Technical polymer was ahead of its time
15/02/2010
The advantages of Rilsan, the bio-sourced technical polymer, that can bring qualities such as light weight, soft touch, and resistance to bacteria, wear and abrasion to apparel, were already being presented to consumers in France 50 years ago.
Augustin Bidault of yarn enrichment specialist the Sofila Group has found a series of print advertisements for Rilsan from French publications of the 1950s and 60s that suggest the thinking behind the polymer was ahead of its time.
In partnership with chemical company Arkema, Mr Bidault’s company presented a new version of Rilsan in June 2009, highlighting these qualities, but since then, he has found adverts in French publications from 50 years ago presenting Rilsan the same arguments in favour of the polymer.
The conclusion he has drawn is that, although pushed out of the market in the intervening years by an increasing use of hydrocarbon-based polymers, Rilsan was a good idea 50 years ago and is still a good idea now. In fact, he believes the polymer was ahead of its time.
And the source of his research and of the rare documents he uncovered? Internet auction site eBay.
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