The Ziegler-Natta catalyst is a type of catalyst used in the production of polymers, particularly polyethylene and polypropylene. It was developed in the 1950s by chemists Giulio Natta and Karl Ziegler, who discovered that combining certain metal compounds with organometallic compounds could effectively initiate polymerization reactions. These catalysts allow for the creation of polymers with specific properties, such as high strength and flexibility. The Ziegler-Natta process is significant in the plastics industry, enabling the mass production of various plastic materials that are widely used in everyday products, from packaging to automotive parts.