PAPIER D'ARMENIE
For more than 130 years, Papier d'Arménie has been perfuming homes. At that time, Auguste Ponsot, a chemist by profession, returned from a trip to Armenia. He was able to observe that the population has a habit of burning benzoin to disinfect the atmosphere and perfume houses. It is a resin from a tree, styrax, which grows in the forests of the Far East and contains about 25% benzoic acid with antiseptic properties. In the form of a balm, the precious sap also has healing and expectorant effects known since antiquity (treatment of asthma, coughs and hoarseness).
Back in France, Auguste Ponsot informed his partner, the pharmacist Henri Rivier, of his discovery. He came up with a solution that would allow the ephemeral odour of the burning resin to remain in the atmosphere for some time and found a medium, paper: this is how Papier d'Arménie was born.
The Papier d'Arménie company has since been passed on to the Rivier family, Auguste Ponsot having sold his shares in the business to his partner in 1890. It is still run today by Henri Rivier's great-granddaughter, Mireille Schvartz. It was under her impetus that the Papier d'Arménie range was expanded.
Back in France, Auguste Ponsot informed his partner, the pharmacist Henri Rivier, of his discovery. He came up with a solution that would allow the ephemeral odour of the burning resin to remain in the atmosphere for some time and found a medium, paper: this is how Papier d'Arménie was born.
The Papier d'Arménie company has since been passed on to the Rivier family, Auguste Ponsot having sold his shares in the business to his partner in 1890. It is still run today by Henri Rivier's great-granddaughter, Mireille Schvartz. It was under her impetus that the Papier d'Arménie range was expanded.