Rajasthan Petro Synthetics pioneered the introduction of polypropylene yarnfor use in textiles in India. It commissioned a plant to manufacturepolypropylene multi-filament yarn (PPMFY) in technical collaboration withCore Engineering, Switzerland, in 1987, with an installed capacity of 1000 tpa. The capacity was later increased to 2750 tpa in 1991 in technical collaboration with Scam Engineering and STP Impianti, Italy. PPMFY manufactured by the company, is texturised into crimped yarn which can be used in industrial applications such as filter fabrics, soft luggage fabrics, narrow-width fabrics (tapes and straps) and sewing threads. RSPL recently promoted a new company, Poddar Pigments, to manufacture pigment-based polypropylene masterbatches, an import substitute. It is expanding its capacity for polypropylene partially oriented yarn (PPPOY)and setting up facilities to manufacture micro-denier polyester filament yarn (MDPFY). MDPFY finds application in premium hosiery, neck-ties, leather substitutes (such as ultra-suede) due to their superior quality over silk with regard to softness, drape, appearance, etc. Technology is imported from Neumag, Germany, and Noy Val Lasina, Switzerland. In 1995-96, the company has increased the installed capacity of polyester filament yarn by 4500 tpa. During the year, the company earned foreign exchange worth Rs 98 lac. During 1996-97, production in three lines supplied by NOY vallsina for polyester yarn are still under trial run and in the process of stabilisation. In 1996-97, company earned a foreign exchange of worth Rs. 1.21 cr.