The British Xylonite Company was an early plastics manufacturer, based in Hale End, Walthamstow from 1900. They produced a range of plastic products including hairbrushes, combs, boxes, mirrors, cutlery, ping pong balls and toothbrushes. These products were previously produced from ivory or tortoiseshell so British Xylonite marketed the materials as a more ethical alternative. Their products were sold under the name Halex, BX Plastics or BEX.
Vestry House Museum holds a variety of Halex materials including early plastic products, company magazines and packaging. A selection of Halex products can be seen below.
