Louisiana back-to-school season is upon us and whether your kids are excited for another school year or dreading it, back-to-school shopping is a rite of passage for students of any age. As you shop for new school supplies, you might be surprised at just how much of what your kids need comes from oil and natural gas.

Here are just a few essential back-to-school items that come from petroleum: Clothing, Backpacks, Pens, Scissors, Calculators, Binders.

The polyester, nylon, and spandex derived from petroleum are the most common materials used to make uniforms, shirts, gym shorts, jackets, and more. Shoes are made of polymers and synthetic laces, and rubber soles.

The synthetic fabrics that make up your child’s backpack and pencil cases are made from petroleum-based products. The plastics found encasing mechanical pencils, pens, markers, scissors, and calculators require polymers made from oil and natural gas.

So, while you’re shopping or your kids are learning, oil and natural gas make the back-to-school transition possible for students and parents. Good luck this school year!