Inside The Polaroid Film Factory

Polaroid




Step into the world’s only Polaroid film factory in Enschede, Netherlands. Meet the team, the machines, and discover the huge operation behind making Polaroid Film as iconic as the moments it captures.

Behind the scenes, we’ve a whole team full of stories. Meet Jimmy for example, a Polaroid legend who’s been with us since 1978. He’s the hero of the factory floor, keeping the machines (and the rest of us) in line.

Part science, part art, and part sheer determination, we keep things moving to make sure you have the Polaroid aesthetic we all know and love.

47 thoughts on “Inside The Polaroid Film Factory

  1. Why the films are so crazy expensive? It's not a rocket science and ancient technology. When I bought used camera I didn't expect that. Dozen of films costs like a camera, it's insane.

  2. Love to see this. I bought my first Polaroid 600 film the other week to use in an old camera and the results were surprisingly good. The colours are crisp whilst still having that Polaroid 'aesthetic' or 'look'.

  3. Acquiring the last fully equipped factory was a very bold decision on its own. But then reinventing the entire manufacturing process including reformulating the no longer available chemicals was a monumental feat. An endeavor that took years before the first packs of film came off the assembly line. Congratulations to the entire team of creative workers who made it happen. Edwin Land would would have been proud of you for keeping his vision alive.

  4. I've been following the Impossible Project from the beginning. Big thank you to all the hard-working dedicated employees of Polaroid to keep this film alive. I love Polaroid and I hope you will be able to continue for many years.

  5. I'm so overwhelmed grateful for this insight video. What it takes to make and the wonderful people who make the film for my vintage camera – I thank you! Every party at my house – camera comes out and everyone just loves the photos that are made. Life long supporter of Polaroid! Thank you!

  6. I believe the original developer paste was discontinued due to it's toxicity so they had to reformulate it which took a long time and is still not perfect but does work and improves with every batch of developer paste they mix up

  7. Hey guys, I was trying to find out the name of the machines that are being used at the Polaroid company. Any former employees or folks familiar? I know a lot of these machines are from the 70s, but I am very eager.

  8. Can someone explain to me why the Instax films are basically perfect under every aspect? I mean, I understand that formulas are industrial secret, but how they're not still even close to Instax quality?

  9. Thank you.
    Quite informative. Keep it going.
    Please bring back the Captiva 95 film, a lot of people have been looking for it for a long time, including myself.

  10. I love that you guys still make incredibly niche products like the 8×10 large format Polaroids – I absolutely endeavour to photograph with some of those one day! (Once I can afford it, have a processor and source it 😂)

  11. So so much love for the whole team at Polaroid. I cannot properly express my gratitude for you that you keep working so tirelessly on this beloved film, and my favourite medium to express myself creatively. It's such a huge part of my life, and I made so many wonderful connections through Polaroid film. THANK YOU to everyone at Polaroid (and sending a hug to Andrew especially, you are the BOMB)!!! ❤❤❤

  12. Good to see Jimmy still working in the factory. I like how they re hired some of the old employees. I hope there are apprentices to ensure the knowledge doesn’t get lost.

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