within easy reach of the steering wheel.

Bumper to backseat, plastics provides amazing benefits, so dive in and follow our new travel correspondents on their journeys to find out how they utilize plastics to make their summer road adventures better than ever!