End of an era: Polaroid stops making instant film

Farewell, Polaroid 72.

After years of decline, Polaroid instant film is about to become a thing of the past. The company announced is closing its last two film manufacturing facilities, which currently make large-format film for commercial photography use, color and black-and-white peel-apart films for 3.5x4.25, 4x5, and 8x10 formats as well as a limited number of films for Spectra cameras.

Both of Polaroid's Massachusetts-based plants are closing, and the company's Mexico- and Netherlands-based facilities will shut down later this year.

Polaroid stopped production of instant cameras over a year ago without fanfare, and is expected to focus on digital photography equipment, including compact digital cameras, and flat-panel TVs.


In its heyday, Polaroid was one of the largest industries in Massachusetts, with thousands of employees, and its brand name was one of the most recognized in the world. In 2001, the company was forced into bankruptcy due to the advent of digital photography. It will retain approximately 150 administrative employees.

End of an era: Polaroid stops making instant film