What is the name for synthetic or natural organic material that is shaped when soft and then hardened?

The correct choice, plastic, refers to a wide range of synthetic or organic materials that can be molded into shape when they are in a soft state and subsequently harden upon cooling or curing. This ability to be shaped into various forms makes plastic a versatile material widely used in manufacturing and production processes, including those related to funeral service merchandising.

Plastics can be found in numerous applications, from caskets to urns, due to their lightweight nature, durability, and capacity to take on intricate designs. The characteristic of being easily formed when soft is essential, as it allows for customization to meet consumer preferences and memorial needs.

In contrast, while fiberglass is a strong, lightweight material made from glass fibers and a resin, it does not fit the broad category of organic materials and involves more complex processes than simple molding. Composite materials involve a combination of different materials to enhance properties but do not specifically refer to the molding and hardening process as applied to plastics. Rubber, primarily derived from latex, has a unique elastic characteristic and does not harden in the same way as plastics when subjected to heat or molding, making it unsuitable for this definition.